PALNI welcomes Reed as new Strategic Communications Director

The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) has announced the appointment of Molly Reed as the organization’s new Strategic Communications Director, effective January 10.

Reed is charged with leading internal and external communication management and strategy for PALNI and its member institutions, in conjunction with its executive director and board. She will support PALNI library directors in promoting the value and impact of library expertise, services and resources, while upholding the organization’s mission of deep collaboration. As a member of PALNI’s administrative directors team, Reed will also provide input on current and future strategic initiatives.

Her responsibilities include conceptualizing and creating promotional and communication material, sharing expertise on crisis management, identifying and leveraging public relations opportunities, and managing PALNI infrastructures to support deep collaboration, among other duties.

“PALNI supports sharing of staff and expertise across our supported institutions. The Strategic Communications Director position is critical to building efficiency and trust between the staff in our libraries to work together to provide better services and improve student success,” says Kirsten Leonard, PALNI Executive Director. “As the PALNI board members embarked on their journey supporting deep collaboration, communications strategy quickly became critical to its success.”

With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education marketing, Reed is highly skilled at communicating for a variety of audiences across multiple platforms. Her industry knowledge includes public relations, media relations, crisis communication, publications, digital marketing and more—all skill sets that will impact PALNI’s communication with its stakeholders.

“Molly brings great talent, experience, and enthusiasm to her role at PALNI. Her track record as an innovative and creative marketing professional is outstanding, and we are excited to welcome her to the PALNI family,” says Joe Thomas, Chair of the Executive Committee and Director of the Saint Mary’s College library. “The role of the Strategic Communications Director is vital for us as we work to communicate our value and needs to campus leaders. Molly will be a great partner in those efforts.”

Reed, of Battle Creek, Michigan, comes to PALNI from Western Michigan University, where she most recently served as marketing specialist senior for the Haworth College of Business. In this role, she managed content for the college website, and contributed to the writing, editing and measurement of a number of key communications including feature stories, press releases, advertising and promotional material, and the annual Business Magazine. She also served as editor for a number of key publications while at WMU, including the university’s Arts and Sciences Magazine and The 30, a digital publication that recognizes alumni who are emerging leaders in business.

Prior to joining Western Michigan University, Reed served as director of communications and senior writer at Olivet College. She was also a reporter at the Nashville Tennessean, covering the entertainment and living sections.

Reed earned a master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University in 2020, as well as bachelor’s degree in journalism from Olivet College in 2005.