Established in 1876, the Executive Board consists of the officers of the Association, the immediate past president, and 8 members elected by Council from its membership for four year terms. The members of the Executive Board are members of Council (1) Acting for the Council, the Executive Board administers the established policies and programs. As the management board of ALA, it is responsible for headquarters operations, subject to review by Council, and makes recommendations with respect to policy and operations (2).

The Executive Director is appointed by the Executive Board. The Executive Director is in charge of headquarters and its personnel, carries out the activities provided for in the budget, and perfroms such other duties as may be assigned. Originally an elected position, the office of Executive Secretary became an appointed position in 1909 (3). The title changed to Executive Director in 1958 (4).