IGCC Candidates

Interest Group Coordination Council Candidates

Representative (two-year term)

	Mariela Hristova
	Prior leadership experience: I have been focusing my professional service at the state level, because I find that to be the most meaningful level for my professional connections and collaborations. Over the years as a librarian in Michigan, I have participated in leadership positions in MiALA, the SEMLOL Executive Board (chairing it for a term), MHSLA, and MDMLG. In MiALA, I have been involved in both interest groups and in the IGCC in the past few years. I am now ending a 2-year term on the IGCC, during which I chaired it for one year.  Why would you like to serve on the IGCC? I believe that the IGCC serves an important role in supporting the interest groups not only through the review and approval of funding requests, but also through its coordination efforts. I would like to contribute to welcoming new IG leaders, helping in their transition, and being part on the ongoing professional engagement that the IGCC facilitates. In 2024-25, I served as chair of the IGCC and I am self-nominating again because I am excited to see how the strategic plan might impact the work of the IGCC. I will be happy to contribute any relevant experience as the next leaders of the IGCC envision and strengthen its future within our strategic plan. What would you like to gain from your time on the IGCC? I have been focusing my professional service at the state level, because I find that to be the most meaningful level for my professional connections and collaborations. Over the years as a librarian in Michigan, I have participated in leadership positions in MiALA, the SEMLOL Executive Board (chairing it for a term), MHSLA, and MDMLG. In MiALA, I have been involved in both interest groups and in the IGCC in the past few years. I am now ending a 2-year term on the IGCC, during which I chaired it for one year.
	Alexandra (Alex) Hauser
	Prior leadership experience 1. MiALA member since 2017 2. Member, Association of College & Research Libraries Distance & Online Learning Section Membership Committee, 2024-2026 3. President, Special Libraries Association Michigan Community, 2020 4. Chair, MiALA Membership Committee 2019-2020 5. Member, MiALA Membership Committee 2017-2020 Why would you like to serve on the IGCC? The strength of MiALA comes from its individual members and interest groups and I hope to serve on the IGCC to further build our Michigan academic library community. I really value community and connection and serving on the IGCC will allow me to meet with different groups of MiALA members, learn about their interests and needs, and advocate for the great work that they do.  What would you like to gain from your time on the IGCC? I am looking forward to re-engaging with MiALA through service on the IGCC. I am also looking forward to building my network of awesome Michigan academic librarians, we are stronger together!
	Raya Samet
No Photo	Prior leadership experience I have spent the past year as IGCC Member-at-large, and prior to that I chaired the OER IG. Why would you like to serve on the IGCC? I had a really great experience as Member-at-large of IGCC this past year and would like the opportunity to continue building on some of the work we've been doing to support interest group leaders.  What would you like to gain from your time on the IGCC? I'd like to continue creating documentation and communication that empowers IG leaders and ensures improved communication and access to funding for members. Together with some of the changes that are being made as part of the strategic plan, more robust trainings and support for IG's directly impacts member experiences throughout the year.
	Jonathan Barber
No Photo	Prior leadership experience I have been a member of a number of working groups and communities of practice over the years at various institutions. Most recently, I am a active in the MSU Research Software Developers group, Research Development Community of Practice group, and co-founder and co-facilitator of the Programming in Practice Learning Community at Michigan State   Why would you like to serve on the IGCC? I feel that the MiALA Interest Groups provide an extremely valuable service to the membership and the broader academic library community in Michigan. Supporting these groups and assisting in their efforts is a key role of MiALA to which I feel I could substantively contribute. I would also very much appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the workings of the groups to learn more about what different areas are important to people and the work they are trying to accomplish to support our community. What would you like to gain from your time on the IGCC? A broader understanding of both the identified areas of focus for MiALA members and how these areas are being supported and encouraged through member participation. I would also very much appreciate the chance to meet and interact with the broader MiALA membership and learn more about their work.

 

Member-at-Large (one-year term) - OPEN POSITION

 

Current members who will remain on the Interest Group Coordinating Council for the 2025-202 year:

Click here for Board Nominee Information

All members will receive a ballot by email on Monday, June 2. The deadline to submit your ballot is Monday, June 16 at 5:00 pm.