Past Presidents' Messages

January 10, 2025

On behalf of your board at ARMA New England, we wish you a happy and healthy 2025 as we look forward to sunnier and warmer days ahead!

The first half of our programming year included a very successful EMPOWER conference at Simmons University and a well-attended webinar on Privacy and IG followed up with an afternoon Tea Chat discussion with the presenter. We’re planning on more of that in the first half of 2025 and are looking at a late Spring in-person/hybrid program as well. We’ve targeted the end of February for our 3rd annual DEIA in IG panel discussion. Please stay tuned as we finalize those plans.

One thing I certainly miss since the pandemic is getting to see and talk to others in our community in person. EMPOWER showed that I’m not alone. The chatter during lunch and the post-program reception was very lively!

There were a handful of us New England Chapter members that attended ARMA’s InfoCon 24 in Houston. The rest of this letter are my personal reflections that I hope you find useful to read.

Reflections on ARMA InfoCon 2024

Houston, TX October 13-16, 2024

Location, Conference Center, Surroundings/Logistics

Overall, I found Houston to be a fun, navigable downtown location. Good hotel, close to the conference center and area restaurants and activities. The conference center itself was HUGE and COLD (and I did heed the warnings, but still shivered at times). Having the exhibit hall 2 floors down from the session rooms was a bit of a challenge in being able to squeeze in visits between sessions and I felt bad for the few that were exhibiting in the lobby of the 3rd floor. It was too easy to pass them by – and many did. 

Leadership development

Led by members of the CAC (Chapter Advisory Committee), we heard a bit from ARMA International leadership on some new and upcoming initiatives. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that International has been doing more RIM/IG advocating nationally – I think they should do more and a better job at making the rest of us aware.

Most of this time was spent split up in groups to discuss challenges that most boards are facing such as Engaging Members, Encouraging Volunteers to join your board, Recruiting members in general, Treasurer/budgeting topics like where to funnel your chapter funds, etc.

Speakers/Content

Some sessions provided more “meat” than others. Most of the sessions were labeled for Beginners so someone with years of experience may not have found as much value. However, there are always some very good speakers and unique topics to learn from. For me, that included Mark Diamond who always provides useful information in a relatable way; Darra Hofman’s session on using a RIM Privacy Maturity Model; and a presentation from corporate marketing experts and using that knowledge to promote their RIM program.

ARMA partnered with ILTA for many of the sessions targeting the legal industry. Some of this was great for someone in any industry to listen to, but some sessions seemed to be too specific to the legal industry (based on the title/content description) so I didn’t attend those. I’d be curious to see how the attendee numbers were for those sessions. I like the partnership idea and would like to see that expanded to other industries while slightly reducing the amount of legal focused presentations. ILTA, ALA, and Legal Week exist for a reason. 😊

Keynotes

  • Dr. Phil Plait – “Downloading the Universe”
    • Astronomer, Author and more
    • Very interesting presentation for anyone who gets excited by space travel and the universe outside of Earth. Little relation to information governance, but the presenter did tie in some data uses.
  • John Montel – “Unlocking the Future: Transforming RM in the Digital Age – Opportunity for Change”
    • Chief Information Officer - US Dept of Interior, Bureau of Trust Funds
    • Also an interesting speaker coming from a totally different place. 

Program Sessions (that I attended)

  • Searching for Treasure: Finding AI/Tech Tools to Help Manage Your Data
    • Speaker(s): David Cohen, Cheryl Strom
  • Building IG Accountability Systems into Your AI Adoption: A Practical Approach for IG Professionals
    • Speaker(s):  Jason Cassidy 
  • Navigating the Compliance Maze: Industry Insights on Regulatory Challenges and Best Practices
    • Speaker(s):  James Bejoian, Nate D. Hughes, CAE, IGP, Anne Cornish, Jennie Gift
  • Is Your Records Retention Schedule Ready to Support Privacy and AI?
    • Speaker(s):  Mark Diamond 
  • Can You Prove Electronic Recordkeeping Compliance?
    • Speaker(s):  Bruce Miller
  • Delete Now or Pay Later: The Compelling Case for Defensible Disposition
    • Speaker(s): Lisa M Lubak, Martin Tully, Cheryl Strom, Laurie Carpenter
  • Using Marketing Principles to Effectively Communicate Your Information Governance Program
    • Speaker(s): Lauren T Doerries, Brianne Aul, Lynn O'Shea
  • Helping Privacy Grow Up: The RIM Privacy Maturity Model
    • Speaker(s):  Darra Hofman

