Lyrasis, the "mission-driven" tech nonprofit serving libraries, museums, and research communities has announced the appointment of John Wilkin as its new CEO. Wilkin's appointment will begin on December 1, 2022.
Currently Dean of Libraries and University Librarian at the University of Illinois, Wilkin brings a strong resume to the role, which includes a key role in the creation of HathiTrust, the nonprofit digital library collaborative that preserves and provides access to more than 17 million digitized items, serving as its first Executive Director.
“Through his successful and impactful community-driven work, his tenure in the library space, and his deep leadership experience, including as Provost for the University of Illinois, John Wilkin is the ideal candidate to bring about meaningful change for Lyrasis and the institutions we serve," said Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, Chair of the Lyrasis Board of Trustees and Vice Provost for University Libraries at the University at Buffalo, in a statement. "We are excited about the future of Lyrasis under John’s leadership and are looking forward to supporting John, the Lyrasis staff and our partners and members in this next chapter.”
Wilkin was appointed after a six-month search conducted by the Lyrasis Board of Trustees (with input from Lyrasis staff and external stakeholders) and will succeed Erin Tripp, currently Interim Lyrasis CEO, who took the helm after CEO Robert Miller announced his departure in February.
“Throughout my entire career, I've worked to promulgate technologies, projects, and initiatives that support libraries and other collections-holding institutions in their mission of making knowledge more accessible," said Wilkin of his new role. “My goal is to create collective strength, both within Lyrasis and among our wider community, through innovative, inclusive and trust-driven leadership.”
