Michigan Library Association

Note from MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee Chair Cathy Russ

Cathleen Russ Cathy Russ
Chair, MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee

The MLA Nominating and Leadership Development Committee is the group that works together to identify and recruit excellent candidates to run for the MLA Board and determines the final slate of candidates to present to the membership for election.

State of Michigan Budget Updates

On October 1, the FY23 State of Michigan budget will begin and libraries have much to be thankful for.

Letter to Legislators and Candidate Outreach

Check out the August edition of our monthly outreach to Michigan Legislators where we continue to educate them on the value of our libraries and the critical role of library staff. Our outreach and advocacy efforts begin even before candidates take office.

Meet the Candidates for the MLA 2023 Board Election

MLA will hold elections from April 3 – 24, 2023. This year MLA members will vote for an MLA President-elect and four Member-at-Large Board positions. These positions will serve for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026.

Meet the candidates! Click on their photos below to get to know the candidates for the 2023 Board Election.

Note from Scott

March 24, 2023

Scott Duimstra Headshot As the list of candidates for MLA’s Board of Directors is released, I wanted to say a special note of thanks to those of you who put your name forward to run for an open seat on the Board. It isn’t the easiest thing to do, but as in life, you learn the most from those things that are most challenging. As you know, MLA relies on the work of their volunteers, and for those of you who are volunteering for the Board, a lot is required of you. But, professionally you receive a lot as well. What do you receive? Well, you receive the assurance that the work you do matters for libraries in our state. In your role, you work with MLA’s Executive Director Debbie Mikula and MLA staff to ensure that the organization is functioning to the best of its ability to fulfill its mission to “lead the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education and engagement”. That is done by making sure MLA follows its strategic plan and priorities along with fulfilling its efforts in Intellection Freedom, Open Access, and Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Belonging.