Christal Bell-Rivera is resigning as director of West Florida Public Libraries, just five months after Escambia County commissioners approved her appointment to the position.
Bell-Rivera submitted her resignation Monday, August 10. Her final day will be Sept. 9, according to a letter she sent to County Administrator Wes Moreno.
Bell-Rivera did not give a reason for her resignation.
In the letter, she thanked Moreno and county officials for the experience she gained during her time with Escambia County.
“I am grateful for the support and collaboration I have received from my colleagues and County Administration,” Bell-Rivera wrote.
Kaycee Lagarde, Escambia County’s Director of Communications and Public Information, confirmed the resignation.
Lagarde said Bell-Rivera is providing 30 days’ notice, in accordance with county policy.
“Escambia County remains committed to continuing to provide the highest quality library services to our community,” Lagarde said.
Bell-Rivera became interim library director following the retirement of longtime Library Services Director Todd Humble in November 2025.
Her appointment to the permanent position came after a contentious search that raised questions about the role of the library’s Board of Governance. The board spent several months reviewing candidates and ultimately voted unanimously to recommend Bradley Vinson for the director’s position.
But County Administrator Wes Moreno chose Bell-Rivera instead.
The Escambia County Commission confirmed Bell-Rivera’s appointment March 5 in a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Mike Kohler was the only commissioner to vote against the appointment. During that meeting, commissioners heard from residents who questioned the hiring process and urged them to follow the Library Board’s recommendation.
County officials defended the decision, saying Bell-Rivera’s qualifications, interview performance and leadership experience made her the right choice.
At the time of her appointment, Bell-Rivera was approved for an annual salary of about $113,547, along with a $400 monthly car allowance.
The controversy surrounding the appointment continued after the vote.
In May, public records raised additional questions about communications between county officials and others involved in the hiring process. The dispute centered on transparency and the respective roles of the County Administrator, County Commission and Library Board of Governance.
But in April, just weeks after taking the permanent position, Bell-Rivera told WUWF she was focused on moving the library system forward.
“My top priorities are to assess system-wide needs, stabilize operations, and set a clear, forward-looking vision for WFPL,” she said.
She also described her leadership style as “collaborative, transparent, and supportive.”
And as questions continued about vacancies on the Library Board, Bell-Rivera said, “I remain committed to working productively with the current Board of Governance and supporting a smooth transition as new members are appointed.”
Now, the county will have to determine who will lead the library system after Bell-Rivera leaves September 9.
Escambia County has not yet announced whether it will appoint an interim director or begin a new search for a permanent Library Services Director.
Bell-Rivera’s resignation letter does not indicate whether she plans to take another position.