Board Members

Arnie is a Michigan native who retired to Naples after 45 years in public education starting as a sixth grade middle school social studies teacher followed by 15 years as a central office administrator and 28 years as an elementary school principal.  His school was awarded a national Blue Ribbon School and he received Principal of the Year awards from both the Michigan PTA and Michigan School Principals.  He was active in the United Way serving as community and county chairperson.  He also volunteered for a national dog therapy organization.  He founded and chaired the first public dog park in the county.

Arnie moved to Naples five years ago with his wife Lynn (a former kindergarten teacher and elementary principal for 32 years).  They are both actively involved in many charitable organizations and  hold leadership positions as well since moving to Naples.

Patty Reed brings extensive public service, governance, and nonprofit leadership experience to the board.  Her career in the Washington, D.C. area included roles as a federal government employee, management consultant, elected County School Board official, and founder of two nonprofit organizations.

She previously served as Chair of the Board of the Fairfax County (Virginia) Library Foundation and as a board member of the Wolf Trap Center for the Performing Arts.  Additionally, she volunteered with animal rescue and community service organizations.  Since retiring to Naples in 2022, she continues to support local initiatives.

Patty holds a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and was a U.S. Presidential Management Intern.  A lifelong reader, she has been a member of the same book club for more than 20 years and enjoys traveling.

Janell is retired and has lived in Naples for 15 years.  She formerly worked for a Multinational company which afforded her the opportunity to work overseas for 15 years.  Janell likes to walk/hike, read and travel both domestically and internationally.

Howard is retired and splits his year between Naples and the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He was active as a CPA, principally serving not-for-profit clients. In addition to Friends of the Library, Howard volunteers with St. Matthews House, and is chair of the Water Crest of Falling Waters finance committee.