OBD deputy manager takes library position

Tammy Westergard, deputy manager for the Carson City Office of Business Development, will move into a new position July 1 as the library's deputy director of development and planning, City Manager Larry Werner announced this week.

The OBD is reducing its staff and could soon become part of a Business Resource Center along with city offices of planning, building and business licenses.

"With reductions at the library, Sara Jones ended up with a couple of vacancies at the top of staffing, and Tammy had an opportunity that was right up her alley," Werner said. "With Tammy's talent in promotions, she can be used to the fullest."

OBD Director Joe McCarthy said Westergard will be missed in his office.

"She did a fabulous job here, and it's reflected in all the success we see in the downtown," McCarthy said. "But this is a terrific opportunity for her, and it zeroes in on her various skills which will benefit the city."

He said the savings from reduced staffing can be directed into the proposed Business Resource Center. The deputy position paid around $70,000 annually.

In an e-mail to city officials and library board members, Jones expressed her enthusiasm about the move.

"I am taking the opportunity which has arisen out of a city reorganization to hire from within the city," Jones said. "The Office of Business Development is reducing its staffing, and I am thrilled that Tammy Westergard agreed to join the library family."

Jones said Westergard will be taking a large role in the library's ever-increasing fundraising efforts, such as the multimillion-dollar capital campaign and in the multitude of grants the library seeks, acquires and manages.

"She will also be central to the new library project and also here at the library in our service to the public," Jones said. "We all know Tammy and her tremendous energy and commitment, so I couldn't be happier about this exciting development."

Westergard said she is equally excited about the new opportunity.

"Over three years ago, I had the opportunity to come to work in the Office of Business Development and have been honored to help forward my hometown's long-held dreams for a downtown heart," Westergard said Tuesday.

"I'll miss the OBD and the great people who work hard to help make things happen, but, I'm thrilled to join our Library Director Sara Jones and the amazing Carson library team - mainly because Carson City's most important downtown opportunity has a chance to come true. At a time when our whole state has to reinvent itself, what better Nevada community to lead by example than the capital city?" she said.