AC26 | Session 03
Training the Trainer: Creating Records Management All Stars
Target: Federal, Tribal, State, Local, Public Institutions of Higher Learning
Focus: Archives, Records Management
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
GARA: "Program Establishment & Administration" OR "Training, Advocacy & Outreach"
Overview

Records Management is a team sport (it is key that everyone is using the same playbook and listens to the coach). A great coach leads an effective training program that empowers employees with knowledge and confidence in recordkeeping. The right plays build a solid training program that keeps your playing field in compliance. The trainer can make or break a program before everyone takes their seats (how can you create a resilient program that adapts to the challenges of budgets and approval layers)?

This session is aimed at leaders of all levels of experience and addresses key ideas for building a strong collaborative program.

Whether your organization already has a RIM training course in place or you’re looking to start one, this session is for you.

Key Topics Covered
  • What to consider when selecting a training platform
  • Annual reassessments
  • Building rapport across the agency (especially with IT and HR)
  • Tailoring training to the perspective of the audience
  • Incorporating accessibility requirements and aligning communications
  • Building early advocates
  • Developing a Records Management Master Plan

Using real world successes (and failures), the presenters offer advice on strategic leadership through training to help you build a scalable, sustainable records culture that can pivot with change.

This is not a traditional technical session on training platforms. Instead, it highlights the importance of leadership through relationship building, transparency, and strategic planning. Attendees will learn how to assess current tools and platforms, create a training plan, tailor content to diverse audiences, build rapport across departments, collaborate with IT and legal teams, and use training as a tool for change management and policy reinforcement.

Presenters
Ashley White
Ashley White
Records Manager, Division of TennCare
Ashley White is the Records Manager for the Division of TennCare (Tennessee's managed Medicaid/Medicare agency). She brings over 20 years of experience in museums, archives, and libraries. As a team of one, she focuses on records requests, training, data retention and governance; she weighs in on litigation hold and disaster recovery processes as well. Ashley is a former NAGARA mentee, a current mentor, and has also participated in TennCare's mentorship and Leadership Academy. When off the clock, Ashley prefers playing video games, playing with her dog, and continues to involve herself in history as much as possible. Her personal project for 2026 is the restoration and rededication of a Revolutionary War soldier's family cemetery.
Teshawna Threat
Records and Information Management Analyst, Library of Virginia
Teshawna has been a Records Management Analyst for the Library of Virginia for over 2 years, holding a certification as a Records and Information Management Analyst from the ICRM. She currently serves as Chair for the ICRM Academic Partnership Committee, promoting the profession of records management with current graduate students across the nation. Additionally, she serves as the Treasurer of the ARMA International Richmond Chapter.

As a graduate of Louisiana State University, Teshawna proactively works as an alum providing insight into the career background of library services and records management. Working for public libraries for over 16 years, Teshawna became a certified Librarian in 2023, as she is dedicated to the organization and accessibility of information for clients and patrons.