CITY OF SAN MARCOS
In March, two members of the city of San Marcos leadership team will retire following decades of service to the San Marcos community. San Marcos Public Library Director Diane Insley will retire March 7 followed by San Marcos Director of Human Resources Linda Spacek on March 28.
Diane Insley joined the city in May 1988 and has served library patrons for nearly 37 years as a Special Services Librarian, Patron Services Supervisor, Librarian III and Library Division Manager. She was named Library Director in March 2015 and has overseen growth and development of programs and services at the San Marcos Public Library, including the $14.75 million bond project approved by voters in 2017 that added 28,000 square feet to the facility with new modernized program and meeting spaces.
“The San Marcos Public Library is such a wonderful asset to the San Marcos community, and Diane’s commitment to its patrons has been instrumental to providing essential programs and services,” San Marcos Assistant City Manager Joe Pantalion said. “Diane’s vision has helped the library grow and evolve to meet the community’s needs, and we are grateful for her service and dedication.”
In addition to overseeing large projects, Insley is known for her captivating book displays and her collaborative work to ensure the San Marcos Public Library serves as an educational entity alongside the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, Austin Community College and Texas State University.
“I am proud of the work I’ve done for my community, and I am looking forward to visiting the library in retirement as a patron rather than an employee,” Insley said. “Retirement will give me time to continue reading and learning, spend time with friends and family, and travel.”
Linda Spacek has served the city of San Marcos for 34 years, supporting the organization and its employees with human resources and risk management programs. She was hired in 1990 as Risk, Benefits and Safety Manager before being promoted to Human Resources Assistant Director in 1999 and Human Resources Director in 2012. Throughout her career, Spacek has played a pivotal role in developing effective employee compensation and benefits programs. She also serves as Civil Service Director, overseeing civil service and meet and confer for the city’s public safety departments.
“The city of San Marcos is committed to recruiting and retaining dedicated employees to serve the community, and Linda’s work throughout her career has been crucial to that mission,” Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales said. “Her retirement is well earned after decades of serving our organization and community with passion and pride.”
Spacek has helped shape human resources best practices for municipalities across the state and country, serving in leadership roles with the Texas Public Risk Management Association, the National Public Risk Management Association, the State and Local Government Benefits Association and the Texas Municipal Human Resources Management Association. In 2022, she was recognized by the Texas Municipal Human Resources Management Association as the Human Resources Management Professional of the Year.
“It has been a privilege to serve the San Marcos community and the organization’s dedicated and talented employees. I look forward to spending time with friends and family and new adventures,” Spacek said.
Following the retirement announcements of Insley and Spacek, the city is launching a nationwide search for their successors, with both positions expected to be filled within the coming months.
