Meet the dedicated team behind the Pat Conroy Literary Center, whose hard work, along with the support of our volunteers, makes a wide range of programs, exhibits, festivals, classes, and workshops possible throughout the year. We are deeply grateful for their service and commitment.
Since our founding in 2016, the Center has accomplished incredible milestones, welcoming visitors from nearly all 50 states and beyond. We’ve proudly become the first South Carolina affiliate of the American Writers Museum and were honored as an American Literary Landmark by the American Library Association. With the continued support of our friends and donors, we hope to expand our hardworking staff and enhance our offerings for the community. There is still so much more to achieve on this exciting journey!
Robert Gwaltney
Robert Gwaltney serves as Executive Director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center, bringing more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a lifelong commitment to literature, education, and community engagement to the role.
Throughout his nonprofit career, Gwaltney has led programs and initiatives focused on education, family and community services, organizational growth, and expanding opportunities for children and families. His leadership experience encompasses strategic planning, program development, operations, community partnerships, and the stewardship of mission-driven organizations. He believes deeply in the ability of nonprofit organizations to strengthen communities by creating spaces where people can learn, connect, discover their voices, and imagine new possibilities.
Gwaltney is also an award-winning Southern fiction writer. His debut novel, The Cicada Tree, was named the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel. His second novel, Sing Down the Moon, received the Somerset Award for Literary and Contemporary Fiction and the IPPY Award for Best Regional Fiction—Southeast. His work has appeared in Southbound Magazine, Southern Literary Review, The Blue Mountain Review, and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature, among other publications.
A recipient of the 2022 Pat Conroy Writers Residency, Gwaltney has long been inspired by Pat Conroy’s belief in the transformative power of story and the importance of nurturing readers, writers, students, and teachers. As Executive Director, he works with the Center’s Board, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to preserve Conroy’s literary legacy while expanding the Center’s reach and deepening its impact for future generations.
A lifelong Southerner and graduate of Florida State University, Gwaltney brings together his experiences as a nonprofit leader, writer, and advocate for literary arts in service to the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s continuing story.
Email: robert@patconroyliterarycenter.org
Ginger Olszewski
Ginger serves as Operations Manager for the Center. After a successful career in department store management, culminating as the General Manager at Belk in Beaufort, Ginger transitioned to the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she served as Member Services and Operations Manager for nearly five years. She officially retired in June of 2022 to focus on her passions for reading, community service, and travel. Prior to being named Operations Manger, Ginger served as Interim Executive Director and served the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Ginger enjoys reading, spending time in nature and at the beach, shag dancing, and cooking. Originally from Lancaster County, PA, her career took her to several Mid-Atlantic states
Bruce Murdy
Bruce Murdy is the Director of Development for the Pat Conroy Literary Center, bringing over 40 years of experience as a senior development and marketing executive. He began his career in marketing with one of Florida’s largest advertising firms and later worked with a global Top 10 marketing agency in Chicago. In 1987, Bruce moved to Charleston, where he led Rawle Murdy, a prominent marketing, advertising, and public relations firm.
Throughout his career, Bruce has committed to serving nonprofit organizations, holding board leadership positions with the Coastal Community Foundation, the Lowcountry Council of Boy Scouts, and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. After selling Rawle Murdy to a Washington, DC firm, he served as Director of Development for The Atlantic Classical Orchestra in South Florida, where he significantly increased philanthropic support and contributed to programming and marketing initiatives.
An avid reader and devoted fan of Pat Conroy, Bruce is excited to leverage his skills to support the legacy of the author and the Center. He has resided in the South Carolina lowcountry for over 35 years and currently lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Natalie, their daughter, Grace, and their Springer Spaniel, Winnie.
