Hohl, Suess Seek American Library Association Presidency for 2024-25 Term
CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Nominating Committee has selected two nominees to contend in the upcoming election for ALA president. The candidates vying for the 2024-25 term are Cindy Hohl, director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City Public Library (Missouri), and Eric D. Suess, director of Marshall Public Library (Idaho).
Hohl is past president of the American Indian Library Association and is an active member of other ALA affiliates, including the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, Black Caucus of ALA, Chinese American Librarians Association and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. As a member of the Public Library Association, a division of ALA, she currently co-chairs the Membership Advisory Group, and was a member of the PLA Strategic Plan Review Team. Hohl is also a member of several round tables: Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT), Library Research Round Table (LRRT), and Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT).
Hohl holds a Bachelor of Science in Organization Management and Leadership from Friends University, a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University.
"With recent activities threatening equity of library service, promoting censorship, and targeting library staff through harassment and other forums, there has never been a better time for an experienced library leader to stand for election as ALA President-Elect to lend their voice and provide steady leadership when faced with adversity," said Hohl.
Hohl continued, "As a member of the executive board of the Freedom to Read Foundation, it would be an honor to serve our colleagues through these challenging times to promote a united front across the field and I am committed to leading in a good way. As an ALA Spectrum Scholar representing the Santee Sioux Nation, I represent diverse viewpoints of our association as we continue to build an inclusive and welcoming community together where everyone belongs. We are stronger together!"
Suess is an active member of the Idaho Library Association, a chapter of ALA, where he previously chaired its Intellectual Freedom Committee. He was also a member of the ALA Council for more than 10 years and was involved in several council committees, including the Policy Monitoring Committee, Committee on Legislation and the Committee on Organization. He is currently a member of the following ALA divisions: Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), Core, PLA and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). He also belongs to several round tables, including International Relations Round Table (IRRT), IFRT, Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and Games and Gaming Round Table (GAMERT).
Suess holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Michigan.
"It is with enthusiasm and humility that I seek to serve as President-Elect of ALA. This is a time of significant change and complex challenges. By seeking and welcoming the collective experience of our diverse membership, we can successfully address whatever comes our way," Suess said.
"As a leader who has always valued a team approach, I hope to focus on the communication of ideas from every level of our association with the understanding that excellent input can, and often does, come from unexpected sources. As we address issues of finance, organization, public perception, and the need for growth, it is crucial that we do so while upholding our professional values with intelligence and passion. As we succeed together, we must do so in a manner which inspires future generations to follow our lead," Suess concluded.
Hohl and Suess will engage in a virtual candidates' forum on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. CDT. Each candidate will have the opportunity to share a statement and answer questions from members. ALA members can register for the forum here. Immediately following, ALA members will have the opportunity to virtually meet and greet each candidate.
Ballot mailing for the election will begin March 13, 2023 and will run through April 5, 2023. Individuals must be members in good standing to vote in the 2023 ALA elections. Memberships can be renewed online or by calling 1-800-545-2433, option 1. For more information, visit the ALA Election webpage.
ABOUT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
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