Tony Benningfield is no longer the executive director of the Jefferson County Library.
Lindsay Winkler, the Library’s finance manager and custodian of records, said the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees voted 5-0 on Aug. 21 to immediately “terminate the employment of Tony Benningfield.”
Tony Benningfield
His last day as director was Aug. 21.
The board also voted 5-0 that day to appoint Cindy Hayes, the Library’s Northwest district manager, as interim director and to increase her pay to be equal to the last director, who was paid a $90,339 annual salary.
According to the Library’s website, Hayes has served its patrons for 30 years.
Both Library board president Retta (Susan) Tuggle and Hayes said details about what led to Benningfield’s firing were a “personnel issue” and “confidential.”
Benningfield was named the Library director in March 2021, taking over for Pam Klipsch, who had retired after 16 years on the job. Benningfield, one of seven candidates who applied for the position, previously worked six years as the De Soto Public Library director.
“The (Jefferson County) Library will be advertising for a new director and will proceed with receiving applications and an interview process in much the same way as when director Klipsch retired,” Winkler said.
The Library board members are appointed by the Jefferson County executive with approval of the Jefferson County Council. The library has three branches: the Northwest Branch in High Ridge, the Arnold Branch and the Windsor Branch in Barnhart, as well as a Cedar Hill Satellite.