West Falmouth Library Selects New Executive Director to Lead Growth Strategy

The board of the West Falmouth Library announces the selection of Molly Akin as the organization’s new Executive Director. Founded in 1879, the Library, an independent nonprofit, recently completed its Five-Year Strategic Plan affirming its role as a unique space for programming and services that support the community.

Ms. Akin brings leadership expertise in community-based organizations, as well as skills in organizational development, grant writing, fundraising, and strategic planning. Commenting on her new role, she shared, “I am delighted to be part of the next chapter of the Library’s future. With its charm, community commitment, history, and wonderful professional staff, the West Falmouth Library is well positioned to build on its proud tradition, expanding its influence and impact in an environment rich with cultural resources.”

She currently serves as the Associate Director of Donor Relations at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where she supports the BSO’s annual fundraising program for this complex multi-brand organization that includes the Symphony, the Boston Pops, and Tanglewood.

Previously, she was co-director of Catalyst Conversations in Cambridge, MA, where she led grant writing, fundraising, operations, and fiscal management to support the delivery of free live and virtual public events bridging arts and science. After completing her Master of Arts, she led a nine-month, bilingual strategic planning process for the city of Chelsea, MA, resulting in the five-year arts and culture plan currently underway. She also served as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Cambridge Arts, focused on engaging the public and creating innovative approaches to economic development.

West Falmouth Library board chairperson Kathleen Bryson summed up the Board’s enthusiasm for its new Executive Director, “Molly Akin brings the ideal mix of personal and professional qualities to lead the Library’s board and staff in the coming years. Her energy and enthusiasm are palpable. We’re delighted to welcome her to our terrific organization.”

Ms. Akin holds a BFA from the School of Fine Arts/Tufts University and an MA in Management from the Harvard University Extension School, where she was the Leonard J. Russell Scholarship recipient. She lives in East Falmouth with her husband and children. She’ll assume her new responsibilities in early 2025.