Vendor-led Sessions (that I attended)

I found these shorter sessions to be very valuable but could be better put together. I struggled to be able to attend multiple sessions as some started before others finished. It was also challenging to hear some of them since they were in the open area of the exhibit hall, next to other sessions, with no ceiling to help with the sound.

  • Inbox Indigestion: 40 Years of Email and Retention Pain - Sponsored by RecordPoint
    • Speaker(s): Kris Brown
  • Stop Pushing it Off: Simplify Your Retention Schedule Review with Legal Confidence  - Sponsored by Access
    • Speaker(s):  Samantha Poindexter, Omero Banuelos
  • Cut the Nonsense on AI, Let’s Talk Basics! - Sponsored by Filerskeepers
    • Speaker(s):  Wanne Pemmelaar
  • The Flip Side of Retention: Disposition - Sponsored by Iron Mountain
    • Speaker(s):  Steven Williams, Sue Trombley, Neil Reeves
  • Putting the Future of IG to Work - Sponsored by Filerskeepers
    • Speaker(s):  Wanne Pemmelaar, Kurt Thies, Aaron Ryssemus, Michael Schweitzer, Carl Schriefer

Vendor Exhibits

Overall, seemed just a little smaller (# of vendors) than my last visit (Nashville in 2022). There were a few exhibitors placed on the session level which seemed unfortunate as there was plenty of space outside of the main exhibition hall (as well as inside it).

Solid representation of vendors from throughout the industry. I’d love to see ARMA recruit some of the tech/security associations to have a presence.

Conclusions

Did I depart with valuable/relevant information, new and/or regenerated contacts, additions to my network? Yes. More so on the renewing and adding to my network. The nuggets of learning were a little scarce this time around. Part of that was due to the session topics, part was due to my latest phase of my career (and decades of experience). As a consultant vs an in-house records manager, my priorities have shifted from buying to partnering or looking to sell my services.

Will I return in 2025? Or will I “graduate” to InfoNext? (or another conference(s))

Ideally, I’ll attend both. InfoCon sessions now appear (whether intentional or not) to be more suited for beginners to the field while InfoNext (as the name might imply) tends to offer more advanced content (as the old MER conferences used to be). However, InfoCon seems to be larger in terms of numbers of attendees and vendor exhibits. I get a lot of value out of the networking opportunities between other conference-goers and exhibitors.

As budget plays a large role, I will have to make choices based on my career situation at each time.

Final shout outs to

  1. The lunches on Monday and Tuesday – included in the registration fee and pretty tasty!
  2. Coffee coffee coffee all day both days in the exhibition space
  3. Badge kiosk printing – did it myself with the QR code from my registration email. No long waiting to get checked in!
  4. The Rustic party (thanks, VRC) – the band and drinks were fun. However, I had to order room service when I got back as there was not enough food to drink options. (thankfully I didn’t drink too much!)

Stay warm and hope to see you soon

Chris Bednar, CRM, IGP
[email protected]

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July 26, 2024

Happy Summer, ARMA New England!

I am thrilled to take on the role of Chapter President and I want to thank our immediate past Chapter President, John Curran, and the Board of Directors for their dedication, amazing amount of hard work, and commitment put into running the chapter over the last two years. Please help me congratulate the members you all voted in who will be working with me for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

  • Vice President — Meg Duncan
  • Immediate Past President — John Curran
  • Secretary — Ruth Adele
  • Treasurer – Donna Day
  • VP Professional Development — Colin Cahill
  • VP Community Outreach — Stephanie McKinney

The 2024-25 Chapter year is kicking off with two exciting events upcoming in September and October - Empower 2024 and our Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

EMPOWER 2024 - Simmons University, Boston, Friday, September 20.

