Dr. Joyce Gilbert, RDN, has been appointed Executive Director of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL).
After serving as Interim Executive Director since September 2025, Dr. Gilbert brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a strong vision for the future of the Association.
The full press release
Aloha Colleagues and Friends, I’m overjoyed to share our exciting news with you. After serving AALL with care and intention as Interim Executive Director since September 22, 2025, Dr. Joyce Gilbert, RDN, has been appointed as our Executive Director. Many of you have already had the opportunity to work with Joyce over the past several months. During that time, she has brought a thoughtful, collaborative approach to her work with the Executive Board, select AALL committees, and staff, with a clear focus on strengthening the Association and supporting our members. It quickly became evident that she understands who we are as a community and where we want to go.
Joyce brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit and for-profit organizations, academia, and entrepreneurial ventures. A proud U.S. military veteran, she has led organizations through periods of growth and change, with a strong emphasis on innovation, strategic thinking, and building sustainable foundations. In her previous role as president and CEO of the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals, she guided major initiatives in digital transformation, data strategy, and workforce development—work that reflects both vision and practical impact. What has stood out most to me, however, is how naturally Joyce connects with people. She listens closely, values different perspectives, and approaches challenges with both curiosity and care. Those qualities have already made a meaningful difference for our staff and volunteers, and I’m confident they will continue to strengthen our Association. “I am honored to continue serving AALL and its members in this role,” Dr. Gilbert shared. “Law librarians and legal information professionals play a vital role in ensuring access to trusted legal information, and I’m grateful to be part of this community. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and members to build on the Association’s strong foundation and support the profession’s continued growth and impact. A dream realized requires the discipline to make it successful and the acumen to ensure it multiplies.” Joyce’s experience also includes service in the U.S. Army Reserves Specialist Medical Corps, where she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in nutritional sciences, and a doctorate in food science and human nutrition. Please join me in welcoming Joyce to this role. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the strong foundation we will continue building together. Mahalo, Jenny Silbiger AALL President, 2025–2026
