ALA Chooses Executive Director

Staff -- School Library Journal, 12/1/1997

After its first search attempt failed, ALA today named a new ExecutiveDirector, William R. Gordon, who will take over the job on March 1. Under Gordon's three-year contract, his salary will be $165,000 for the first year, with subsequent raises based on performance. In addition, he agreed that all information regarding his salary and benefits would be made public. Forthe past 21 years, Gordon has directed the Prince George's County (MD)Memorial Library System, a suburban Washington, D.C. library that hasan operating budget of $15.5 million and that serves a population ofroughly 800,000. Gordon oversees a staff of 274 library professionalsand 120 hourly workers. His appointment caps a lengthy search processthat stalled last June after the Executive Board offered the job to twocandidates, both of whom turned it down. He will appear at ALA'sMidwinter Meeting in January as the Executive Director-Designate.