SAINT PAUL, MN, October 11, 2016 – The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library welcomes a new Director of Marketing and Communications to the dynamic organization. Kim Horton will join The Friends’ team this October.
Kim has worked as a brand strategist and communications consultant for the past seven years, partnering with nonprofits like the Minnesota Literacy Council, the Ordway, and even The Friends’ own Library Strategies Consulting Group. She worked with the organizations to articulate their unique messages, create and execute marketing campaigns, and present workshops about effective marketing. Horton holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Advertising from the University of Illinois.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how a great story can capture an audience,” says Horton “and I’m thrilled to be able to help tell the powerful story of The Friends.”
Beyond crafting communications, Kim has a passion for literacy and education which she’s put to good use as a volunteer GED writing teacher. She knows The Friends’ mission directly aligns with this passion and, in her mind, makes the role a perfect fit.
Kim will take the reigns from current Director of Marketing and Communications Ann McKinnon, who is leaving the organization after 11 years and who helped build The Friends into the national model for library support it is today.
“Ann moved our marketing and communications from 0-60 in her tenure. She has firmly embedded marketing and communications into every aspect of The Friends work and we all do better as a result,” says Peter Pearson, president of The Friends.
Sue Hall, Director of Library Strategies Consulting Group, echoes Peter’s sentiments. “Ann changed the way The Friends did business when she joined our staff. The Friends became more visible and more effective in supporting the Library – and has had a greater impact on Saint Paul.”
The position change comes at a time that is already one of transition for The Friends. The organization’s 25-year president, Peter Pearson, is preparing to retire at the end of the year.
With a mission of stronger libraries for stronger communities, Peter’s leadership has made The Friends essential in ensuring that the Saint Paul Public Library and its partner and client libraries are vital centers of engaged, educated and diverse communities.
Horton and The Friends staff, under the direction of a new, yet-to-be-named leader, will be charged with ensuring this mission continues and growing awareness and support for The Friends and the Saint Paul Public Library.