Applications open Tuesday, July 15. To be notified when applications open, fill out this interest form.
RAILS Catalyst is a modern leadership development program that ignites RAILS libraries’ current and future leaders to drive progress, manage change with empathy, and solve problems that move their communities forward.
Over eight months, forty participants will collaboratively explore key leadership competencies and critical questions. You'll engage in monthly virtual sessions and two in-person gatherings. With personalized and dynamic coaching from Certified Professional Coach Becky Thalmann, you'll create flexible frameworks tailored to your unique style and context.
RAILS Catalyst participation for this inaugural year is supported by the Reaching Across Illinois Library System and provided to participants free of charge.
RAILS Catalyst will position you to:
- Lead effectively at all levels with tools for building self-leadership, team leadership, and cross-functional leadership.
- Build a collaborative learning community to tackle challenges, embrace risks, and foster growth among trusted peers.
- Strengthen the foundation for thriving and resilient libraries, ensuring their continued relevance and impact throughout Illinois.
When
In-Person RAILS Catalyst Kick-Off
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9 a.m. - noon
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Get your first introduction to RAILS Catalyst, get to know your cohort, and participate in leadership discussions.
Monthly Online Coaching Sessions & Cohort Meetings
Second Tuesdays, 3 – 5 p.m., November 2025 – April 2026
In-Person RAILS Catalyst Summit
May 2026: Details, date and time TBA
About You
RAILS Catalyst is designed for professional staff in RAILS member libraries aiming to expand their leadership responsibilities or enhance their leadership abilities in their current roles. Consider applying if…
- You’re in a formal leadership role managing others, or an informal leadership role overseeing projects involving team collaboration.
- You demonstrate leadership potential, a desire to grow, and a commitment to enhancing your leadership skills.
- You are driven to create meaningful impact in your library, community, and in the state of Illinois libraries
- You strive to unlock the potential in yourself and others by fostering supportive environments that encourage connection, trust, and collective development.
RAILS values candidates who embody the diversity of our membership across race, ethnicity, age, geography, and more. We believe that the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents of individuals are vital to Illinois library culture, reputation, and success. This program is aligned with Goal Two of RAILS’ Strategic Plan "RAILS models best practices in equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion." We strive to model best practices in fostering a truly inclusive environment.
About Becky Thalmann
Becky Thalmann is partnering with the RAILS team as the lead designer and facilitator of the Catalyst program. She brings over 20 years of experience enabling leaders and organizations to thrive. A Certified Professional Coach and transformational leadership expert, Becky combines mindset, strategy, and systems to support modern, real-world leadership.
She founded Vivica Partners to transform how real-deal leaders think, work, and live. Prior to that, she spent nearly a decade at Google, where she led high-impact initiatives and guided teams through complex change. Her facilitation style is warm, honest, highly actionable, and known for helping leaders unlock what’s stuck and turn insight into momentum.
Becky brings deep expertise in coaching, adult learning, and behavior change—and a strong belief that leadership development should be personalized and grounded in real challenges. Through RAILS Catalyst, she aims to help Illinois library professionals build clarity, confidence, and the capacity to lead in ways that create meaningful change in their teams and communities.
Application
Applications open on Tuesday, July 15, and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 15. Applications will require a statement of support from your administrator. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance in early September.
Questions?
If you have questions about RAILS Catalyst, contact Kate Niehoff, Director of Consulting & Continuing Education, at kate.niehoff@railslibraries.org.