CONYERS - The Conyers-Rockdale Library System official named Stacy Brown as its new director.

Brown was hired by the Conyers-Rockdale Library System in September to serve as assistant director. Before that, she spent seven years as an assistant librarian for public services at Georgia Highlands College in Carterville, Georgia.

She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Kennesaw State University and a master's of library and information science degree from Valdosta State University.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity," said Brown. "A lot of initiatives I've started, I feel like I'm in a position to keep those going. I'm just really excited about where we can go."

The 44-year-old Brown replaces Ben Carter, who received an upgrade to director from interim director in March 2014 by the library board. He resigned from the position, and his last day was June 30. Brown has been acting as the interim director since July 1 and already has a taste of what her role as director will demand.

"Ben was great leadership. He was able to help me with a lot of areas where I didn't have as much experience as far as budgets and learning about different libraries," Brown said. "He would take me to director's meetings and introduce me to people. He really prepared me for this transition."

The library board was rather pleased with the selection. The seven-member board of trustees used their comment period to congratulate Brown on her promotion.

"We're all very excited," said board Chair John Nix. "Everybody that sits around this table right now truly recognizes your dedication and your ability the way you interface with the community, the way you interface with the staff, the skills that you bring, and we're very excited."

With Brown moving up in the ranks, her previous position as assistant director will be left vacant for now. She says she will be looking for an assistant as soon as she can.

"It's very hard to do both jobs I found, especially in these last 28 days," Brown said.

Also contending for the vacant library director position were finalists Jay Turner, Brenda Poku and Emanuel Mitchell.

Turner previously worked as a director of continuing education and training for the Georgia Public Library Service for three years. His time there ended in December.

He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Georgia State University and a master's in information science from Florida State University. He's worked in a library system since 1998 beginning as a paraprofessional.

Poku currently works as a regional coordinator for Live Oak Public Libraries in Savannah, Georgia. She's been there for two years. She holds a bachelor's degree behavioral science from Lesley University and a master's degree in library science from Drexel University.

Mitchell currently works as executive director of libraries for West Georgia Technical College in Newnan, Georgia. He holds a bachelor's degree in in political science from Tuskegee University and masters of library and information science from Clark Atlanta University.

"Were just glad in the process we got to see some other people that engage in the same profession (as Brown)," said Nix. "In the end we got to compare a lot of fine people and we know going forward we're going to be in great hands."

The board spent about an hour in executive session before announcing the selection.

"We had a good discussion, and it was good for everybody, but in the end we're all tremendously ready to move forward with (Brown)," Nix said.

The library board met Tuesday, July 28, at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., Conyers. The meeting lasted for almost an hour and half.