Samantha Francois

Samantha Francois joined the Walnut Creek Library Foundation Board in 2023 and served two years as Gala Co-Chair with Kathy Hicks before becoming President in July 2025.  Samantha has a Ph.D. in History from U.C. Davis and has been a History instructor in the Bay Area for the last 25 years.  

Samantha was an active volunteer in Walnut Creek schools, serving in leadership roles, including as PTSA President at Las Lomas High School and PTA Co-President at Parkmead Elementary School.  She has served on the Prytanean Alumane Board connected to her alma mater U.C. Berkeley. 

She and her husband Matt have lived in Walnut Creek for over 25 years and have loved raising their two children here.  As an educator, libraries are a critical resource for communities and Samantha is passionate about having the libraries in Walnut Creek be welcoming places for all to learn as well as important community gathering places.  Samantha is an avid reader, is in two book groups and has wonderful memories of bringing her kids to the library.