826CHI is thrilled to announce an important milestone in our organizational journey: the appointment of Aimee Strittmatter (she/her) as our next Executive Director, beginning January 5, 2026. After an extensive and thoughtful search process, the Board of Directors selected Aimee for her deep expertise in youth development, library services, and community-centered leadership—and her belief in the power of storytelling to spark connection, imagination, and agency in young people.
Below is the full press release with additional background on Aimee, insights from our Board Chair, and what this next chapter means for our young authors and partners.
For Immediate Release: December 8, 2025
Contact: Larry Griffin, Board Chair, 826CHI — lgriffin@gmail.com
CHICAGO— The Board of Directors at 826CHI is pleased to announce the appointment of Aimee Strittmatter (she/her) as the organization’s next Executive Director beginning January 5, 2026. Strittmatter brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience spanning youth development, library services, program design, and organizational strategy. Most recently, she supported the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, helping launch national initiatives and statewide Intellectual Freedom Helplines.
Previously, Strittmatter served as Executive Director of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a 4,000-member division of ALA dedicated to creating a better future for children through libraries. Her earlier career includes roles at the Chicago Public Library and the Public Library of Westland, Michigan. She holds degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, along with a certificate in Women’s Executive Leadership from Cornell University.
“Aimee is a compassionate, strategic, and mission-driven leader whose career has been dedicated to championing literacy skills for young people,” said Larry Griffin, Board Chair of 826CHI. “Her extensive experience in youth-serving organizations, her commitment to equity, and her deep personal belief in the power of storytelling make her the ideal leader to guide 826CHI into its next chapter. As we turn the page from 2025 to 2026, we are excited to welcome Aimee and look forward to the impact she will help shape with and for Chicago’s young authors.”
“826CHI is an extraordinary student-centered organization that has long created welcoming, safe spaces for Chicago’s young people to ignite their curiosity, share their stories, inspire action, and nurture understanding,” said Strittmatter. “I am deeply honored to join 826CHI’s next chapter and am thrilled to work alongside the dedicated staff, Board of Directors, supporters, and community partners to amplify student voices and open new possibilities for Chicago’s young people to explore, connect, and grow into the next generation of authors and leaders.”
826CHI also extends its gratitude to Alicia T. Vega, who served as Interim Executive Director throughout 2025, providing steady leadership and guiding the organization through key transitions.
The search for 826CHI’s new leader was led by Reflector Lab, a consulting firm based in Chicago. More information on Reflector Lab’s search and other service areas can be found at www.reflectorlab.com.