AACRAO is pleased to announce that Melanie Gottlieb,
Deputy Director, AACRAO will serve as AACRAO’s Interim Executive Director.
After nearly a decade of service as Executive Director, Mike Reilly announced his retirement from the association in Dec 2019. Thus began the search for new leadership. Led by a search committee composed of AACRAO Board Members as well representatives from the membership
and staff, the search included strong candidates from within higher education, nonprofit management, the private sector, and public service.
“An executive level search like this is always striving not just to find someone with strong qualifications but to ensure that the candidate is the right person at the right time to move the organization forward,” said Jack Miner, AACRAO President.
As the Board of Directors moved forward with discussions, they were not able to find that perfect match for AACRAO and have made the decision to suspend the search. This pause will allow the Board to assess the search process, make adjustments, and re-open
in the next fiscal year with the continued support of the current search firm, Spelman Johnson.
Looking ahead
AACRAO is in the final stages of a very successful strategic planning process that resulted in the newly established AACRAO Strategic Goals. Under the leadership of Melanie with the support of Mike Reilly as a temporary advisor, the association will confidently continue its work in support of the membership, its institutions,
and the higher education community.
“The new strategic plan provides a clear roadmap that is reflective of the collective wisdom of our members, our staff and our Board of Directors,” shared Melanie. “It will further focus our work in ways that will bring direct value
to our professions and prepare us for the future. I am both honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve the association in this capacity.”
“I’m happy to help during this transition of leadership at AACRAO. Melanie is well positioned to lead the association until the AACRAO Board selects a permanent Executive Director” said Mike Reilly.
For more information about the AACRAO ED search and updates, visit the search timeline page.