Staff Report
NAPPANEE — A “page was turned in history” at the Nappanee Public Library Thursday morning, July 9. During a special early morning session, the library board of trustees accepted the resignation of director Linda Yoder, who has served since 1987 and signed an interim director agreement with Lissa Krull.

Yoder recently accepted a full time position with Electric Motors Corporation as Vice President of Government Affairs.
“Electric Motors Corporation is working hard to bring back jobs to the area and there is certainly an urgency for this community to see that happen as well,” Yoder said. “In ‘normal times’ we would all have more opportunity to anticipate this kind of change at the library.”
Yoder’s resignation took effect immediately and the board signed the agreement with Krull.
“We’re very excited to have Linda on our team,” Electric Motors Corp. CEO Wil Cashen said. “Her expertise in community building will be essential as we move forward in building this new industry here."
Cashen went on to describe what Yoder's new responsibilities will be.
"We will rely on her to act as liaison between Electric Motors Corporation and Elkhart County, and policy-makers in Washington and Indianapolis, to ensure that our elected officials understand the significance of what we are doing.”
Yoder looks forward to serving as Vice President of Government Affairs.
“Electric Motors Corporation is an important addition to Elkhart County, and I’m very pleased to be a part of it,” she said. “The company offers tremendous potential to bring in much-needed jobs to this community, but even more importantly, EMC is instrumental in establishing a brand new industrial base in Elkhart, the new Electric Vehicle capital of the world.”
About Yoder
Yoder began her employment with the Nappanee Public Library in 1981 as a circulation desk assistant and quickly discovered a passion for public library work. During her tenure as director, Yoder managed the day-to-day operations of the library, the Nappanee Center and Evelyn Lehman-Culp Heritage Collection. She was active in numerous collaborations and partnerships at the local and county level, including the establishment of a 40-member statewide public library computer consortium.
Yoder served as the coordinator for a $2.7 million building renovation and expansion project in 2000 and has served as a public library advocate at the state and federal levels.
Under her leadership, the Nappanee Public Library has received state and national awards for public relations and library services.
“There is such tremendous support for the public library in this community,” Yoder said. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be here and be a part of this for so many years.”
Yoder and Krull are no strangers, having initially met more than 14 years ago. Krull credits Yoder with showing her what public libraries can accomplish when they think big and don’t let the title of “small library” get in the way. She has seen first-hand Yoder’s impact on not only the Nappanee community, but on the state and national level.
“Linda’s innovative and progressive approach to the field of librarianship over the last 20 years has helped shape both public and professional perceptions of what public libraries are today and what they will become in the future," Krull said. "Although I was saddened to hear of Linda’s departure from the 'library world,' I am honored to carry on her commitment to public service and passion for public libraries.”
Those who worked with Yoder will miss her.
“Under Linda’s leadership, NPL has not only grown, but flourished and bloomed into what we think is a model for all public libraries,” said NPL Board President Brad Newcomer. “The board is grateful for her years of guidance and dedication to the community. We are looking forward to see Lissa use her library background and fresh perspective to build on the foundation Linda created and take NPL to the next level.”
Krull said, “I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with the board, staff and Friends of NPL to help shape the future of the library and look forward to building on NPL’s tradition of excellence as a high-quality, responsive, and vibrant cornerstone of the community.”
About Krull
Before starting her own company, Nonprofit Wise, a planning and consulting firm specializing in public libraries, Krull was the director of the Milford Public Library, marketing and publicity manager at the St. Joseph County Public Library and public library consultant with the Indiana State Library. She holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and communication from Purdue University and a master’s degree in library science from Indiana University.
About EMC
Electric Motors Corporation develops and manufactures electric power drive systems for electric vehicles for EMC brand and other manufacturer-brand cars and light-duty trucks through its supply-chain network partners.
EMC uses proprietary electric drive system technology and a methodology of compounding motor-generators, EMC flex-fuel motors and energy control/management/storage systems to reduce parasitic power train losses that significantly improve fuel efficiency and deliver cleaner emissions.
Earlier this year, Cashen publicly announced EMCs intention to set up its headquarters in Wakarusa and Nappanee. At that time, he predicted the move would bring hundreds of new jobs to Elkhart County within a year of the official announcement.