For immediate release | April 24, 2026
Core Board of Directors Appointment
CHICAGO – The Core Division of the American Library Association is proud to announce two new Directors-at-large starting July 2026. Sammie Johnson won election to a three-year term, and Chulin Meng was appointed by the Core Board of Directors on Tuesday, April 21st to fill out the remaining year of Cara Calabrese’s Director-at-Large term on the Core Board of Directors.
“I am excited for this appointment,” Johnson said. “I’m ready to get to work for Core!”
On April 7 it was announced that Cara Calabrese had been elected Core 2027-2028 President. Calabrese will serve a three-year term beginning this June, including one-year stints as president-elect (2026–2027), president (2027–2028), and immediate past-president (2028–2029). Calabrese is currently serving a three-year term as Director-at-Large, so her appointment leaves a vacancy in the Core Director-at-Large role.
In accordance with Core’s Bylaws, the Board of Directors shall appoint a member to fulfill this vacancy. The Board reviewed potential replacements, considering current leadership and 2026 election candidates. Chulin Meng, who stood for election as Director-at-Large during this election cycle was approached and accepted the appointment. The Core Board then voted unanimously to approve the appointment.
“I am honored to be appointed as director-at-large of Core,” Chulin said. “I really appreciate this opportunity to serve the Core community!”
Contact:
Julie Reese
Executive Director
American Library Association
Core
jreese@ala.org312-280-5030
