AC26 | Session 08
A Deep Dive into ICRM Certification
Target: Federal, Tribal, State, Local, Public Institutions of Higher Learning
Focus: Records Management
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
GARA: N/A
Overview

This session provides a practical overview of achieving certification with the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), featuring a group of experienced Certified Records Managers (CRM) who have successfully navigated the ICRM Certification process.

We will share their journeys within the RIM profession, discuss their experiences with the CRM/CRA exams, highlight the career benefits of these certifications, and provide advice for those deciding between the CRM and CRA certification options.

Attendees can expect to gain a well-rounded perspective of the certification process along with personal stories about how ICRM certifications can support professional growth. This is an interactive session and questions from the attendees is encouraged and to leverage the wealth of knowledge shared by the panelists through their firsthand experiences.

Presenters
Wendy McLain
President, ICRM
Wendy McLain, MLIS, CRM is a veteran RIM/IG leader with 30+ years of experience across government, healthcare, engineering, and energy sectors, where she partnered with IT, Legal, Compliance, and other teams to drive smarter processes, stronger compliance, and meaningful information governance improvements. A believer in giving back, she has served in international leadership roles including the ICRM Board (2012–18; 2025–present) and the ARMA International Board (2019–2024), including serving as President of both organizations. After returning to Baton Rouge in 2024 (trading HEB and tortillas for LSU tailgating and gumbo!) Wendy joined LSU’s School of Information Studies as an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, where she leads the Graduate Certificate in Records & Information Management and mentors emerging professionals.
 
Tim O'Toole
Tim O'Toole
Director of Records Management, Central Florida Expressway Authority
Tim O’Toole, CRM, IGP, is the Director of Records Management for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (“CFX”) and has over 25 years of RIM/IG experience. Most of his career has been exclusively in local government where he has been creating, implementing, and managing RIM/IG programs. As the Director of Records Management, Tim is responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective RIM/IG program, advising senior management on RIM/IG issues and training agency employees on RIM/IG principles. In addition to his professional career, Tim has held many leadership roles over the course of his career serving as the President for his local ARMA Chapter in Orlando, as a past President of the Florida Records Management Association (“FRMA”) and is currently serving as the Chair of the Institute of Certified Records Managers (“ICRM”). He graduated from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and currently holds the esteemed designations of Certified Records Manager (“CRM”) and Information Governance Professional (“IGP”).