Pilar Martinez is the Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning Edmonton Public Library, where she has championed numerous innovative services, including community-led and digital initiatives. Pilar has a broad base of experience in executive leadership and is passionate about the difference public libraries make. She is highly engaged in the community, serving on boards in Canada and the United States. 

How we Adapt and Connect: With the guidance and support of Tommi Laitio, EPL has created a convivencia framework. Learn about the how and what of this work and its impact on enhancing spaces for well-being at your library.

Brian Bannon is The New York Public Library’s first-ever Merryl and James Tisch Director. Bannon is the chief librarian responsible for directing NYPL’s 88 neighborhood branches, as well as the Library’s educational strategy. 

Most recently, Bannon was commissioner and chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Library, serving as chief library officer for one of the largest urban public library systems in the world. Bannon came to NYPL in 2019 with 20 years of experience in developing and implementing educational programs and leading large-scale operations that maximize impact for all citizens and contribute to a culture of learning, reading, and community learning. Before his successful tenure in Chicago, Bannon was Chief Information Officer at the San Francisco Public Library, and worked at the Seattle Public Library and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

How to Measure Connection: In the last two years, both NYPL and TPL have published research to demonstrate how libraries foster, promote and impact well-being. Hear from research leads on what the research means.

Ilana Altman is a cultural planner and designer who has a background in art and architecture. In her role as Co-Executive Director she works to unlock new public space opportunities, build strong civic partnerships and implement innovative and engaging programming, resulting in new inclusive experiences across the city.

Welcome and Community Connections: Explore how thoughtful public space design and programming can foster social connection and address urban isolation.

Corrina Chetley-Irwin is the Executive Director, Employee Experience at Edmonton Public Library. She is an energetic and optimistic leader who is passionate about learning, conversations, and relationships. She has over 30 years of experience in human resources, strategy development and business planning in both the private and public sector in the role of leader, consultant and educator. Her professional experience is supported by an MBA and a B. Comm with a major in Labour Relations.  

John Beebe is the founder of the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he leads national initiatives that strengthen civic participation and amplify marginalized voices in democratic processes. A Max Bell Policy Fellow, he works closely with community organizations and public institutions—including libraries—to foster inclusive and accessible engagement. His award-winning programs, such as Vote PopUp and Democracy Talks, have been adopted across Canada and recognized in Elections Canada’s reports to Parliament. John is widely quoted in Canadian and international media on democratic participation and civic innovation. His work draws on decades of experience as a political advisor, educator, and advocate in both the U.S. and Canada.  

Dialogue and Democracy - learn strategies and practical tools for libraries to build healthy communities and a vibrant democracy in a moment of increasingly polarized discourse.

Pete Bombaci is a social change leader and the founder/CEO of GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement. Since 2016, he has led its mission to educate, empower, and catalyze Canadians around social health and its impact on well-being. Under his leadership, GenWell delivers social health education and six national campaigns, fostering connection in workplaces, schools, and communities. Previously, Pete served as Country Director of Movember Canada, raising $142 million for men’s health. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, he inspires individuals, businesses, and policymakers to invest in social connection for a healthier, more connected Canada.

Welcome and Community Connections: GenWell is Canada's human connection movement committed to making social connection a core part of our individual and collective well-being. As part of the broader conversation on social health we highlight the critical role that connection plays in the mental and physical health of Canadians and the communities we share. Join GenWell founder and CEO Pete Bombaci to explore how libraries can be powerful catalysts for connection and learn practical ways to foster human connection in your space.