As head of ODLOS, Strowder will oversee a unit that manages prominent programs, initiatives, awards, and relationships that support equity and inclusion through a lens of social justice. Strowder answered our 11 Questions to introduce himself to ALA members. Coffee, tea, other? Tea is the best! I specifically love a brand of Earl Grey tea … Continue reading 11 Questions: Kevin Strowder
Prior to ALA, Fournier worked in neighborhood development, as program director at the nonprofit Near South Planning Board in Chicago. There she directed the Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, and the Authors in the Schools literacy program. She also worked in higher education as programming associate at … Continue reading 11 Questions: Mary Davis Fournier
Kendall studied literature and literary studies at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and University of Cape Town, South Africa. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, he writes poetry and plays the French horn. As editor and publisher of Booklist, he drives both content and revenue. He answered our 11 Questions to … Continue reading 11 Questions with George Kendall
A former US Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, Walling studied business administration at University of Michigan and is pursuing an MBA at University of Illinois. At ALA, she’ll lead efforts to develop, implement, and measure strategic initiatives around membership and oversee a fast-paced customer service center. Walling answered our “11 Questions” to introduce herself to … Continue reading 11 Questions: Melissa Kay Walling
Reyes has previously held roles in the American Health Information Management Association in Chicago and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in Park Ridge, Illinois. She studied health information management as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has a dual master’s in public health and management information systems from Benedictine University. … Continue reading 11 Questions: Sheryl Reyes
She brings extensive experience in top roles at professional associations, including the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She has graduate degrees in business and public health, and is a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives. Dillard-Steels answered our “11 … Continue reading 11 Questions: Tammy Dillard-Steels
She previously served as vice president of meeting services at Cygnus Corporation in Rockville, Maryland, and convention coordinator at SmithBucklin, an association management company in Chicago. Jones has been an assistant professor at Northern Virginia Community College since 2005, providing instruction in meeting planning, and was previously an adjunct faculty member at Kendall College in … Continue reading 11 Questions: Earla J. Jones
Hlywak previously served as national director of content marketing at the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Chicago. While there, she helped build the organization’s content marketing program, including developing strategies and evaluating metrics, workflows, and goals for social media, email marketing, and blog content. Prior to that, Hlywak was account supervisor at Kathy Schaeffer Consulting, an … Continue reading 11 Questions with Stephanie Hlywak
Mechler previously served as project manager and archivist at the Black Metropolis Research Consortium (BMRC) at the University of Chicago Library. In that role, she designed, developed, managed, measured, and evaluated BMRC grant-funded programs and carried out its strategic plans and policies. She has an MSLIS, with rare books and manuscripts certification, from the University … Continue reading 11 Questions with Anita Mechler
As AED, Swader will provide leadership and management for the following ALA groups: Office for Accreditation Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment Office for Intellectual Freedom Library and Research Center Public Programs Office Membership Development Office Member and Customer Service She will also help coordinate and liaise … Continue reading 11 Questions with Lorelle Swader
Hughes answered our “11 Questions” to introduce herself to ALA members. Coffee, tea, other? To steal a line that’s often misattributed to Benjamin Franklin: “Caffeine is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” What’s the first website or app you check in the morning? I usually check Instagram to see if there … Continue reading 11 Questions with Jessica Hughes
Prior to joining ALA, Kromer was vice president of strategy and outreach for the ALS Association for 11 years, where she created and executed public policy and outreach strategy, expanded the association’s national grassroots program to nearly 20,000 advocates, and created a state advocacy program that helped raised awareness and generate more than $15 million for chapters. And yes, she took … Continue reading 11 Questions with Kathi Kromer
