BLUFFTON, S.C. - s4story -- Libraries for Kids International, a locally based international organization that supplies books to school libraries in Africa, announced its 2026 board of directors, which includes at least seven members from South Carolina.

The organization was founded six years ago by Roy Austin, CPA, CMA, MBA, of Bluffton, who serves as board president. Austin is a speaker, author and business coach providing strategic and financial leadership. He formerly was managing principal of Rockwell Business Solutions.

Laura Winkel, Beaufort, South Carolina, is chief executive officer and board member. Winkel leads the organization in operations, partnerships, fundraising and international expansion for Libraries for Kids. She is a former law enforcement officer and business owner.

Other board members include:

• Erich Schmid, vice president, Little River, South Carolina, a corporate development consultant supporting organizational strategy and growth.
• Mark Sprosty, treasurer, Savannah, Georgia, chief financial officer of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), providing financial oversight and fiduciary leadership.
• Dorothy Patterson, secretary, Bluffton, a retired office executive who brings administrative leadership and governance support.
• Steve Arthur, board member, Bluffton, a financial advisor at GWN Securities, Inc., who supports and builds relations in West Africa.
• Jean-Marie Cote, BA, MBA, board member, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, owner of The French Guy Studio and professional photographer supporting storytelling and branding.
• Caitlyn Kasper, board member, Washington, D.C., a senior financial economist who provides website support.
• Tamela Maxim, board member, Bluffton, owner of ARK of the Lowcountry, LLC, and leader of the organization's free author talk series.
• Ng'ang'a Wanjohi, board member, Nairobi, Kenya, CEO of Kaskazi Network, Ltd., who provides regional leadership and East Africa insight.

The organization is seeking additional board members to fill remaining roles.  In addition, Libraries for Kids is supported by a growing network of advisors who provide expertise, advocacy and community leadership across the United States and Africa, or globally.

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Libraries for Kids International (https://www.libraries4kids.org/) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy and education for children in rural areas of Africa. By shipping books and establishing libraries in schools without access to reading materials, the organization helps students discover the joy of learning and expand their opportunities for the future. Since its founding, Libraries for Kids has delivered over 1.4 million books to underserved communities, empowering teachers and inspiring young readers.