Books have been part of June Fleming’s life for as long as she can remember. She has always been a reader, which made her decision to pursue library science an easy one. Her first position in the field was branch librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library, followed by high school librarian at Little Rock Public Schools, associate professor at Philander Smith College, and library director for the City of Palo Alto in California.
Eventually, however, Ms. Fleming’s time in the local government system inspired her to leave her library position. Although she had enjoyed her career up to that point, she wanted to do more to help her community. She became the assistant city manager of the City of Palo Alto in 1980 and the city manager of the City of Palo Alto in 1992. Ms. Fleming thrived in the role, largely due to her expertise in general, financial, fiscal, personnel, and organizational management. As the city manager, Ms. Fleming was responsible for executing policies set by the city council. She retired in 2000.
The highlight of Ms. Fleming’s career was receiving the Woman of the Year Award from the Women’s Resource Center in Palo Alto, California. She was also proud to earn the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy from VA Community College and inclusion in numerous editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the West and Who’s Who of American Women. If she could offer some advice to the younger generations, it would be to only pursue city work if it’s a passion. She never saw her job as a task; she saw it as a privilege.
To prepare for her endeavors, Ms. Fleming obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Talladega College in 1952 and a Master of Library Science from Drexel University in 1954. She late furthered her professional standing by completing the Stanford Executive Management Program in 1973. Receiving the Merrill Foundation Grant played a huge part in Ms. Fleming’s decision to take the Stanford course.
In Ms. Fleming’s spare time, she enjoys walking, swimming and reading. She also serves on the board of directors of both the Paul D. Camp Community College Foundation and the Blackwater Regional Library.
