The Board of Directors at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall (ACFL&MH) is pleased to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director, Marlee Gallagher. Ms. Gallagher’s predecessor, Maggie Forbes, is retiring after 20 years in the position.
Joan Massella, President of the Board, said, “Maggie’s are the proverbial ‘big shoes to fill.’ We did a long and thorough search, and believe we have found the ideal candidate in Marlee Gallagher. Her background in the non-profit sector and community development aligns beautifully with the Library & Music Hall’s mission ‘to build community.’”
Ms. Gallagher assumes the position at the ACFL&MH after 10 years with the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, where she managed fundraising, communications, and community engagement initiatives. Since 2021, she served as the organization’s Director of Economic Development, working on strategic planning and programming to promote the revitalization of Wilkinsburg. Ms. Gallagher was a Pittsburgh Magazine 40 under 40 honoree in 2017.
Ms. Gallagher’s career as a community builder began 15 years ago when she was a volunteer grant writer for a community group in Millvale. The project? A capital campaign to build the Millvale Community Library, which marked its 10th anniversary in August.
The Carnegie Carnegie will mark its 123rd anniversary next May. “I am very excited to bring my skills in leadership, fundraising, and community development to the Library & Music Hall – an organization that is vital to my community and a true asset to the region,” said Ms. Gallagher. She, her husband, and their young son have called Carnegie home since 2020.
Ms. Forbes initially came to the ACFL&MH in 2003 to launch and manage the campaign to the restore the Library & Music Hall’s 35,000 sq. ft. facility. During Ms. Forbes’ tenure, the ACFL&MH has gone on to raise $16 million to restore its facility and revitalize its programming and services.
“I speak for the board, the staff and the community as a whole when I say what an incredible and lasting legacy Maggie leaves behind. She led us on a journey from run down to remarkable,” said Ms. Massella. “We are forever grateful, and wish her all the best in retirement.
I also know that Maggie is as excited as we are to follow the Library & Music Hall in its next exciting chapter under Marlee’s leadership.”
Ms. Gallagher will work with Ms. Forbes during the transition period that begins December 18.