The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) has announced a slate of 13 accomplished professionals who have stepped forward as candidates for the Board of Directors for the term spanning 2027 to 2029. As GALA Executive Director Allison Ferch notes, these individuals have generously committed their time and expertise to the association. Among the candidates are prominent figures such as Andrea Ballista, co-founder and CEO of Voiseed, and Annelise Finegan, the Academic Director of Translation & Interpreting at New York University. This diverse array of candidates reflects the rich tapestry of expertise present within the localization industry.

GALA members will elect four directors from these 13 candidates. The election process mandates that at least 40% of eligible voting members participate for the elections to be deemed valid. This democratic structure ensures that the elected directors accurately represent the interests and perspectives of the GALA community. Following the election timeline outlined by GALA Global, voting opens on October 14, 2026, and closes on November 2, 2026. The results will be communicated on November 12, 2026, both via email and on the GALA website.

Once the results are in, the newly elected directors will commence their roles at the start of the new year, beginning their three-year term on January 1, 2027. This transition marks a continued commitment to strengthening GALA's influence in the localization industry. Among the candidates are industry leaders like Kirti Vashee, a Language Technology Evangelist at Translated, and Luis Miguel, founder and CEO of Avantpage, further underlining the caliber of professionals vying for leadership roles within GALA.

The forthcoming election not only underscores the importance of governance within industry associations but also highlights GALA's commitment to professional excellence and inclusivity. By involving a wide range of voices in their leadership structure, GALA aims to drive innovation and address the evolving challenges facing the language services sector. This proactive approach to leadership selection ensures that GALA remains at the forefront of advocacy and advancement in localization and globalization efforts.