TLA Welcomes New Executive Director

The Texas Library Association (TLA) Executive Board is pleased to announce that Shirley Robinson, CAE has accepted the position of Executive Director effective January 9, 2020. Robinson has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit trade association management at statewide organizations. She is a member-focused leader with a proven record of implementing successful initiatives and sustaining organizational growth.

“Members of the search committee and the executive board were impressed with Ms. Robinson’s wide range of nonprofit association management knowledge and experience which is essential to lead an association in today’s ever-changing environment,” said Cecilia Barham, TLA President. “We are confident that she has the leadership skills to successfully step into the Executive Director position, and are excited to welcome her to the library community.”

Robinson is a skilled and experienced manager of both people and resources.  As a successful relationship builder and collaborator, she exhibits a membership-focused service philosophy, and has extensive experience working with members, boards, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.

Specifically, Robinson brings experience in conference planning, advocacy, budgeting and financial management, fundraising and grant writing, and technology, including association management system (AMS) migration and implementation.  She is experienced in working with statewide organizations with missions and values similar to TLA’s – to serve the public good.

Most recently, Robinson was President and CEO of Texas Healthcare Trustees (THT), a statewide trade association serving more than 4,000 hospital board members. She also spent eight years in progressive leadership roles at THT and the Texas Hospital Association (THA), serving as Senior Director, Education & Programs at THT, and as Vice President, Education & Governance Programs for THA. Robinson also held business development and fundraising, membership, education, and marketing positions at nonprofits including the Texas Society for Association Executives (TSAE), Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Austin Museum of Art. She received a bachelor’s in business administration from Trinity University, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).

“I’ve been inspired at every point as I’ve learned about TLA during the executive director search process.  The members, collaborative culture, incredible staff team, and board leadership have an enthusiasm and dedication to the library profession and commitment to TLA that is energizing and profound,” Robinson stated. “ I look forward to getting out across the state to continue learning about the members and their needs to advance the future of the library profession in the state of Texas.”