Meet Dr. Joni Jones, A New Board Member of Anne Arundel County Public Library

Joni Jones is the executive director of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture and the Banneker-Douglass Museum. The Commission is mandated by the State of Maryland to preserve, promote, document, and protect the history and culture of African Americans statewide.

Jones is an Anne Arundel County native who earned an MA and a PhD in English from UCLA. After a career-changing experience as an NEH postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University's Du Bois Institute, she returned to Maryland and earned an MLS with a specialty in archival administration from the University of Maryland, College Park while lending her talents to the Wiley H. Bates High School Redevelopment Project. Dr. Jones joined the BDM staff in 2007 as that Librarian- Archivist of the Sylvia Gaither Garrison Library and became executive director of the Commission and the Museum in May of 2009.

Currently she is editing the documentary, "Stewards of a Sacred Space: The Banneker-Douglass Museum at 25."

Congratulations to Dr. Jones.

ADMIRAL MAURICE H. (MIKE) RINDSKOPF

Mike Rindskopf has lived at BayWoods of Annapolis, a Cooperative Retirement Community on the shores of Chesapeake Bay for five years. He has been the President of the Board of Directors for more than two years.

Career Positions

Military

After graduating from Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn NY at age 16, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1938, graduating with a BSEE and a commission as an ensign.

The highlights of a 34-year Navy career included: Service in submarine DRUM for three years in World War II for which he was awarded a Navy Cross and other combat decorations. His post-war service included command of Submarine Flotillas, duty as Director of Naval Intelligence, and as Deep Submergence Program Coordinator. He retired in 1972 as a Rear Admiral.

Civilian

Mike spent 17 years with the Westinghouse Oceanic Division, Annapolis, MD as Director of International Marketing, selling underwater products, military and industrial, around the world, finally retiring in 1989.

Organizations & Community Services

Trustee Anne Arundel County Public Library 1983-Present
President 1989-92

Board Member, Citizens for Maryland Libraries 1986-Present
President 1990-92

ALA National Advocacy Award 2007

President USNA Class of 1938 from 1993 to Present

Board of Trustees USNA Alumni Association 2003

USNA Distinguished Graduate Award 2007

President Chartwell Community Association, Severna Park, MD 1980-1982

President Chartwell Country Club, Severna Park, MD 1992

Member Naval Submarine League Washington DC 1984-Present

JOSEPH B. BUSH. SR

Joseph Bush is currently is pursuing a degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, University College.

Career Positions

Civilian

His government services included the Department of Defense; leaving civilian service in 1984 as a Program Analyst (GS12). He is currently engaged as an independent insurance agent with the intent of also becoming a mortgage loan officer.

Military (Retired USMC Officer)

As an enlisted he fulfilled the duties of an aviation supply clerk/administration; and a variety of billets/duties as an officer in administration, personnel, training, manpower and aviation supply. As the Reporting Senior/Officer- In-Charge, he provided and monitor the training, execution and accomplishments of relevant duties and assignments of up to 35 enlisted personnel with grades from Private (El) to Master Gunnery Sergeant (E9).

Organizations & Community Services

Membership - Current--Four appointments were by the BOCC:

St. Mary's County Board of Library Trustees, former President

Ethics Commission, Chair (01 July 2008)

Human Relations Commission, Chair (01 July 2008)

Adult Public Guardian Review Board, Chair

Military Officer Association of America, Southern MD Chapter, President

Judge, St. Mary’s County Teen Court

Public Action Committee, Member

Marine Corps Aviation Association, Member

American Legion - Post 221, Member

Church

Usher Board Ministry

Christian Education Ministry

Men’s Ministry

Sharon Knecht

Baltimore County Public Library Trustee Sharon Knecht remembers vividly her first experience with the public library. As an only child growing up in rural Wicomico County Maryland, she looked forward to a visit to the bookmobile was every couple of weeks. The books took her anywhere she wanted to go and let her be anything she wanted to be—if only for a short time. So began her lifelong appreciation of reading, books, and the opportunities both can provide to those who enter the library doors. When an opportunity to serve as a trustee for Baltimore County Public Library System presented itself, Sharon didn't hesitate to serve an institution that she finds extremely important to every community.

Sharon and her husband Mickey live in Catonsville, Maryland. They have two children and two grandchildren. She received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts in Historical Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is the archivist for the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first order of Catholic nuns of African descent in the world. In 2007 she authored Oblate Sisters of Providence, A Pictorial History which tells the Oblate story with images and narrative. Mrs. Knecht is also a member of the Maryland Historical Society, the Archivists for Women Religious, the Selective Service Board, and is active in local community service organizations.