COLUMBUS—The Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) Board of Trustees has selected Lauren Hagan to become CML’s new Chief Executive Officer. This hire comes following a nationwide search after Patrick Losinski announced his retirement in April. Hagan currently serves as CML’s Chief Financial Officer. She will begin her new leadership role on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
“Our search committee and search firm conducted a national search to find CML’s next CEO,” said CML Board of Trustees President Tom Katzenmeyer. “After a rigorous search, Lauren Hagan emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Columbus Metropolitan Library. The board is confident that Lauren, together with the rest of the leadership team, will ensure strong execution of CML’s purpose, and take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead to serve our community.”
The CML Board of Trustees search committee included Tom Katzenmeyer (Chair), President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council; Carla Williams-Scott, Senior Manager for Community Outreach and Strategic Partnerships, The Ohio State University’s Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity; and Catherine Strauss, Managing Partner, Ice Miller LLP.
The search committee unanimously approved the selection of Hagan. The full CML Board of Trustees is expected to confirm her appointment at its Thursday, Sept. 26 meeting.
Hagan has been CML’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018, providing strategic financial and operational leadership, overseeing a $120 million budget and leading several departments and key functions including Finance, Information Technology and Capital Planning. She has led several key initiatives including the planning and construction of 11 library branch projects and the issuance of $40 million in public debt. Her work also led to an upgrade of CML’s debt rating to Aa1. Most recently, she oversaw extensive financial planning, internal communications, compliance and ballot process efforts for CML’s 2023 continuing levy.
“I’m excited with the Board’s selection of Lauren as the next library CEO,” stated current CEO Patrick Losinski. “Lauren has been a trusted partner who has consistently exemplified the values of our library while driving innovation, operational excellence and the development and mentorship of our employees. She has extensive knowledge of operations, services and the needs of our community. I have every confidence that she will take CML to new heights.”
“I am honored and excited to lead this remarkable community institution,” said Hagan. “Columbus Metropolitan Library has been part of my life since I was a child participating in the Summer Reading Club at the Hilliard Branch, and I am deeply committed to CML’s mission to inspire reading, share resources and connect people. Every day, libraries positively impact our customers’ lives, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team as we innovate to meet our communities’ needs. I am grateful to Pat Losinski for his mentorship, exceptional leadership and the tremendous impact he has had on our community and the library profession. With such a committed staff and leadership team, I will build upon CML’s foundation while bringing new ideas to life for the future.”
Prior to her role at CML, Hagan spent nearly a decade at Loyola University Chicago in various leadership and financial positions, most recently as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller. Her career began in public accounting with experience in both audit and tax functions.
NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.
