Following a national search, Ginger White Brunetti was selected to lead the Library and Cultural Services Department and started in late February. She has over 25 years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, most recently serving as the executive director of the City and County of Denver Arts & Venues Department. White Brunetti holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Xavier University and a Master of Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
After a month as director of the Library and Cultural Services Department, what are your first impressions about the department and the city of Aurora as an organization?
My first impressions have been overwhelmingly positive. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming! During my focus group sessions around the department, I gained a deeper appreciation of their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Aurora and ensuring access to a wealth of knowledge and resources for all its residents. Some of my key takeaways from my initial month are:
- The dedication to community engagement is evident in every program and service offered by the department. There's a palpable sense of purpose in bridging cultural divides, promoting literacy, and making culture accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or economic status. This commitment not only enriches lives but also strengthens the social fabric of Aurora.
- The spirit of collaboration within the department and across the city's various agencies is remarkable. My goal is to harness this characteristic to promote cross-department programming and innovation.
- The team’s passion and dedication has been particularly striking. They are deeply committed to their role in serving the community. Their personal investment is the backbone of the department's success, driving innovation and excellence in service delivery.
- From my vantage point, this team is full of smiles, positivity and laughter!
Your most recent experience was overseeing such staple venues and arts programs in Denver (Denver Performing Arts Complex, McNichols Civic Center Building, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Coliseum, Colorado Convention Center, Denver’s Public Art Program, citywide cultural programs, etc.), how do you anticipate applying that expertise and background leading Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services Department?
While the magnitude of venues that I oversaw at Arts & Venues were larger in scale, there are more similarities than differences. Leveraging what I learned there, I plan to apply several key strategies and insights to my role in leading Library and Cultural Services. Here’s how I envision applying this expertise:
- Innovative Use of Spaces: Managing iconic venues like Red Rocks and the Denver Performing Arts Complex taught me the value of versatile, innovative use of spaces. I plan to apply this insight by exploring new ways to utilize our spaces here, so they are inspiring, welcoming, accessible and dynamic places.
- Fostering a Culture of Excellence and Creativity: I have a deep appreciation for the power of a strong organizational culture. Like Library and Cultural Services, Denver’s Arts & Venues was a collection of 90+ people who did a variety of jobs that made the agency run well. Part of my job is fostering the “connective tissue” that binds us to a singular mission of service to the residents of Aurora and beyond. I am committed to fostering an environment within the department that values excellence, creativity, and continuous improvement.
- Expanding Resources & Partnerships: In Denver, the success of cultural programs often hinged on strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community groups. In Aurora, I plan to cultivate and expand similar partnerships to enhance Library and Cultural Services offerings. Collaborations can lead to more diverse programming, increased funding opportunities, and a broader reach into various communities.
The skills and insights gained from my experience in Denver provide a robust foundation for leading Library and Cultural Services. By adapting these strategies to Aurora’s unique landscape, I am confident we can enrich the cultural and educational fabric of the city, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community.
What is your vision for the Library and Cultural Services Department? Where do you see the department in five years?
My vision can be summarized in five words:
In five years, Library and Cultural Services will have accomplished key elements of the cultural plan, Aurora Arts Ahead. Our facilities will be essential community hubs, hosting a variety of educational, cultural and social activities that welcome diverse groups. We will have fostered strong partnerships with our boards, commissions and friends organizations for resource development and advocacy. Internally, we will have instituted Key Performance Indicators that help tell the story of LCS’ community impact. We will also have made significant capital and technology improvements across our portfolio. Our greatest accomplishment will be evolving into a dynamic, singular, unstoppable team that is the pride of Aurora.
What opportunities for growth do you see with the city of Aurora as it relates to Library and Cultural Services?
I’m still getting my feet on the ground, but already I see opportunities to expand services and increase engagement that deepens our impact on the community's social fabric and economic vitality. Many of these are articulated in community-led plans, like the Aurora Cultural Plan, Arts Ahead, and will be developed in the forthcoming Library Strategic Plan, including:
- Repurposing and rejuvenating our spaces to serve multiple functions and audiences and generate more vibrancy.
- Developing new and leveraging existing relationships for resource development and fundraising.
- Developing cross-sector partnership, especially in the Aurora Cultural Arts District, that enhances placemaking and ensure that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
As I look to the future, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the library and Cultural Services department. Building on our strong foundation, we can continue to explore new ways to enrich the lives of Aurora’s residents, ensuring that our services remain relevant, accessible and engaging. The potential for growth and development within this vibrant city and its diverse communities is boundless. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with you.
As a leader, who do you look up for inspiration?
I draw inspiration from a lot places, each offering unique perspectives and lessons that can enhance my leadership style and skills. I admire smart women who not only bring forward great ideas but do so with steely grace, authenticity, and humor, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Michelle Obama, Jane Jacobs, and Martha Stewart. I like reading about entrepreneurs, particularly social entrepreneurs, who have built companies and brands that have changed how we live or made the world better. While their stories aren’t a playbook, there’s always an interesting idea or approach that I can apply to something I’m working on. I’m also fortunate to have several mentors—mostly women—who inspire me and have helped develop my leadership skills. Ultimately, I think inspiration can come from virtually anywhere—the key is to remain open and curious, seeking out diverse experiences and viewpoints to enrich my leadership style.
Favorite Book: “Cloud Cuckoo” Land by Anthony Doerr
Favorite Movie: “When Harry Met Sally”
Favorite TV Show: “Arrested Development”
Favorite Music/Band: I can’t pick just one!
What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I love to travel. My favorite trips are to major cities and then an excursion to a quiet town or village where a hike, bike ride, beach or vineyard is easily accessible. When not traveling, I like cooking with my 13-year-old son (right now we’re trying to make sourdough bread), practicing yoga and running with our dog.
My guilty pleasure is going to a movie by myself. I’m not good at sitting down and relaxing unless it’s on a sunny patio with friends or with a good book. Right now, I’m reading “The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn.