ALA Executive Director Opportunity

Libraries are an iconic feature of American life. In study after study, libraries are ranked among the public’s most trusted sources of information. They have introduced users to the joy of learning and the magic of books; have offered a safe and productive haven for study, research and reflection, and have transformed users’ lives through educational programs and community resources. Not only have America’s libraries changed the lives of many of their users, they themselves have transformed as societal needs, technology, and other forces in the economy have dramatically reshaped their role and nature. Libraries of all types have adapted to the digital age and are committed to meeting the evolving needs of their communities.

In July 2017, Executive Director, Keith Michael Fiels, retired after serving the American Library Association (ALA) for 15 years. His tenure was marked by important developments in the field and the association. Mary Ghikas, formerly senior associate executive director, is now serving as the Executive Director. Mary will serve as the Executive Director through ALA’s midwinter meeting, in January 2020. Upon the start of a new executive director, Mary will become the Deputy Executive Director and she will work to support the orientation and transition of the new executive director through ALA’s annual conference in June 2020.

ALA seeks a dynamic, innovative, entrepreneurial, and experienced leader as its next executive director. Founded in1876, ALA is the world’s oldest and largest library association and promotes the work of libraries and the value of professional library and information science education. It advocates for issues and values that are important to the field and to a free and open information society. ALA achieves these goals through its programs, publications, conferences, professional development and outreach work. The Association, headquartered in Chicago, Ill. represents over 58,000 members, has a staff of 260, and an annual budget of $52 million. The ALA also has an office in Washington DC.

The position of executive director of the American Library Association offers an extraordinary and exciting opportunity to champion, represent, and support one of the most trusted and valuable institutions in American society. The next Executive Director will be able to leverage the organization’s strong reputation and the passion and dedication of the Association’s members, staff and elected leaders to build even stronger support for libraries, those who work in them, and the millions of users who benefit from them.

ALA will offer a competitive salary based on experience. ALA offers a comprehensive and valuable benefits package that includes generous paid vacation and retirement annuity.

ALA has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this important search. On June 22 and 23, consultants from Isaacson, Miller will be at our Annual Conference & Exposition and available to meet, in confidence, with interested parties, to discuss this opportunity. To contact them, please email Marc St. Hilaire (msthilaire@IMSearch.com) or Pamela Pezzoli (ppezzoli@IMSearch.com). For additional information about this opportunity, please visit https://www.imsearch.com/search-detail/S6-883