Amy Katzenberger became director of ALA’s Development Office in early September. Among other fundraising activities, Katzenberger and her team have been shepherding the campaign for the Association’s 150th anniversary, which will culminate in 2026. Prior to joining ALA, Katzenberger worked at Riley Children’s Foundation in Indianapolis as director of foundation relations, where she secured millions of dollars in grants. Before Riley, she served as chief program officer for the American Camp Association. Early in her career, Katzenberger worked in ALA’s Conference Services department as a meetings and scheduling manager.
She answered our 11 Questions to introduce herself to ALA members.
Coffee, tea, other?
Coffee—Café Bustelo
What’s the first website or app you check in the morning?
Notifications first, including the Katzenberger GroupMe chat, referred to by my mother-in-law as The Groupon.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make time for thinking. Credit to Peg Smith, retired CEO of the American Camp Association.
What drew you to librarianship and ALA?
Philanthropy is central to who I am, as are libraries. We have a peas-and-carrots relationship.
Most distinctive aspect of your personal office?
I have traditional inboxes on my home office desk for August and Alfie (see photo).
Guilty pleasure?
Rage gardening
First job?
Lifeguard
What do you hope to bring to ALA and members?
I hope to further build ALA’s culture of collaboration and secure oodles of donor resources to fuel the incredible work of this nearly 150-year-old association.
If you had to choose any other profession, what would it be and why?
Inventor. I am fascinated by innovation and disruption.
Book(s) you’re reading?
I just finished The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr, and I have been revisiting Ideas and Information: Managing in a High-Tech World (1989) by Arno Penzias. Penzias was a speaker at ALA’s 1989 Annual Conference in Dallas.
Tool used for keeping your life organized?
Pen and paper list-maker, Outlook calendar, and OneNote
