ULA Annual Conference 2026

Lisa Varga Keynote: "Beyond the Honeymoon Phase: Reflections on 13 months at the ALA Washington Office"

When Lisa Varga assumed the role of Chief Advocacy Officer at the American Library Association, she changed zip codes and stepped into the epicenter of a shifting national discourse. Moving to Washington, D.C., during a period of historic political and social volatility, Lisa faced the dual challenge of ALA’s transformation alongside a competitive advocacy landscape. Thirteen months later, the "honeymoon phase" has ended. In this candid session, Lisa will move beyond the standard highlight reel to share the raw reality of policy in the nation’s capital. Lessons learned, mistakes she won’t make again, and what has given her hope as she has met with legislators and crisscrossed the country engaging with library leaders.