Allie Ladio, President
Allie Ladio is a longtime development professional, with 15+ years of experience working in the nonprofit sector as a fundraiser, team builder, coach, and consultant. A longtime library lover, she has been involved with MPLF&F since 2020, serving on the fund development and events committees before stepping into the role of President in 2022. Allie has served as director of development for the Middlebury Institute of International Studies since 2022, and also spends time consulting for both local and global nonprofits. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, karaoke, camping, and tide-pooling with her husband and two young daughters.
Allie recently enjoyed The Maid and in the coming season, she plans to read Demon Copperhead and The Overstory.
Sue Moore, Vice President
Sue Moore has served the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation & Alumni Association since 2018, where she interacts closely with members to facilitate club activities and enhance their experience at NPS. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sociology from St. Lawrence University, lives in Pacific Grove with her children and her husband, and has been involved with MPLF&F since 2020. Her favorite book is The Dark Half.
Reading this year: Who Cries for the Lost, Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone
Doug Holtzman, Recording Secretary
Doug Holtzman retired from Monterey Public Library in 2013 after 17 years as Reference Services Manager and Assistant Library Director. He currently develops and maintains websites for MPLF&F and several other local nonprofits. Among his favorite books are Always Coming Home by Ursula K. LeGuin and Darwin’s Dangerous Idea by Daniel C. Dennett.
Recently read: System Collapse by Martha Wells, Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius, A Death in Denmark by Amulya Malladi,
Jerry Giamona, Treasurer
Gary Alt
Gary Alt is a co-founder of Monterey Private Wealth and a former technology executive. He has served on the boards of museums, health care, and community foundations. He currently serves on the Stanford Medicine Tr-Valley Community Advisory Relations Board. Before that he chaired the finance committee of its charitable foundation, helping to raise millions of dollars for a surgical robot and stroke certification at one of its hospitals. He has served in various positions in his church and was a leader in Scouting, helping young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He has served on the board of the MPLF&F since 2021 and on is its Fund Development Committee.
Taylor Buaya
Taylor has a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, a graduate certificate in Archival Studies from Louisiana State University, and a bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Ashford University. She has been involved with MPLF&F since 2022 and she has too many favorite books to pick just one. So far in 2023, she has read over 200 books!
Reading this year: Sci-fi and romance! Lots of Ruby Dixon and all of St. Mary’s Chronicles by Jodi Taylor
Shannon Conner
Shannon was born and raised in the Bay Area and has been a lifelong volunteer in her community. She received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Legal Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and her M.A. in Criminology, Law & Society from Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA. Shannon currently works as a litigation specialist for a professional liability carrier. She moved to the Monterey Peninsula with her husband in 2016. Since moving to Monterey, she has served on the Board of Directors and as the President of the Junior League of Monterey County, and as a member of the City of Monterey Architecture Review Committee. She has been involved with MPLF&F since 2023 and her love of reading began with the Nancy Drew Mystery series.
My reading list is often inspired by my travels, so this year I’ve read Olga Dies Dreaming (Puerto Rico), When I Was Puerto Rican, and South: The Endurance Expedition (Antarctica). I’ve also enjoyed Mad Honey and Dial A for Aunties.
Claudia Coury
Claudia Coury is a former teacher in the area and has lived on the Monterey Peninsula since 1974, having taught in both WUSD and MPUSD. She was also involved in teaching Children in the Adobes summer program with the Monterey State Parks in the early 90’s as well as a volunteer storekeeper in the original Cooper Store. She has been involved with MPLF&F since 2018 after having been recruited to get donations for the Chocolate and Wine Fundraiser!
Her favorite books this year have been West with Giraffes as well as books by Marie Benedict!!
Nancy Da Silva
Nancy DaSilva is a local Monterey resident trained in elementary education and early childhood learning. She currently works at Chartwell School after many years with the Pacific Grove Unified School District. She’s held many volunteer roles such as supporting her school’s PTA. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, she’s been living on the peninsula and frequenting the Monterey Public Library since 2005. Nancy has been on the MPLF&F Board since 2021 and her favorite author is James Patterson.
Reading this year: Lessons in Chemistry & A Man Called Otto
Diane de Lorimier
Diane has been involved with MPLF&F since 2017 and has volunteered with MPL Collections since 2013. She co-owned and managed her family business in Salinas, building, distributing, and servicing farm equipment. In retirement, she’s devoted to family, travel, live music, cooking, and volunteerism. Diane’s favorite book right now is A Place in the World, by Frances Mayes.
Reading this year: Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver
