The Given Tufts Foundation announced the appointment of Cara Mathis as its first executive director. Working with the foundation’s all-volunteer board of directors, Mathis will implement the foundation’s strategic vision to support the Tufts Archives, the Given Memorial Library and the Given Tufts Bookshop.
“Cara was a natural pick for the role. She cares deeply about our unique Pinehurst community and its history,” said Given Tufts Foundation Chair Stuart Mills. “Working with Jessica Flynn, our Manager of the Bookshop, and our 80+ wonderful bookshop volunteers, Cara will ensure the bookshop remains a community hub, and the new Given Memorial Library and renovated Tufts Archives continue to be cultural cornerstones for the village.”
With the generous support of private donors, the Given Tufts Foundation has nurtured Pinehurst’s Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives for more than half a century. In 2022, the foundation donated the Library and Archives to the Village of Pinehurst, and the village promised to expand and improve both institutions. Now, in partnership with the Village of Pinehurst, the foundation continues to support these cherished institutions, providing resources that are beyond the municipal government’s operating budget. Through generous donations, the Given Tufts Foundation enhances the library and archives and their free programs, services, and resources – all of which enrich and strengthen the community of Pinehurst.
The foundation operates the Given Tufts Bookshop, which shares all of its profits with the library and archives. In 2023, the foundation donated $25,000 in bookshop profits to the village, as well as nearly $110,000 from its endowment. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is independent of the village government.
“I’ve been a cheerleader for the foundation since moving to Pinehurst with my family. The Given Memorial Library, Tufts Archives, and the Given Tufts Bookshop are some of Pinehurst’s most important community treasures, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to support and strengthen them for another generation,” Mathis said.
Mathis serves on Pinehurst’s Historic Preservation Commission and chairs the village’s Beautification Committee. Previously, Mathis worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Mission Support Analyst and Public Affairs Specialist before supporting operations at Black Rifle Coffee and financial tech startup Brex.
To join as a volunteer or become a donor, please visit https://www.giventuftsfoundation.com.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