Thanks to your input, we have a great line-up of speakers and topics. To cap off the event, we are hosting a happy hour at the Simmons campus followed by an exclusive trip to Fenway Park, co-sponsored with Gimmal, to see the Red Sox take on the Minnesota Twins. TICKETS to the game ARE INCLUDED in the registration for EMPOWER 24 and are first-come, first-served so register early! Click on the baseball to get to the registration page.

ARMA New England Charity Golf Tournament — October 4, 2024 — Cyprian Keyes

This charity event benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For more information about the event and to register, click on the golf club. 

I  look forward to seeing you at Simmons, Fenway and Cyprian Keyes!

Please reach out directly to me or anyone on the board with suggestions on future events and/or if you are interested in assisting the chapter.

Chris

Chris Bednar, CRM, IGP
[email protected]

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September 6, 2023

Greeting members of ARMA New England!


First, I would like to extend a big thanks to the board members of ARMA New England. We would not have achieved our past and continued success without their support and dedication. An even larger thanks to the members of ARMA New England. We are always grateful for your membership and welcome our new members to the chapter. Your support and participation in the programs and events is much appreciated. 


The challenges of Covid and the pandemic still linger and has changed the way we offer our programming for this year and in the future. Our chapter has had great success this past year with our Diversity, Food Bank and Charity events. Meeting in person is always preferred and we still intend to continue with these type of events as well as virtual/hybrid programs. 


Our first big event of the 2023/2024 year is a two-day program on 9/18 and 9/19.


On the 9/18 we are hosting our second annual ARMA New England Golf Charity tournament. The event is at the Mohegan Sun Golf course and benefits the Make a Wish foundation. Come join us and our sponsors for a day of golf and collaboration.


On the 9/19 is our “Win with IG” event held at the Mohegan Sun casino. For this event we have an exceptional line-up of speakers who will share their experience and industry knowledge. These are both in person events. Please click the following link to view details, registration, and sponsor opportunities.

ARMA NE September Event

ARMA New England also has a robust social media presence, you are welcome to support:

We look forward to the rest of our new year, expanded membership, knowledge sharing and creation of new opportunities to learn and grow!

John Curran
President, ARMA New England
[email protected]

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October 2022

Greeting members of ARMA New England!

I want to thank everyone for your continued valued membership at ARMA New England and for voting for me as your new ARMA New England Chapter president.

First, I want to offer appreciation to our past president Mark Carter and the Board of Directors for their dedication, amazing amount of hard work and time given during a challenging two years of a pandemic and significant change in the way we collaborate.

Volunteering on a non-profit board such as ARMA certainly has its challenges-balancing work and family schedules, attending meetings, adjusting to new technology and shifting to a virtual way of communicating with your peers. Now that we are emerging from the pandemic, one of my main goals for our region is to enhance the value of being a member of ARMA, locally and nationally. Here are goals for the next two years of ARMA New England.

  • Improve access to career growth opportunities
  • Enhance methods for members to take advantage of relevant educational resources and leverage member expertise
  • Increase the number of sponsors for our chapter and ensure they are supported and see the ROI our chapter offers
  • Continue to increase development of our collaboration with other chapters in sponsorship, programming and education
  • Build upon our community-inclusiveness programs
  • Schedule more in person events and meetings…just like the old days! These include our in-person end of year event and 1st annual golf tournament at Mohegan Sun Golf Club.
  • Make the next two years and beyond exciting and enjoyable for our board and our valued members!

 

With my gratitude expressed, I would like to announce the Board of Directors and VP Class of 2022-2023. Please help me congratulate and thank the following individuals on their successful appointments and positions on the board.

