Annual Awards Luncheon & Keynote

This year's Annual Awards Luncheon & Keynote is sponsored by NAGARA Strategic Partner, Backstage Library Works. This luncheon is a special occasion where we come together as an organization to celebrate excellence and acknowledge the exceptional achievements of our Annual Awards Program recipients. Prepare to indulge in a delightful Georgia inspired buffet lunch while we pay tribute to these deserving recipients.

Following the award ceremony, attendees will get to hear from our esteemed luncheon's keynote speaker, Meredith R. Evans, Ph. D., Director, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, who will speak about "The Purpose and Future of Presidential Libraries."

Meredith Evans is a manager of cultural heritage and since the fall of 2015 has been the appointed director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). She is the first African American woman to direct a Presidential Library. As director she focuses on civic engagement, the role of the presidency and public policy, and making accessible the records of President Carter, his Cabinet, the White House administration and Mrs. Rosalyn Carter. Evans has expertise in selection, acquisition and preservation of print, audio, visual and digital collections, management, library-wide staff development, fundraising, and community engagement. She was the 74th President of the Society of American Archivists, an SAA Fellow, and holds an additional Presidential appointment as a member of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). She has written on the role and value of museums, libraries and archives. Evans earned a master of library science from Clark Atlanta University and master’s degree in public history at North Carolina State University and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Annually, NAGARA recognizes leaders and innovators in the field of government archives and records management through its Annual Awards Program. This year, NAGARA is delighted to announce and recognize the following award recipients during the Annual Awards Luncheon:

~ Emerging Leader Award (2 Recipients)~

NAGARA's Emerging Leader Award recognizes and encourages early-career archivists or records managers at the local, state, or federal level of government who have demonstrated significant promise of leadership, have completed archival/records management work of merit, and/or have performed commendable service to the archives/records management profession.

Nominated by Pam Looker, Lucretia Frame has made significant strides in just two and a half years. She transformed the Muskingum County Records Center into a proactive institution, ensuring compliance with Ohio’s Public Records Laws and fostering a deeper understanding of records management across county offices. Lucretia's outreach programs, including partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters, demonstrate her dedication to making records management accessible and engaging.

Nominated by Genesie Miller, Heidi Steed has been a driving force in advancing archival practices across Utah since 2017. She has tirelessly provided training, developed crucial policies, and strengthened relationships between state and local governments. Heidi's initiative to overhaul the General Retention Schedules exemplifies her commitment to simplifying processes for smaller government bodies.

~ NAGARA Program Excellence Award (2 Recipients) ~

The NAGARA Program Excellence Award recognizes collaborative and innovative government archives and records management programs or initiatives. Recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to creativity and partnering with people and groups outside of their own office.

 Nominated by James Earl Kichas, the Utah State Archives and Records Service Local Government Team work has been recognized for its excellence and impact. The team, comprised of Alan Barnett, Genesie Miller, and Heidi Steed, has excelled in addressing the unique recordkeeping needs of Utah’s diverse local government entities.

 Their proactive approach, dedication, and innovative methods have significantly enhanced records management and preservation across the state.

 Alan Barnett has led significant projects, such as preserving cemetery records, and mentorship of interns and volunteers.  Heidi Steed, as we know, has provided exemplary customer service and updates to the General Retention Schedule. Genesie Miller has expanded resources and support through the Utah State Historical Records Advisory Board.

 Together, their collaborative efforts have dramatically improved how Utah’s local governments manage and preserve their records, ensuring better compliance and accessibility.

The City of Georgetown Records Program has implemented a comprehensive records management strategy and achieved remarkable milestones that exemplify excellence in government archives and records management.

 This initiative includes the development of policies, procedures, and training programs, alongside the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to enhance record accessibility and preservation.

 Nominated by Matthew Kunkle, the City of Georgetown Records Program has established crucial partnerships with Georgetown’s Information Technology Department, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC), MCCi Innovations, and Kofile Preservation.

 Through these collaborations, the City of Georgetown has improved efficiency, transparency, and public access to records.

 The City of Georgetown Records Program sets a standard of excellence in local government records management, embodying the principles of leadership, compliance, collaboration, innovation, and impact—hallmarks of the NAGARA Program Excellence Award.