As the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) prepares for its upcoming annual conference in Portland, Oregon, a notable change in leadership has emerged. Vani Ungapen, AALL’s Executive Director since October 2018, has announced her departure at the end of August to pursue a new professional opportunity. This development comes just a month prior to the annual meeting, and it has prompted the organization to initiate the search for a new executive director.
Ungapen’s tenure at AALL has been marked by significant accomplishments that include strengthening the association’s financial stability and expanding membership. According to AALL, her leadership has resulted in a 70 percent increase in assets, credited in part to diversifying revenue streams and adapting to virtual environments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association has lauded her efforts in overseeing the transition to virtual conferences and reintroducing in-person conferences, such as the 2022 conference in Denver.
AALL President Cornell H. Winston publicly commended Ungapen, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to Vani for her nearly seven years of dedicated and exceptional service.” During her time as Executive Director, Ungapen introduced AALL’s first learning management system and facilitated the association’s relocation to a more cost-effective headquarters.
However, Ungapen’s leadership has not been without its challenges. The organization has a complex membership base that includes law librarians from various sectors—private, academic, and government—which has occasionally led to internal tensions. A recent discussion highlights longstanding issues that predate her leadership, with some academic librarians considering the formation of a separate entity. Despite these challenges, these issues are largely perceived as inherited rather than newly developed under Ungapen’s leadership.
Reflecting on her tenure, Ungapen expressed her gratitude towards the AALL staff and governance. She stated, “I am deeply grateful to the 2018 search committee and the Executive Board for placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to lead AALL. I am especially thankful to the dedicated AALL staff, who, through ups and downs, have continued to show their commitment and passion for this Association and for the members. I also want to thank past and current leadership for their guidance, trust, and support throughout my tenure.”
Prior to her role at AALL, Ungapen had extensive experience, including positions such as the manager of global education and membership for the National Association of Realtors and director of global business and legislative research with Florida Realtors. As Ungapen prepares for her next chapter, AALL will appoint a search committee to guide the selection of a new executive director, ensuring leadership continuity as the organization convenes for yet another pivotal annual gathering.