Category Archives: SOA Leadership

Call for Task Force Members – Social Justice and Black Lives Matter

To help SOA and SOA Council act upon the principles in SOA’s “Statement on Racial Inequality and Black Lives Matter,” Council has approved the creation of a Task Force on Social Justice and Black Lives Matter.

SOA Council is now seeking volunteers to fill the Task Force and is currently looking for both a chair and general members.

If you would like to join the Task Force—either as a chair or member—please fill out the linked Google Form by October 1.

For more information about the Task Force, Chair position, and membership responsibilities, see the SJBLM Task Force page.

Questions? Contact SOA President Adam Wanter.

New SOA Committee Cochairs named, summer 2020

Adam Wanter, president of the Society of Ohio Archivists, is pleased to announce new committee cochair appointments. Cochair terms are for two years, with possibility of one renewal. Terms run from June to July.

See the Committees page for information on all of SOA’s committees. Interested in committee work? Contact that committee’s chairs–info on that page.

Advocacy and Outreach
Jenifer Baker, Warren County Records Center & Archives replaces Melissa Dalton, Greene County Records Center and Archives, who was elected to Council. Jenifer joins Cochair Natalie Fritz, Clark County Historical Society.

Educational Programming
Rachael Bussert, Dayton Metro Library, replaces Stephanie Bricking, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, who completed her term. Rachael joins Cochair William Modrow, Miami University.

Marketing and Communications
Amanda Rindler, Ohio History Connection, joins Cochair Janet Carleton, Ohio University.

SOA Election Results 2020

Sherri Goudy portrait

Sherri Goudy

The Society of Ohio Archivists held its normally scheduled election online for the first time ever, over the period of May 6-22. This election moved online due to the global pandemic and cancellation of the in-person Annual Meeting (usually held in mid-May), during which members voted.

 

Lisa Rickey portrait

Lisa Rickey

With the results now in and officially recognized, SOA welcomes its new leaders:

  • Melissa Dalton, Greene County Records Center & Archives, as Council member;
  • Sherri Goudy, Nerd Girl History Adventure, as Vice-President/President Elect;
  • Lisa Rickey, Wright State University Libraries, as Treasurer.
Melissa Dalton portrait

Melissa Dalton

Council would like to thank Cate Putirskis, The Ohio State University, outgoing Council member; and Mark Bloom, University of Akron, outgoing Treasurer; for all that they have done for SOA. Council also thanks the members who voted, and the Nominating Committee.

For more information see the Officer and Council Member roster and the Nominating Committee page.

SOA Council Statement on Racial Inequality and Black Lives Matter

June 3, 2020—We, at the Society of Ohio Archivists, are profoundly saddened and outraged by the numerous, unjustified deaths of Black men and women in our country.  We grieve the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless more who have died because of police brutality fueled by hate. We grieve the brutal lynching of Ahmaud Arbery at the hands of vigilante white men, including a former police officer. We condemn the use of violence, vigilantism, and the weaponization of supremacy, and we denounce police violence against Black people.

As archivists, we know this problem is deeply rooted in the history and founding of our nation. It is also rooted in our institutions, including archives. We are committed to recognizing and breaking down systems of white supremacy within our own archives. For decades, the historical narrative has largely left out the stories of Black people in our country. Part of our work as archivists includes creating a space where we can collaborate and dialogue with those whose stories have been marginalized, ignored, and silenced. Our efforts and missions include learning from the past to prepare for the future. We can only do that if we include all voices. Continue reading →

SOA Call for Nominations EXTENDED: President-Elect/Vice President, Treasurer, Council

The Society of Ohio Archivists Nominating Committee would like to announce a call for nominations for 3 positions: one open Council position and the President-Elect/Vice President and Treasurer positions. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged, as are peer nominations. All positions are for two year terms of office. Continue reading →

Call to Membership: SOA Constitution and Bylaws Revisions

Council has been working very hard updating the SOA Strategic Plan over the last year. One piece of that work has been amending our Constitution and Bylaws. Linked here is the marked-up draft of proposed amendments to the SOA Constitution and Bylaws, as proposed by six current SOA members. These amendments will be voted on by members during the upcoming business meeting that will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019 at the SOA Annual Conference in Akron. Members are invited to bring their questions and comments up at the time of the business meeting or send them to me directly at [email protected]. All questions and comments that I receive will be brought up at the business meeting in May.

I hope to see many of you in a few weeks in Akron!

Robin Heise

SOA President (2017-2019)

Records Manager/Archivist

Greene County Records Center and Archives

535 Ledbetter Road, Xenia, OH 45385

Tel: (937) 562-6489

Fax: (937) 562-6485

Email: [email protected]

SOA Call for Nominations 2019

The SOA Nominating Committee would like to announce a call for nominations for the following open SOA Council positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and two Council positions. Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged, as are peer nominations. All positions are for two year terms of office.

Candidates must be current SOA members in good standing and be willing and able to attend regular council meetings and business activities (both in-person and virtually).

The election will be held during the SOA Annual Business Meeting held during the SOA Spring Meeting on Friday, May 17, 2019 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel. Candidates will be required to write a response to a question to be printed in the Ohio Archivist prior to the election.

More details about responsibilities and terms can be located in the SOA bylaws.

Please send any questions to Jillian Ramage at [email protected], and make sure to submit your nominations to Jillian by Friday, January 4, 2019.

Newest Council Members and Council Liaisons

Although the SOA Annual meeting is over, we have a couple of new bits of information to share below:

The newest council members and treasurer have been announced!

Council Members:

  • Cate Putirskis – Special Collections Processing Manager, Ohio State University Libraries
  • Sherri Goudy – Ohio History Service Corps Member, Logan County History Center/Ohio History Connection

Treasurer:

  • Mark Bloom – Archives Associate, Senior, The University of Akron

We also have the new list of Council Liaisons (check the various committee pages for updates soon)