The ILA Board of Directors exemplify the best in literacy leadership. Through commitment, thought leadership, and expertise, each member is dedicated to ILA’s mission: to empower educators, inspire students, and encourage leaders with the resources they need to make literacy accessible for all.

The Nominating Committee seeks committed and capable candidates from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, professions, perspectives, and areas of expertise to serve on the ILA Board of Directors. Vital to the organization’s long-term success and financial health, nominees should be individuals who are dedicated to achieving ILA objectives, which include actively promoting ILA’s mission, ensuring effective organization planning, participating in all Board activities, and maintaining adequate resources.

Kia Brown-Dudley, current ILA Board Member and director of Literacy and Development at The Education Partners, was elected in 2019.

“ILA has been a trusted resource since day one of my career in literacy education, over 20 years ago,” Brown-Dudley said. “Joining the Board is my way of paying it forward—helping to advance equity, transforming literacy for future generations.”

Board members are asked to serve a three-year term (2019–2022) and should plan to spend at least 50 hours a year on ILA activities, excluding travel. Meetings are conducted face to face and virtually. Each Board member is expected to serve on one or more committees or task forces.

For Brown-Dudley, meetings are one of the best parts of the job.

“My favorite part of being a Member-at-Large is meeting, collaborating, and serving our dynamic, dedicated membership, as they work assiduously to make the transformative power of literacy accessible for all,” she said.

Wondering if you should apply? Brown-Dudley says to just do it! Whether you are an advocate, educator, researcher, or work in the public or private sector, you have a unique set of skills and experiences that will add value to the organization's leadership team.

Learn more about serving on ILA's Board of Directors, as well as how to nominate yourself or a colleague for one of the open positions, by downloading this guide. You can submit a nomination for yourself or a colleague through January 10, 2020.