Executive Library Leader to Advance Foundation–Library Alignment During Strategic Planning
PHILADELPHIA, PA: The Board of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation today announced that Priscilla Suero, the current First Deputy Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, has been appointed Interim President of the Foundation. She will start in that role on November 2, 2026. An experienced civic‑sector executive, Ms. Suero will guide the Foundation as it advances strategic planning and deepens support for Library programs across Philadelphia.
Ms. Suero succeeds Monique Moore Pryor, Esq., who resigned in mid‑September to attend to pressing family matters. The Foundation will begin its search for a permanent leader following the completion of a new strategic plan next spring.
“Priscilla is uniquely prepared to lead the Foundation at this important moment,” said D. Jeffry Benoliel, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board. “Her executive experience, trusted relationships with funders, donors, and civic stakeholders, and her leadership of the strategic planning process will help the Foundation build on recent successes and expand its support for the Library and the people it serves.”
In her role at the Free Library, Ms. Suero has worked closely with the Foundation, giving her a strong understanding of the partnership between the two organizations. As First Deputy Director, she oversaw the Library’s operating budget and managed core enterprise functions including Human Resources, Finance, Communications, Property Management, Performance Management, and Technology.
“I am honored to serve the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation and I thank the Board of Directors for entrusting me with this responsibility,” said Ms. Suero today. “I look forward to strengthening their partnership between the Library and Foundation for the benefit of the people of Philadelphia.”
Ms. Suero previously served at the Knight Foundation, managing operations and budgets supporting national program teams across Communities and National Initiatives, Learning and Impact, and Grants Administration. She then held senior roles in city government, directing administration for the Office of Children and Families and finance and administration for the Mayor’s Office of Education, where she partnered with senior officials to align resources, oversee budgets, and advance organizational strategy. Most recently, she served as First Deputy Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, overseeing operations and strategic planning for one of the nation’s largest public library systems. Nationally, she serves on the Steering Committee of the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), shaping priorities for digital equity and innovation.
She holds a Master of Business Administration from the Huizenga Business School at Nova Southeastern University, where she was named a Horatio Alger Scholar.
Since 1891, the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has supported the Free Library of Philadelphia. As the Free Library’s fundraising arm, the Foundation provides much-needed support and advocacy, in addition to managing its own programs and special collections.
While the City of Philadelphia provides public funds for the operation of the Free Library, the Foundation — through the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and corporations — works to raise the money and coordinate the resources required to sustain many of the Library’s programs and activities.
From educational programs and digital literacy to health and wellness initiatives, job readiness, and so much more, when you donate to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation your support directly benefits Philadelphia’s public library system, enriching lives and inspiring change in every neighborhood.