William Gordon, executive director of the American Library Association, has revealed that he will retire in 2002. He tendered his resignation to the executive board August 30, and ALA President John W. Berry made the announcement to Headquarters staff September 4.
Berry thanked Gordon for his three-and-a-half years of service and said he has been “a wonderful force for calm and peace and growth,” reminding staff of the turbulence that accompanied the contentious resignations of at least two preceding executive directors. He said staff and member search committees would be formed in the weeks to come, with the aim of naming a new executive director in time for the Association’s annual conference next June in Atlanta.
Saying he had reached the “magic age of 65,” Gordon emphasized that the resignation did not take effect until next August 31. “I’m looking forward to the year ahead,” he said, adding, “I’ll be deciding what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.” Gordon assured the staff that “this is a positive wonderful move with no hidden agenda.”
Posted September 10, 2001.