Chicago, IL -- June 27, 2025. The American Library Association (ALA) has selected Daniel J. Montgomery as its next executive director. He will replace Interim Executive Director Leslie Burger.

Montgomery has worked on behalf of public education and the rights of workers for more than two decades. He was elected to a three-year term as president of the 103,000-member Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) in October 2010 and was unanimously re-elected in every subsequent election.

He will start at ALA on Nov. 10.

"We are excited that Dan Montgomery will join us as our new executive director," said ALA President Cindy Hohl. "Dan's strong background in public service and public education is a great fit for our goals. We had three excellent finalists, and I want to thank all of them. Dan is exactly the leader we need in these times."

The steering committee chose Montgomery because of his commitment to public institutions, his comfort working across diverse and difficult political situations, his service to both cities and rural areas, and his experience managing a complex, member-driven organization.

"As someone who believes strongly in public education, I am eager to bring my passion for service and leadership to the American Library Association," Montgomery said. "Education and libraries are a part of the same fabric, and they are foundational to a healthy democracy. And they need defending now more than ever."

In addition to being IFT president, Montgomery is chief operating officer, responsible for managing and executing policy and programs on behalf of 400 local affiliates and members. He manages a staff of 100 professional and support personnel in 11 offices throughout Illinois. He has experience with organizational change through a multi-year process.

He has an A.B. from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an M.S.Ed., School of Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Members of the search committee: Chair Emily Drabinski, Associate Professor, Queens College, CUNY; Sophia Sotilleo, Dean, Thurgood Marshall Library, Bowie State University; Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, Vice Provost, University at Buffalo; Paula Brehm-Heeger, Executive Director, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library; Maggie Farrell, Dean of Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ramiro Salazar, Retired, Former Director, San Antonio Public Library; Steven Yates, Associate Dean/Associate Professor, University of Alabama SLIS; Staff Liaison: Lorelle Hopkins, ALA Associate Executive Director, Human Resources

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special 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.