Jerry Kline co-founded Innovative Interfaces in 1978, after serving the UC Berkeley library system as software designer and developer. Since that time he has overseen the company’s evolution, from a small start-up venture, connecting bibliographic records with third-party circulation systems, to a recognized leader in the field of library automation and technology. Jerry has built a team that is unparalleled in the industry for its knowledge of libraries and its commitment to their goals. A marathon runner, Kline understands what it takes to succeed in the long-run and brings this same dedication to helping libraries meet the challenges they face.

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Before joining Innovative in 1999, James Hofbauer had accrued many years’ experience as an information technology business executive. These days, Jim works closely with Innovative Chairman and Founder Jerry Kline in the development and implementation of the company’s strategic vision and capital structure, in addition to overseeing the company’s finances. Jim’s industry expertise, business acumen, and drive contribute to Innovative’s corporate stability—a standing in the industry that pays dividends for thousands of libraries around the world.

Neil Block builds bridges. In his 22 years with the company, he has logged over a million air miles creating partnerships with libraries throughout the world. During his tenure, Innovative has enjoyed new partnerships in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Chile, Trinidad/Tobego, and Ghana, as well as significant new partnerships with New York Public Library, Trinity University (Dublin), and others. After first joining the company as a trainer, Neil rose through ranks and in 2010 was promoted to President. In this role, Neil leads planning and strategic initiatives and is an active participant in library automation industry forums. Neil has made a significant contribution to Innovative as it has grown from its early roots in Berkeley to become one of the market-leading library technology companies in the world. He is committed to providing all librarians with the tools and support they need to succeed in an increasingly demanding environment. In addition to his industry experience, Neil began his career as a librarian and network administrator for several academic and special libraries and holds an MLIS degree from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Betsy Graham has been a key presence behind products that touch every aspect of library operations and service including transformative products such as Millennium, ERM, and Encore. She was one of the very first members of the Innovative team and was named Vice President of Product management in 2001. Having begun her career as a librarian—at UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, and Oakland Public Library—she is a champion of Innovative customers, a passion she brings to her current position as Senior Vice President of Library Service. Betsy is irrepressibly enthusiastic about IUG events and conferences, which she believes are crucial to inspire and inform customer relationships.

During her more than 15 years with Innovative, Hilary has been a Help Desk manager, Product Manager, Manager of the Circulation Team, Director of Implementation Services, and, most recently, Vice President of Library Service. An MLS degree from the University of North Texas adds scope and objectivity to her passion for all of Innovative’s products and services, and rounds out a 360-degree view of the company’s operations. Hilary's understanding of libraries, as well as her experience with system implementation and customer service, uniquely qualify her to lead Innovative's Product Development team.

Mary Chevreau spearheads Innovative’s North American sales efforts and is the company’s key liaison with customers throughout the region. During her 15 years at Innovative, she has introduced numerous new products that have enabled libraries to extend their Millennium ILS capabilities into fresh territory with self-service and digital library tools. Before joining Innovative, Mary worked for the International Library Systems Corporation, Sydney Development Corporation, and KPMG. She holds degrees in Library Science and Music.

John McCullough brings abundant knowledge and insight to his leadership of the Product Management group and the company’s Encore Division. He began his career at Innovative in 1998, and has served as Product Manager for the WebPAC product as well as sales representative for the Western US and Canada. John is also one of Innovative’s most articulate spokespeople when it comes to the “ins and outs” of products and the technologies behind them. He holds an MLIS degree from the University of Western Ontario.

Gene Shimshock brings to his job exceptional skills from a variety of fields—computer engineering, internet technology, technology marketing, business strategy and tactics, to name just a few. He has over 30 years of experience in technology and information marketing with impactful positions at Knight-Ridder, AutoWeb.com, Information Access Company (now part of Gale Group), and other high-technology ventures. Gene is responsible for developing and maintaining the Innovative brand and has succeeded in communicating the complexities of technology in a straightforward way. He counts librarians among his family members and carries this affinity and a passion for technology into his work.