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Dr. Maria McCauley is a transformational leader committed to expanding what communities can achieve through equitable access to information, learning opportunities, and human connection.

Maria is Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge, where she leads 167 dedicated professionals in delivering an inclusive, future‑focused vision of library service for all. She partners with city leadership and three boards to expand access, elevate community engagement, and ensure Cambridge’s libraries are vibrant, welcoming places of learning and opportunity.

Maria previously served as Director of Libraries in Santa Monica, CA and in Somerville and held key leadership roles at Northeastern University. She is the 2026–2027 President of the American Library Association and served as the 2022–2023 President of the Public Library Association, reflecting her deep influence in shaping the future of libraries for the good of society.

A global thought leader in strategy, inclusive service, and courageous leadership, Maria speaks across the United States and internationally on the evolving role of libraries, advancing equity, and leading with humanity while balancing the demands of parenting and personal wellness. She inspires teams, audiences, and communities to imagine what libraries can achieve—and how leadership, purpose, partnership, and compassion can transform community organizations.

Dr. McCauley earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. from Simmons University.  

Under her leadership, the Cambridge Public Library has increased its services and doubled its budget, expanded branch hours by more than 54 hours per week, opened the award‑winning net‑zero Valente Branch, and eliminated fines. She launched a STEAM at the Library initiative and opened Cambridge’s first free public makerspace, led a kindergarten library card campaign, shifting to an opt-out process, resulting in over 95% of five‑year‑olds getting library cards, started a social work program, expanded digital equity services, and broadened representation among authors and programming.

Maria writes and speaks about leadership, motivation, and living a meaningful, service‑driven life—championing libraries as essential civic institutions that foster opportunity, belonging, and lifelong learning.