Immediately after the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board of Directors appointed Vicki Sullivan as the agency’s deputy director on March 1, 2002, Sullivan and her colleagues were driving down Lincoln Boulevard to go to a celebratory lunch. 

When approaching the State Capitol Building, former ODL Webmanager Michael O’Hasson brought up a story from Sullivan’s past: while applying for the Deputy Director job at the Oklahoma Historical Society, word came back to her that one OHS board member had quipped, “There’ll be a woman as deputy director of this agency when that capitol has a dome on it!”

While passing the capitol building in 2002, seeing the long-awaited dome rising above the scaffolding, it was impossible not to laugh at the irony and the serendipity.

Sullivan officially retired from state service on October 31, and staff held a reception to thank her for her long service to the agency and the state. In addition to serving more than 17 years as Deputy, she also headed the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse and the Office of Government Information. In addition to her service at the Historical Society, she also logged some time at the Department of Human Services—before embarking on a library career—bringing her total years of service with the State of Oklahoma to 44.

Melody Kellogg, new director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), brings with her a three-decade long portfolio of public service in libraries, state government, local government, and the non-profit sector.

Kellogg was hired by the ODL Board in December to succeed Susan McVey, who retired January 31 after 17 years as director. As the agency’s chief officer, Kellogg will work with ODL staff and Oklahoma’s library community to continue to build and improve library and information services for all Oklahomans. 

She is Oklahoma’s fifth State Librarian and State Archivist since ODL was created in 1967 when the State Library merged with the Oklahoma Libraries Commission.

ODL Board Chair Phil Moss said Kellogg’s extensive experience in a variety of public service settings was instrumental in setting her apart during the interviewing process.

“Melody brings a unique combination of backgrounds and skills to ODL,” Moss said. “I think her work as a public servant at both the state and municipal levels will benefit the agency, and her various experiences in libraries are also noteworthy. Plus, she has a passion for libraries and the important services they provide to the state and its communities.”

Kellogg’s public service path began in 1985 when she began a 13-year tenure with the Main Street Program at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. She was promoted to assistant director in 1988 and later led the program as its director.