The International Literacy Association (ILA) has officially elected a new vice president and three Board of Directors positions for the upcoming 2016–2019 term.

Douglas Fisher, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego State University in San Diego, CA, will begin his term as vice president of the Board in July. In July 2017, Fisher will begin his one-year term as president of ILA’s Board of Directors.

A former Board member for three years, Fisher was also a Board member of the California affiliate in addition to serving as coeditor of The California Reader. Fisher has also served on a number of committees and has contributed to Literacy Daily and Literacy Today.

“The International Literacy Association is an amazing resource for literacy professionals all over the world. But that world is changing, and ILA must change along with it,” Fisher said. “First, how will membership be developed? Second, does the organization have the fiscal resources necessary to operate? And third, why should people belong to professional membership organizations? What do they get for their membership? These are the critical questions facing ILA. The Board will need to work through the answers to these questions, maintaining the focus on the strategic plan that was developed in recent years…. I am a strong communicator and an effective listener, which will serve me well if I am elected to serve the Board again.”

In addition to the new vice president, the Board will also gain three officers. Their term runs from 2016–2019.

Stephanie Laird is an instructional coach at Mitchellville Elementary School in Mitchellville, IA. She is also currently vice president of the Iowa Reading Association and a member of ILA’s Literacy, eLearning, Communication, and Culture Committee. She presents at national conferences and facilitates professional development at the state and national levels. “If ILA is to maintain its status as the premier source for literacy educators to connect, collaborate, learn, and grow as professionals, then it is vital that current and future members see that what ILA has to offer is valuable,” Laird said. “As a Board member, I would ensure ILA is meeting the needs of its members and providing opportunities for them to make global connections designed to support literacy worldwide.” She uses social media and a presence online to stay connected with educators and literacy professionals.

Stephen Peters is the new superintendent of schools in Laurens County School District 55, Laurens, SC. Peters has served in public education for 35 years as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, human resource director, director of secondary education, and education thought leader. Peters was a featured speaker at Closing General Session at ILA 2015 Conference and Exhibits and speaks around the world. He is the founder of The Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ clubs. “I will devote my time, knowledge, and network to reach as many educators as possible during my term.”

Jennifer Williams is a literacy specialist as well as co-founder and innovation strategist for Calliope Global and adjunct professor for Saint Leo University in Clearwater, FL. An enthusiastic supporter of ILA, Williams said, “I believe I can offer expertise, not only in my knowledge and deep passion for literacy and education, but also in my understandings of the importance of global collaboration and the development of a worldview. By seeing the world through an international lens, I have looked to help build a global community of educators that together can drive and support transformational change. I am passionate about empowering educators as ‘literacy heroes,’ and I believe in the movement of ILA to make this the age of literacy.”

ILA extends its best wishes to the newly elected officers.