October 1, 2020, marks a new beginning in many corners of the genealogical community and Gen-Fed is no exception. I am happy today to pass the baton to Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, CGL, the new Director of Genealogical Institute of Federal Records.
I am reluctant to start naming individuals who have helped make my time with Gen-Fed so rewarding and downright fun—from the leaders who served on the Board, to the faculty who gave so generously of their time and energy, to the attendees who shared their excitement, and the staff at NARA who went above and beyond—but a special appreciation goes to Debra A. Hoffman who supported the institute and me every day.
The seeds for today’s successful program were sown in the 1980s by Lynn McMillion and Marie Melchiori, then nurtured by Claire Bettag and Patricia Shawker. It has been an honor to follow them. If you are not familiar with the institute’s rich history, you can read about it here.
As with any good baton exchange, there’s a period of overlap and Debra and I will be working closely with Rebecca in the months to come. And rooting her on the rest of the way!
Malissa Ruffner