Gary Shaffer

Background

About Gary Shaffer

As a seasoned nonprofit leader and fundraising strategist, I have dedicated my career to transforming organizations and driving mission-driven growth. With a proven track record of raising over $50 million for capital projects and innovative initiatives, I specialize in creating strategic partnerships that amplify impact and sustainability. Before earning my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the Pratt Institute, I was honored by Library Journal as one of 50 individuals shaping the future of libraries. This recognition stemmed from my innovative collaboration between the Brooklyn Public Library and author Dave Eggers' 826NYC, which set the foundation for future partnerships with the Los Angeles Times, Starbucks, The Cherokee Nation, and FINRA. Over the past 12 years, I have served as a director and CEO of libraries, blending nonprofit management expertise with visionary leadership to enhance community engagement, expand access, and achieve organizational goals. The work my teams and I have created has earned numerous awards, underscoring our commitment to excellence in service and innovation. As a thought leader in institutional sustainability, I regularly speak at national and international conferences, sharing insights on future-focused libraries and triple-bottom-line sustainability. A published author of three books, book chapters, and numerous articles, I am passionate about advancing the role of libraries and nonprofits in fostering education, equity, and social good. In addition to my executive leadership roles, I have taught library management as both a full-time and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, where I directed a groundbreaking program. As a past president of the California Library Association and board member of the Public Library Association, I continue to champion collaboration, innovation, and the essential role of nonprofits and libraries in creating lasting impact.