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!
Jonathan Haupt
Jonathan Haupt is the executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center and the founding director of the annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival. Previously, he served as director of the University of South Carolina Press, where he launched the Story River Books imprint with Pat Conroy. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the Conroy Center has become South Carolina’s first affiliate of the American Writers Museum and a recognized American Library Association Literary Landmark, earning multiple awards for tourism leadership.
His book reviews and author interviews have appeared in several publications, and he co-edited the award-winning anthology Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy (UGA Press, 2018). Jonathan actively contributes to literary organizations, serving on the boards of Friends of South Carolina Libraries and the South Carolina Academy of Authors, and is a judge for the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction.
He is a frequent speaker and presenter at literary festivals, schools, and community programs, and has appeared on SC ETV’s By the River and CSPAN’s Book TV. As a co-mentor to the DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization) student leaders, he supports youth literacy initiatives recognized nationally for their impact. In 2020, he received the Doug Marlette Literacy Leadership Award from the Pulpwood Queens, the largest read-and-meet book club in the U.S.
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.
