Massanutten Regional Library has hired Mary Golden Hughes as its new Director of Advancement, a role which focuses on public relations, fundraising initiatives, marketing communications, and community building for the seven branch library system. Golden Hughes replaces Michael Evans who had been employed by MRL since 2014.

Golden Hughes brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit marketing communications, public relations, and fundraising, having most recently served as the Director of Advancement for HCHC, as well as Director of Advancement for Eastern Mennonite School. Golden Hughes was previously employed by MRL as Director of Marketing & Public Relations from 2007-2010, where she secured and executed four community reading grants through The National Endowment for the Arts’ “Big Read” program. Additionally, Golden Hughes served on the MRL Board of Trustees as a Harrisonburg representative from 2014-2017.

“I am thrilled to be returning to MRL during a time when connection to your community means everything,” Golden Hughes stated. “For over 93 years our library system has provided pathways to literature, information, entertainment, and research for all in our Valley and has instilled a love of reading in countless thousands of patrons, including my own family. I am grateful to continue my career at an organization which serves so many so well, and I look forward to helping MRL meet its future goals for success.”