The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is looking to recruit a new CEO following the resignation of Sue McKerracher, who has held the position since 2012 and will be departing on 28 January 2022 to take up the position of Executive Director, Libraries Tasmania.
The ALIA Board describes this as ‘an outstanding opportunity for a skilled business manager and advocate, able to build and leverage critical stakeholder relationships to help achieve the goals of the library and information sector.’
ALIA President Vicki Edmunds paid tribute to the work of the outgoing CEO, ‘Sue McKerracher has been a strong leader and advocate for the Association. In nearly 10 years as CEO, she has created solid partnerships with other library-related, not-for-profit bodies, with federal government, the book industry, early literacy and GLAM organisations. She has raised the profile of the library sector and increased our visibility with decision makers.
‘Sue has also generated more than $2million in grant funding for the sector; contributed to copyright advances as a media spokesperson and through industry negotiations; and made ALIA a leading voice in the Sustainable Development Goals nationally and internationally.
‘In the last two years, she has established the Professional Pathways initiative to create a stronger, more diverse, skilled and future-ready LIS workforce; as chair, steered the National Early Language and Literacy Coalition through the launch of a proposed national strategy, and provided evidence at two senate enquiries which have resulted in recommendations supporting public libraries and media literacy.
‘Sue has also actively managed the Association to ensure its long term strength and sustainability, producing surplus results in most financial years and overseeing the sale of ALIA House in 2020 to create a new, more flexible asset base for future generations.
‘The ALIA Board is looking for someone who can build on these achievements and keep the Association on its upward trajectory.’
Further details of the position are on the ALIA jobs page, with a closing date of 28 January 2022. Nicole Barnes, Business Director and Company Secretary, will act as interim CEO.