Candidates may nominate themselves, or they can be nominated by someone else. When creating the proposed ballot, we aim to cover all portions of the large state and seek candidates with a variety of skill sets and qualities. Our committee this year consists of Kate Andrade, Val Meyerson, Christine Peele, Eric Stanton, Sophia Ward Brewer, and Jordan Wright. We have been meeting to coordinate the process and start recruitment work.

This year, we are seeking candidates for four Board members and a President-Elect. The Call for Nominations runs through Friday, November 7. The term of office runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The election opens on Tuesday, March 31 and closes on Monday, April 20. Election results will be announced to the membership on or around Wednesday, April 22.

In serving on this committee for a couple of years, I am constantly surprised when I approach someone and they are shocked to be asked. I spoke to someone recently and asked if they would be interested in running for the MLA Board and they looked flustered and a bit intimidated. I told them that I and another mutual friend are on the Board right now. Their response: “Yeah, but you guys are some of the cool people.” Ha! Librarianship is not generally known for its cool factor, but I get what they were saying. The truth is that we are all just out here trying to help our communities and patrons; that is what makes us cool. If you are not ready to jump into running for the Board, try serving on one of MLA’s other committees. Once you get comfortable meeting people across the state, you may see how your service on the MLA Board can help your community and patrons, too.

Please take some time to consider whether you would like to run for one of these positions. You do not need to be a director, and you ARE one of the cool guys, whether you realize it or not. If you have questions, the MLA Board will have a gathering at the MLA 2025 Annual Conference next Wednesday, October 29, at 1:00 PM in Room 101-102, to answer questions about the roles and the process. Come grab a coffee with us and chat, no obligation. If you are ready to submit your nomination or someone else’s, please visit https://milibraries.slideroom.com/#/login/program/86004

If you’d rather ask questions or talk over email, please drop me a note at [email protected]

Erin Schmandt
Committee Chair