Mari Martin (MLIS) is the Director, Public Libraries Branch within the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Since 2015, she has been responsible for administering the Library Act for public libraries and implementing provincial strategic priorities. After receiving her MLIS at the University of British Columbia, she has held different positions in West Vancouver, Prince George and the Comox Valley. Mari currently works, lives and plays in Greater Victoria on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples. She is dedicated to helping public libraries and government work together to better meet the needs of BC’s diverse communities. She also coordinated the Beyond Hope conference 'back in the day" and looks forward to reconnecting with library staff and trustees from across northern BC.