Gerald Leitner starts as new IFLA Secretary General

Dear IFLA Members, Colleagues and Friends,

A historic occasion for IFLA took place today as we both welcome Gerald Leitner as the IFLA Secretary General and say a fond farewell to Jennefer Nicholson whose tenure as Secretary General propelled the association so far forward.

Both Jennefer and Gerald were in attendance in Manila (Philippines) for the BSLA programme meetings and it was fitting that this transition was witnessed by many national association leaders.

Secretary General Leitner brings a wealth of experience as an association executive and a real passion for IFLA’s work that comes from his work in the Management of Library Associations section.

He is eager to begin his work to lead IFLA and I am confident that under his leadership IFLA will continue to grow, prosper, and gain even greater influence.

Jennefer Nicholson, IFLA Secretary General 2008-2016

I am also very grateful for the excellent service given by Jennefer Nicholson. During her tenure IFLA grew to be the strong and vibrant association that it is today.

Please join me in wishing Jennefer a long and happy retirement and in wishing Gerald success in his new position. 

I am sure I speak for all of us when I say he will have our full support as we work together to continue to build a strong IFLA that is the global voice that speaks for libraries and their users.

Sincerely,

Donna Scheeder
IFLA President