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Folger Story

About the Folger’s Search for a New Director

The Folger seeks a seasoned and strategic director with energy and vision to lead the organization into its second century.

Update, May 20, 2024: The Folger has named a new director

Position Profile

Update, December 4, 2023

The Position Profile for the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library is live and may be accessed at the link below. The Search Committee extends its gratitude to the many members of the Folger community who offered their insights as the profile was developed.

Should you wish to nominate a candidate, apply for the position, or ask a question about the process, please use the links provided on Isaacson Miller’s website.

Folger Director Position Profile


Listening Sessions

As Folger Director Mike Witmore prepares to step down after 13 years of stalwart and visionary leadership, the Board of Governors has appointed a Search Committee and retained the services of Isaacson, Miller to manage the process of identifying and recommending to the Board our next director.

As the first step in the search process, the Search Committee (listed below) and Isaacson, Miller will develop a position profile that accounts for the diverse set of skills and qualities needed in a director who can lead the Folger into its second century. In considering that position profile, it is essential to engage stakeholders who interact with the Folger at every level of the organization, from staff to community partners to visitors, donors, teachers, neighbors, artists, and scholars. To that end, Isaacson, Miller will lead interviews and listening sessions with a variety of constituencies. The information gleaned from these sessions, as well as other input from interested parties, will inform the position profile for the new director.

We invite your input in this process. If you would like to share thoughts on what attributes the Folger’s new director should have, we encourage you to fill out the following survey: https://www.research.net/r/Folger-Community-Survey.

After gathering and carefully considering stakeholder feedback, we will draft the position profile and post it here. If you have questions about the search, please contact Claire Hennessey at Isaacson, Miller. To reach Claire and for more information about the search process, see Isaacson, Miller’s website.

Thank you in advance for your input and support.

The Folger Shakespeare Library Director Search Committee

Co-Chairs
Jarrett Arp
Rebecca Bushnell

Members
Patricia Akhimie
Flo Cohen
Catherine Epstein
Susie Goldman
May Liang
Gene Pinkard
Greg Prickman
Paul Smith
Ayanna Thompson