Palm Springs Public Library Foundation Welcomes New Board President Jim Gray

The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (PSPLF) has elected Jim Gray as president of its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, succeeding William “Bill” Wylie, who will continue to serve as immediate past president.

Gray joined the PSPLF Board in 2024, where he served as co-chair of the technology committee. Gray brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the technology industry, primarily in Silicon Valley. After retiring in 2022, he and his husband, Bernard Rottner, made Palm Springs their full-time residence in a home they purchased in 2012. Since moving to Palm Springs, Gray has been an active community volunteer, contributing his time to organizations that hold meaning for him, including DAP Health, Revivals, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“The idea of being part of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation and the New Chapter Capital Campaign was a fit for me in our first conversation,” Gray said about initial meetings with board members.

Shortly after Gray joined the Foundation Board, it launched its historic $7 million capital campaign supporting the $52 million transformation of the Palm Springs Public Library. Today, construction is underway on the renovated library, which is expected to reopen in late 2027 as a modern hub for learning, innovation, technology and community engagement.

“No matter where I’ve lived, I’ve always had a connection with the local library. I highly value lifelong learning, and for me, when I step into any library, I come alive with the excitement of the potential of what new things I’ll learn or experience,” said Gray. “I couldn’t be more excited that our library is so valued across our community in Palm Springs. The future is bright, and I’m excited to build a strong Foundation in the coming years that will support our library for future generations.”

Gray also praised the leadership of outgoing Board President Bill Wylie.

“Bill’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning the Foundation for its future. His vision, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment have helped build the momentum we have today. I’m honored to follow his leadership and look forward to building on the strong foundation he has helped create.”

During Wylie’s presidency, the PSPLF advanced fundraising efforts for the library’s once-in-a-generation renovation project and endowment while building the organizational framework needed for long-term success. His leadership established the Foundation’s financial, governance, and committee structure, along with key partnerships, including with the Library’s Board of Trustees, positioning the PSPLF for its Next Chapter.

To recognize the lasting contributions of two of the Foundation’s recent board presidents, the new PSPLF office, which will be located in the renovated Friends of the Palm Springs Library Building (formerly the J.C. Frey Building), will be named in honor of David Sidley (board president from 2019-2024) and William Wylie (2024-2026). Their leadership helped establish the Foundation and position it to play a central role in supporting the future of the Palm Springs Public Library. Previous board presidents were Fred Jandt (2014-2018) and Peter Rittenhouse (2018-2019).