RUSA Emerging Leaders

The American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders (EL) program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It puts participants on the fast track to ALA committee volunteerism as well as other professional library-related organizations.
More information on ALA's Emerging Leaders Program
RUSA's 2025 Emerging Leader: Margaret Breen
RUSA is pleased to announce that Margaret Breen has been selected as our 2025 Emerging Leader! Margaret is a public librarian at the Hopkins Branch of the Hennepin County Library.
ALA’s Emerging Leader Program is designed to enable library staff and information workers to participate in project planning work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.
Past Emerging Leaders:
2024-Stefannnye Slaughter - Washington County Libraries- Oakdale Branch
2023- Alexis HaleyBrown
2022: Sam Jack - Newton Public Library
2020: Amanda Roper- Chattanooga State Community College
2019: Leslie Purdie - San Jose State University iSchool
2018: Hailley Fargo - Penn State University Libraries
2017: Stacy Gilbert - University of Colorado
2016: Catherine Damiani
2015: Beth Boatright - Florida State University
2014: Katelyn Angell - Lon Island University Brooklyn
2013: Alicia Finley - NC Central University School of Library & Info Science
2012: Emily Hamstrta
2011: Kate Kosturski - JSTOR/Portico
2010: Edward Garcia - Cranston Public Library