April 6, 2011                                                                                         

David McKay Named Executive Director of Boston Public Library Foundation

Experienced leader will advance the Foundation’s strategy

BOSTON – April 6, 2011 – The Boston Public Library and Boston Public Library Foundation today jointly announced the selection of David M. McKay as executive director of the Boston Public Library Foundation, effective May 4, 2011.

McKay has an impressive 30-year record of leading successful development programs for colleges and universities. He currently serves as vice president for institutional advancement at the Berklee College of Music, where he has worked for the past 12 years. At Berklee, McKay served on the President's Council and Cabinet, and built a development program from one that raised just under $1 million annually into one that culminated in a successful $50 million campaign. He chaired task forces on college-wide and alumni strategic initiatives, and was also responsible for alumni affairs, the alumni magazine, and giving websites. Previously, McKay served in development and alumni affairs positions at Trinity College of Vermont, Medical College of Georgia, Norwich University, and Vanderbilt University.

“In the 21st century, libraries have never been more important,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “The Boston Public Library is both a world-renowned center of learning and a vital element of the neighborhoods of Boston. David is well qualified to lead the Boston Public Library Foundation and truly propel the advancement of the BPL."

“David has the credentials, experience, and leadership skills to advance the Foundation’s mission to support the Boston Public Library,” said Ronald P. O’Hanley, chairman of the Boston Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. “He has the passion and commitment needed to expand the development function for the Foundation and increase support for both the Foundation’s and the Library’s objectives.”

In his new role, McKay will lead all development activities, member relations, and external affairs for the Boston Public Library Foundation. He also will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of a broad-based fundraising program to increase financial support for the Foundation, and will cultivate and nurture relationships with existing and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.

“I am honored to lead the Boston Public Library Foundation and support the Boston Public Library, a centerpiece of the Boston community and gateway to information for all its residents,” McKay said. “I look forward to connecting to the broad range of supporters that the library already has and building new relationships to help sustain the library into the future.”

The Boston Public Library Foundation was created in 1992 to build a new partnership among civic-minded individuals, the corporate community, and public funders. The combined strength and leadership of this partnership has not wavered over the years and has enabled the Foundation to raise more than $80 million. The core mission of the Foundation has remained unchanged since first drafted: to enhance the public visibility and to raise public and private funds in support of the revitalization of the Boston Public Library.

“This is an ideal moment for the Boston Public Library to gain the expertise of a development expert like David,” said Amy E. Ryan, president of the Boston Public Library. “With our community-defined strategic planning principles in place, expanded support from the Boston Public Library Foundation will truly help bring these principles to life.”

About the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY For more than 160 years, the Boston Public Library has pioneered public library service in America. Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library was the first publicly supported municipal library in America, the first public library to lend books, the first to have a branch library, and the first to have a children’s room. Today, the Boston Public Library has 27 neighborhood locations, including the Central Library in Copley Square. Each year, the Boston Public Library hosts nearly 12,000 programs, answers more than one million reference questions, and serves millions of people. All of its programs and exhibits are free and open to the public. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning. To learn more, visit www.bpl.org.

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