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LANSING- The Michigan Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors is happy to announce the appointment of Dillon Geshel as the association’s new Executive Director. Following a comprehensive executive search and selection process, Geshel, who has served as MLA’s Interim Executive Director since May 2025, will continue leading the association and advancing its mission to support libraries and library professionals across Michigan.

Geshel stepped into the interim role during a planned leadership transition and provided steady direction during a pivotal period for the organization, helping guide MLA’s strategic planning work, advocacy initiatives, and the launch of major projects, including the grant activities supported by the Mellon Foundation funding. His leadership, institutional knowledge, and longstanding commitment to Michigan libraries positioned him as the clear choice to serve permanently in the role.

“Dillon has demonstrated thoughtful, steady leadership during an important time for the Michigan Library Association,” said Jenny Marr, President of the MLA Board of Directors. “His deep understanding of Michigan’s library landscape, commitment to strong advocacy, and collaborative approach have strengthened the association and positioned it for continued success. We are confident that under Dillon’s leadership, MLA will continue to champion libraries and the professionals who power them across our state.”

A proven leader in Michigan’s library community, Geshel has played an active role in shaping MLA’s recent successes. He previously led the Intellectual Freedom Task Force and the implementation of MI Right to Read, and contributed to the Advocacy and Legislative Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Annual Conference Workgroup. He also brings extensive administrative experience from his previous role as Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative and prior leadership at Portage Lake District Library.

Following the retirement of former Executive Director Debbie Mikula last June, MLA partnered with executive search firm Organizational Architecture to conduct a national search. After candidate outreach, pre-screening, and multiple rounds of interviews, the Board determined that Geshel’s vision, relationships, and demonstrated leadership made him the strongest candidate to guide MLA into its next chapter.

“The search process for appointing a new Executive Director was rigorous, lasting more than six months, but throughout the process, Dillon’s expertise and vision launched him to the top of the applicant pool and impressed the full board beyond compare,” said Juliane Morian, Chair of the MLA Executive Director Search Committee. “I am so pleased that Dillon was appointed by unanimous consent and look forward to this next chapter for MLA.”

“Dillon’s steady leadership, professionalism, and thoughtful approach have already guided the association through an important transition and fostered a positive, collaborative work environment for MLA staff,” said Rachel Adams, MLA Membership and Communications Director. “I’m excited about what his leadership means for our members and the broader library community and look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we build on MLA’s momentum, supporting our members, strengthening advocacy, and creating more opportunities for Michigan’s library community to thrive.”

“I’m honored by the board’s confidence and grateful to continue serving the Michigan library community in the Executive Director role,” said Geshel. “Serving MLA in the interim has been the most meaningful experience of my professional career, and I’m eager to continue impactful work alongside our dedicated staff, members, partners, and Michigan’s incredible libraries.”

Geshel holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan Technological University. His career has been defined by a passion for intellectual freedom, collaboration, and the transformative power of libraries.