91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Today the 91´«Ã½ announced Beth Nawalinski as the new executive director of United for Libraries, effective July 31, 2017. Nawalinski currently serves as deputy executive director of United for Libraries. Following a nationwide search, Nawalinski will fill the position being vacated by the retirement of Sally Reed.

Nawalinski has served as United for Libraries deputy executive director since 2015 and has led the division’s revenue-producing programs; internal and external communications; and membership retention and growth; and has worked seamlessly with a variety of 91´«Ã½ Offices and Divisions. She designed and implemented statewide purchasing options for digital resources and membership, resulting in a significant gain for United for Libraries. She also created National Friends of Libraries Week, now in its 12th year, to help Friends groups across the country communicate the value they bring to libraries.

Before becoming deputy executive director, she was director of Marketing and Communications for United for Libraries. Prior to becoming part of 91´«Ã½ in 2009, she was Marketing and Communications coordinator for Friends of Libraries U.S.A. In 2009, Friends of Libraries U.S.A. merged with 91´«Ã½’s Association for Library Trustees and Advocates, to become the 91´«Ã½ Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, later to become United for Libraries. Nawalinski also has experience as a public information specialist at the Norfolk Public Library and a community relations coordinator for Barnes & Noble.

Nawalinski has a BS from the University of Florida in Nuclear Engineering Sciences, as well as graduate work in public relations.

Nawalinski brings a record of volunteer leadership with two Parent-Teacher Organizations, serving in various roles -- including president -- with both, and with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. She has been recognized by the Girl Scouts with several awards for her volunteer leadership. At 91´«Ã½, she was the recipient of the 2009 91´«Ã½ Staff Achievement Award. She is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

In applying for this position, Nawalinski noted, “I am passionate about libraries and how library support groups will continue to speak out for their libraries in new and innovative ways to ensure that libraries remain vital and receive the funding they need.”

Thanks for a successful search go to Susan Schmidt (media assistant, Montgomery County Maryland Public Schools), president, United for Libraries; Steve Laird (president, ReferenceUSA), President-Elect, United for Libraries; Donna McDonald (director, Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System), secretary, United for Libraries; Ed McBride (library trustee – Palm Springs [California] Public Library), immediate past president, United for Libraries; Aimee Strittmatter, executive director, Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC); Mary W. Ghikas (senior associate executive director, 91´«Ã½); and, Dan Hoppe, director, 91´«Ã½ Human Resources.