The Wisconsin Library Association Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Kara Sullivan as our new Executive Director, effective September 22, 2025.

Kara comes to WLA with a strong background in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and fundraising. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Friends of the Appleton Public Library, where she successfully led a $12 million capital campaign to support the library’s expansion while overseeing operations, donor relations, volunteer coordination, and community engagement.

Kara’s career also includes experience in public service and the legal field, having worked for the State of Maine Judicial Branch, Portland Public Schools, and as a practicing attorney in New York and New Hampshire. She earned her J.D. from the University of New Hampshire Law School and her B.A. from Emory University. Kara moved to Appleton in 2010 when her husband, Mike, accepted a position at Kimberly-Clark. She loves her adopted hometown and delights in its’ seasons with cycling, skiing, gardening, and cooking. She is the proud mother of two children, Will and Erin Rose. Will is a freshman at St. Olaf College and Erin Rose is an 8th grader at Xavier Middle School.

Kara is passionate about the power of libraries to strengthen communities, expand access to information, and inspire lifelong learning. She is excited to partner with WLA’s members, leaders, and stakeholders across Wisconsin to grow the association’s impact, advance its legislative agenda, and support the vital work of libraries statewide.

Please join us in welcoming Kara to the WLA community. We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under Kara’s vision and leadership.