Chad Helton
President and CEOChad Helton is a seasoned library professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in both public and academic libraries. Throughout his career, Chad has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing equitable access to information, services, and opportunities for all communities. As the President & CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Chad is dedicated to expanding the library’s reach and modernizing its services to meet the evolving needs of Baltimore’s diverse population.
Most recently, Chad has offered strategic guidance as a library consultant. Prior to his consulting work, Chad served as Director of Hennepin County Library in Minnesota, where he oversaw the operations of 41 branches and led the system through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the library managed key infrastructure projects, addressed budgetary constraints, and maintained essential services for the community.
Chad also served as Director of Branch Library Services for the Los Angeles Public Library, where he managed over 70 branches, led significant renovation projects, and worked closely with unionized teams to enhance services.
In addition to his public library leadership, which also includes roles with the Contra Costa County Library as Deputy County Librarian and the City of Palo Alto Library as Library Services Manager, Chad’s career includes roles at Stanford University, University of California-Davis, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he gained valuable experience in academic libraries.
Chad’s personal story is one of resilience. Growing up in a small, rural town and facing personal challenges as an adult such as homelessness, he used education and libraries as tools to rebuild his life. His journey from hardship to leadership is a testament to the transformative power of libraries and serves as a connection to the communities he is committed to serving.
At the Pratt Library, Chad’s vision is to enhance both the physical and digital infrastructure of the library, ensuring it remains a vital resource for all Baltimore residents. He is committed to fostering stronger partnerships with local organizations and expanding outreach to all populations, making the library an inclusive and empowering space for everyone.
Chad holds a Master of Science degree in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently working towards his Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University. Over the course of his career, Chad has been an active member of several professional organizations including the American Library Association, Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council. He is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
