DPLA Leadership Transition

Over the past four years, the Digital Public Library of America has developed into a free, open and accessible national digital resource.  During the tenure of Executive Director Dan Cohen, DPLA has united sixteen million items from two thousand institutions, expanded its content and service hubs, and is taking the lead on an e-book initiative.

Thanks to Dan’s leadership, DPLA’s team is solid and prepared to ensure a successful transition given Dan’s departure on June 1.  In light of DPLA’s upcoming change in leadership, the DPLA Board of Directors is embracing the challenge of taking stock as to our progress to date, along with thinking about our hopes and dreams.  

The selection process for a new Executive Director is underway:

• The Board has named a search committee consisting of Jamie Hollier, Jenny 8. Lee, Brian Bannon, Mary Minow, Siva Vaidhyanathan, with Amy Ryan as the Chair.  Update: As of May 11, Toby Graham has been added to this committee. 

• First order of business is to develop a position description for the Executive Director based on suggestions from stakeholders, staff, and other interested people.  Martin Gomez, a leadership advisor and consultant, is assisting in this stage.  

• A sub-committee will research executive search firms and recommend a few to the search committee for their participation in the process.  

• Ideas and suggestions are welcome, and can be submitted via this online form.  Your comments are appreciated and will be reviewed.

DPLA’s goal is to advance the process of selecting a new Executive Director as expeditiously as possible, at the same time acknowledging that decisions of this magnitude generally take time. A firmer timetable will be provided once a search firm has been selected.  

Updates to the search process will be posted on the DPLA website, blog, and our Twitter account, @dpla.