Past PLA Executive Directors

Below is a list of past PLA Executive Directors (titled Executive Secretary prior to 1981) since 1944. For the current Executive Director and other staff, please visit the Contact Us page.

• Barb Macikas (2009–2020)
• Joseph Potaczek (acting 2009)
• Greta K. Southard (1996–2009)
• George M. Needham (1993–1996)
• Bridget Bradley (interim 1992)
• Eleanor J. "Joey" Rodger (1986–1992)
• Shirley Mills-Fischer (as Shirley C. Mills 1978–1979; 1980–1986)
• Andrew M. Hansen (1976–1978)
• Gerald M. Born (1970–1976)
• Eleanor A. Ferguson (1957–1969)
• Dorothy K. Smith (interim 1956–1957)
• S. Janice Kee (1952–1956)
• Helen A. Ridgway (acting 1951–1952)
• Eleanor Pain (1948–1951)
• Ruth W. Gregory (1946–1948)
• Nordica Fenneman (acting 1946)
• Julia Wright Merrill (1944–1946)

Some tenure dates are approximate, based on archival documents such as Board minutes, conference proceedings, etc.