Bob Gallery Elected Chairman of Boston Public Library Trustees

Photo by Meredith Foley

Bob Gallery, president of Bank of America Massachusetts, was elected as the new chairman of the Boston Public Library Board of Trustees on Monday. Gallery, along with Cheryl Cronin, were appointed as trustees by Mayor Marty Walsh and formally sworn in as new members at a special board meeting.

Cronin is a partner at the firm of Cronin & Leonard LLP.

“Both Bob and Cheryl have a proven track record of success in their respective industries and will make a perfect fit for leading the nation’s first large, free municipal library. I thank them for their willingness to serve in this capacity, and look forward to seeing the collective work of the board in its efforts to make our library system accessible assets for the people of Boston, the Commonwealth, and visitors from all around the world,” said Walsh in a statement.

Cronin and Gallery have lengthy experience with local nonprofit boards in the Greater Boston area. Most notably, Gallery was chairman of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce from 2010 – 2012.

“The role the Boston Public Library plays in this city, in the lives of residents and for visitors is tremendous and I am dedicated to strengthening our system and continuing to provide additional resources to the community. I would like to thank Mayor Walsh and my colleagues on the board for this opportunity, I look forward to working together for a brighter future for the Boston Public Library,” said Gallery in a statement.

In an interview after the event, Walsh told the Boston Herald that the search for a new system president was ongoing and part of a “long-term plan” for the library.

“This isn’t a short-term plan, this is a long-term selection of the next president that is going to lead this library for years to come,” said Walsh.