Laureen Bubniak, director of development, and Jen Branstrom, development associate
Ridgefield Library announced that it has promoted Laureen Bubniak to the position of director of development. Ms. Bubniak was initially hired as campaign development associate for the Ridgefield Library in September 2010.
“Laureen quickly took on many responsibilities pertaining to fund raising beyond those relating to the campaign, got to know our donors and became a valuable member of the fund-raising team,” a spokesperson for the library said. “Of special note, Laureen managed and oversaw all aspects of the Community Mural of ‘book spines and silhouettes’ that raised more than $180,000 towards the Capital Campaign.”
Ms. Bubniak is a resident of Danbury. Prior to working at the library, she had experience doing administrative support and fund raising for Aston Magna Foundation for Music and the Humanities for 16 years.
She reports to Christina B. Nolan, library director, and will work closely with the Library Development Committee and the library board of directors.
The Ridgefield Library has long been responsible for raising annual money for operating expenses to supplement the town’s allocation. This year’s goal is $386,000.
Ms. Nolan said: “The need to raise money has never been greater, and this position is critical to these goals.
“Our next undertaking was to back-fill the position of development associate, to provide the right support for the director of development.”
Jennifer Branstrom was hired for that position. Ms. Branstrom brings more than 12 years of experience in non-profit fund raising, with a specialization in donor database management. Most recently, Jen was at Eagle Hill School. Prior to that, Jen worked at Fairfield County Community Foundation.
The library receives about 75% of its $2.5-million annual operating budget as a grant from the town.
For more information about library operations go to ridgefieldlibrary.org. The campaign for the new Ridgefield Library site is thenewridgefieldlibrary.org.