PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- The Westchester Library System (WLS) has named Peekskill resident Patricia Braja as its new director of development.
Braja received her B.A. at Rider University and a certificate in Arts Management at Purchase College. She has over 17 years of experience in management, fundraising and board development, most recently as acting executive director of Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill. She was an adjunct instructor at Purchase College, where she taught a variety of arts management and grant writing courses, and has written curriculum and taught classes in arts management fundamentals, fundraising and arts marketing at Concordia College School of Liberal Arts.
"Pat will increase awareness of and financial support for the important roles performed by member libraries and WLS throughout the county" said Terry Kirchner, WLS's Executive Director. Her fundraising and management skills will help WLS to creatively and effectively build a network of support for WLS and the member libraries."
A Peekskill resident for six years, Braja is an active member of the Peekskill Rotary, and serves on the board of Lifetime Arts, Inc. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Paramount Center for the Arts, and was co-president of the Westchester Association of Development Officers. She also served on the board of the Kent Library and was founder of the Friends of the Kent Library.
"Like many other non-profits, libraries today are often faced with serious financial challenges as they are asked to do more with less," said Braja. "I'm thrilled to join WLS and look forward to working with my fellow staff and the Board of Trustees to support our member libraries with the programs and services they need to continue to serve their communities."
The mission of the Westchester Library System is to ensure that all residents have seamless access to excellent library service throughout Westchester County. A state-chartered cooperative library agency, the WLS serves Westchester County's 38 public libraries. It includes 38 member public libraries located throughout the County and is one of New York State's 23 public library systems.
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