Christopher Cox, Valerie Lagen and Holly Stafford have joined the Whatcom Literacy Council’s board of directors.

Cox is dean of libraries at Western Washington University.

He previously held the position of  assistant director of libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Cox holds a master’s in English from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s of library science from the University
at Albany.

“Libraries and literacy go hand in hand,” Cox said in May 9 press release. “Being able to read and interpret information opens up unlimited possibilities.”

Lagen is an environmental engineer at BP Cherry Point Refinery.

She’s worked in various communities in the western United States as an engineer.

Lagen said she chose Whatcom County as the place she wants to spend the rest of her life, and she is pleased to join the board and continue the amazing work done by the council.

“I’ve led a sheltered life surrounded by people who have had the privilege of a good education and access to literature,” she said. “I can’t imagine my life without those resources, and I would like to see our community be one where everyone that wants to improve their literacy skills can get the help they need.”

Stafford is an attorney at Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S., practicing in the areas of environmental law and business litigation.

After a short stint going to law school and working in California, she said she was happy to have a chance to return to Bellingham. She said she sees the Whatcom Literacy Council as a great investment of her time and resources.

“I can think of no better way to give back than to help local learners reach their individually set goals in a positive, inclusive and empowering way,” Stafford said.

The Whatcom Literacy Council is online at www.whatcomliteracy.org.