Mary Mackay is the new associate executive director for ALA Publishing.

11 Questions with Mary Mackay

June 5, 2017

Before coming to ALA, Mackay worked for ProLiteracy’s publishing division, New Readers Press, where she served as associate executive director, marketing director, editorial director, project editor, and managing editor. Mackay has a postgraduate certificate in education and a certificate in teaching English as a second language from the University of York, England. She also holds … Continue reading 11 Questions with Mary Mackay


Chris Murphy, ALA Editions publisher

11 Questions with Christopher Murphy

June 22, 2016

Murphy has nearly 30 years’ experience in editorial, production, and marketing positions at nonprofit organizations, most recently with the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), where he was senior director of publications and communications. He has a B.A. from Loyola University in Baltimore and a master’s from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Before packing his bags for Orlando, Murphy … Continue reading 11 Questions with Christopher Murphy


Sheila O'Donnell

11 Questions with Sheila O’Donnell

April 12, 2016

Prior to joining ALA, she was director of development at the Crossroads Fund, a Chicago-based organization that supports local groups working for racial, social, and economic justice. During her 10 years there, she helped raise $3 million for its first endowment, doubled its donor base, and increased contributions to its partner funds ninefold. O’Donnell has … Continue reading 11 Questions with Sheila O’Donnell


Jeff Julian became director of ALA’s Public Awareness Office on January 4.

11 Questions with Jeff Julian

January 13, 2016

He chatted with American Libraries for our “11 Questions” series to help introduce himself to ALA members. Coffee, tea, other? Coffee. What’s the first website or app you check in the morning? I usually start the day by checking the Chicago Tribune online. Best career advice you’ve ever received? Be patient. What drew you to … Continue reading 11 Questions with Jeff Julian


James LaRue is the new director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.

11 Questions with James LaRue

January 7, 2016

Even though his position began January 4 and he left for the ALA Midwinter Meeting soon after, LaRue was kind enough to answer a series of questions to help introduce himself to ALA members. Coffee, tea, other?  Coffee, but tea is acceptable. And as writer Joseph Campbell put it, “There is a time for Buddhist … Continue reading 11 Questions with James LaRue


Jody Gray

11 Questions with Jody Gray

November 13, 2015

Gray is no stranger to the issues of diversity and inclusion. Before joining the Association, she was diversity outreach librarian at University of Minnesota Libraries, where she helped bolster dialogue using training and curriculum, and facilitated staff development workshops. Gray is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and has a bachelor’s in … Continue reading 11 Questions with Jody Gray