CPA uses accounting expertise to lead the Columbus Metropolitan Library

By Jessica Salerno-Shumaker, OSCPA senior content manager  

Lauren Hagan, CPA, uses her accounting background to ask the right questions when achieving results in her new role as the CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML).  

“Accounting is one of those careers, in particular when you're working with a lot of different industries, where you have to approach things from a perspective of curiosity,” she said. “You have to be willing to dig and do more research and seek to understand so you are prepared to ask the right questions.”  

Hagan took on the role of CEO last year in October after a national search conducted by the board of trustees and spending six years as CML’s CFO. Prior to joining CML, she spent almost 10 years at Loyola University in different positions within the finance and operational functions and also spent time in audit at KPMG.  

“The CFO position at the library was an opportunity to use the skills that I developed in my accounting and finance background to make a difference in the community in a way that I could see every day,” Hagan said. 

In addition to overseeing the finance function, the CFO role gave Hagan the chance to lead several other operational functions, including the IT team and property management. This helped position her well to be considered for the CEO role, Hagan said, and she was able to work closely with the former library CEO, Patrick Losinski.  

“It is a new role for me, but I'm really excited to lead the library in a new way and have the opportunity to help set the vision for the future, which includes continuing to empower library customers to enhance and change their lives,” Hagan said 

Hagan said she looks forward to working with her team on developing an updated strategic plan to shape the future of the library, including opening four newly built or renovated branches and responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into library programming and the work of staff.  

Taking on unexpected opportunities has been instrumental in her career growth, she said. And during times when she’s found herself in new territory, she’s leaned on the foundations she learned from accounting to understand the right questions to ask and find the support she needed.  

“What is so valuable about a career in accounting is you learn that relationship building, curiosity and lifelong learning are critical skills you can develop and refine as a professional,” she said. “These can position you for opportunities in a robust and exciting career in a lot of different industries.”