Project Description
[Performing with Daughter Marissa Thomas and GroundWorks Company Dancer Nicole Hennington]
About Felton
Felton Thomas, Jr. has served as Executive Director of Cleveland Public Library (CPL) since January, 2009.
As Director of Cleveland Public Library, Thomas has launched initiatives aimed at addressing community needs in the areas of access to technology, education, and economic development.
Director Thomas’ awards and accomplishments include being named a “Mover and Shaker” by the Library Journal and being named a White House Champion of Change for Making in 2016. Nationally, in 2015, Felton was elected as President-Elect of the Public Library Association (PLA), served as President in 2016. Felton is currently the Vice Chair of the Digital Public Library of America. He also serves as a trustee on the boards of FRONT International, University Circle Inc., Cleveland Museum of Art and United Way of Greater Cleveland.
Felton lives in Shaker Heights with his wife and has two college-aged daughters. He is an accomplished musician and has become a devoted Cleveland sports fan since his arrival on the shores of Lake Erie.
Better Know Felton
Family Shoutout: To my wife Linda, for always having my back
Favorite TV Show or Movie: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Favorite Book or Author: (So Hard for a librarian) “The Catcher in the Rye”
Favorite genre of music: Everything from Hip hop to Heavy Metal
Name one thing on your bucket list: Visiting Egypt
Favorite dessert: Chocolate cake.
As a child I wanted to be a: NBA player
When I am not working, I like to: Watch sports (I have about 30 Cleveland sports team hats)
Why did you decide to be an It Takes Two! celebrity dancer?
I have two daughters who are professional dancers, and I realize that Cleveland’s professional companies deserve our support.
How has it been working with your GroundWorks dance partner (s)?
Nicole [Hennington] has been a delight to work with, and I appreciate her patience with me.
What has surprised you about the creative process?
How dance has so many subtleties to it, not only in the physical aspect, but in the overall meaning.
What about dance in general connects with you?
I’ve always loved to dance because it’s a natural extension of how some music moves me.
Why should people vote for you?
I hope that they aren’t just voting for me but voting to support GroundWorks DanceTheater as well.