Carrie Kolles started with ALA at the end of 2023 as Director of Membership. Upon joining the team, Carrie immediately made it her mission to connect with as many members as possible, spearheading a calling campaign and re-envisioning ALA's membership communications and marketing materials.

Carrie is a Midwesterner who grew up in Minnesota (yes, she is Minnesota Nice!), then lived twenty years in Chicago (yes, in the city!), and now lives in Wisconsin (yes, summers are magical!). Carrie has a double degree in English and Sociology from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, a small liberal arts college in Minnesota. She will tell you herself that she loves people and words.

Carrie spent her professional career honing her skills around one quality: building relationships. Whether it was during her time in sports management, or fundraising in higher education and global health care, it has all centered around telling stories of transformation and using her enthusiasm to grow involvement.  

In her spare time, Carrie enjoys hiking in the Kettle Moraine, spending hours on the golf course, and challenging her husband to a game of Sequence. She is excited to be part of the ALA team and surround herself with ALA's passionate members who can change the vibe of a space with one light!