Letter from our 2026-2027 president

ALANYC Community,

I am truly honored to serve as your next President of the New York City Chapter. As I shared at the passing of the gavel, this year is about Next Level Leadership. Not just as a theme but as a standard for how we lead, how we show up for one another and how we continue to push this chapter forward.

Because Next Level means moving forward.

Not standing still.
Not settling.
But continuing to build momentum and elevate.

We are stepping into this year with a strong foundation. Our returning board members bring experience, perspective and a deep understanding of what has made this chapter successful.

At the same time we are welcoming five new board members who bring fresh ideas, new energy and a willingness to challenge us to think differently. That combination is where progress happens. You need the people who know what works and the people willing to ask what’s next.

And I can tell you this early… this group is focused and ready to push forward.

We are aligned, motivated and committed to what comes next.

I want thank the entire board for their commitment, their time and the work they put in behind the scenes. Leadership at this level requires more than just showing up and their dedication does not go unnoticed.

As one of the largest chapters within ALA, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility. Our chapter has always been a place for meaningful connection, professional growth and shared learning and this year we continue to push that even further.

This year we are focused on intentional growth. That means continuing to expand our membership while also increasing engagement and participation across the chapter. Growth is not just about how many people are in the room. It is about how connected people feel when they are in it and how engaged they choose to be.

We want members to show up, get involved and feel connected to something meaningful. Because the more engaged we are as a chapter, the stronger we become.

We will continue to provide opportunities for cutting-edge education, meaningful connections and resources that support our members in leading with confidence in their organizations and in their careers.

We will also continue to strengthen and elevate our relationships with our business partners. They are not just sponsors, they are an essential part of this community and a critical part of our continued growth. Our goal is to create more meaningful and intentional opportunities for collaboration where both our members and our partners see real value.

For our current partners, we look forward to continuing to build together. We are committed to creating an environment where partnership is purposeful, engaging and impactful.

As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to continue positioning ALANYC as a leading voice across the ALA network. NYC has always set a standard and this year we push that forward. Not by talking about it but by continuing to show it through how we lead, how we collaborate and how we support one another.

Next Level Leadership is not about doing more just to say we did more. It is about doing better. Better alignment, stronger partnerships and a deeper commitment to how we show up. Because every level requires something different and this chapter is ready to step into it.

So I encourage each of you to lean in, show up and be part of what we are building. This year is about all of us pushing forward together and taking ownership of where this chapter is going.

Next Level Leadership.

Let’s Go!

Tirek J. Gayle
President
ALA New York City Chapter