  • Vice President — Susan Gleason
  • Immediate Past President — Mark Carter
  • Secretary — John Attanasio
  • VP Communications and Marketing — Usra Khan
  • VP Technology — Meg Duncan
  • VP Membership — Heidi Bogner
  • VP Professional Development — Colin Cahill
  • VP Community Outreach -Stephanie McKinney


Our chapter looks forward to a new year of increased membership, expansion of our programs and opportunities to learn and build upon your knowledge. Our recipe for success should always include hard work but always mixed with a healthy portion of laughter and fun. Cheers to the members and board of ARMA New England and looking forward to a great rest of the year!

John T. Curran
President, ARMA New England
email: [email protected]

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August 2022

Greeting members of ARMA New England!

Summer is upon us and this means warm weather and also an exciting new year for ARMA New England. Thank you to everyone for your continued valued membership at ARMA New England and for voting for me as your new ARMA New England Chapter president.

First, I want to offer appreciation to our past president Mark Carter and the Board of Directors for their dedication, amazing amount of hard work and time given during a challenging two years of a pandemic and significant change in the way we collaborate.

Volunteering on a non-profit board such as ARMA certainly has its challenges -- balancing work and family schedules, attending meetings, adjusting to new technology and shifting to a virtual way of communicating with your peers. Now that we are emerging from the pandemic, one of my main goals for our region is to enhance the value of being a member of ARMA, locally and nationally. Here are goals for the next two years of ARMA New England.

  • Improve access to career growth opportunities.
  • Enhance methods for members to take advantage of relevant educational resources and leverage member expertise.
  • Increase the number of sponsors for our chapter and ensure they are supported and see the ROI our chapter offers.
  • Continue to increase development of our collaboration with other chapters in sponsorship, programming and education.
  • Build upon our community-inclusiveness programs.
  • Schedule more in person events and meetings…just like the old days! These include our in-person end of year event and 1st annual golf tournament at Mohegan Sun Golf Club.
  • Make the next two years and beyond exciting and enjoyable for our board and our valued members!


With my gratitude expressed, I would like to announce the Board of Directors and VP Class of 2022-2023. Please help me congratulate and thank the following individuals on their successful appointments and positions on the board.

  • Vice President-Susan Gleason
  • Immediate Past President- Mark Carter
  • Secretary-John Attanasio
  • VP Communications and Marketing- Usra Khan
  • VP Technology-Meg Duncan
  • VP Membership-Heidi Bogner
  • VP Professional Development-Colin Cahill
  • VO Community Outreach -Stephanie McKinney


Our chapter looks forward to a new year of increased membership, expansion of our programs and opportunities to learn and build upon your knowledge. Our recipe for success should always include hard work but always mixed with a healthy portion of laughter and fun. Cheers to the members and board of ARMA New England, looking forward to a great rest of the year!

John T. Curran
President, ARMA New England
email: [email protected]

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July 2022

As I reflect, on my last two years as ARMA New England president, I am so grateful and honored for the opportunity to have served the Records and Information Governance community in this leadership role. I have been a part of ARMA for over 30 years and these past two years have been the most rewarding of them all.  

On August 1st, 2020, I wrote my first Presidential Message; ”LIVE, LAUGH, AND Leave a Legacy”

Well, I believe I reached my goals, we all survived and LIVED in a strange and unique time over these past two years.  I LAUGHED, along with this ARMA New England board, and had fun.  And most importantly, I believe I left my mark on this great organization and lifted the chapter to a better place, and left a LEGACY.

I will probably be linked to the pandemic and meetings being all virtual.   It was an interesting and changing time, but I am so excited for the new president, John Curran, and the new board to take things forward. 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as the leader of this great organization. 

Mark S. Carter, CIP, IGP
President, ARMA New England
email: [email protected]
mobile: 617-922-2528

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April 2022

What is the meaning of volunteerism? “It is the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward.”

I can't tell you how much I appreciate my current board. The volunteerism that they have shown for the benefit of the ARMA New England community is outstanding. This board and the ARMA community have mutually benefited from each other.

We have an exciting few months coming up. In April we have the incredible Ann Gore coming to town, virtually that is. In May, hopefully, the last virtual meeting of the year, we've got the time set aside to meet Lewis Eisen and a valuable three-day workshop. Then we have the year-end IN PERSON event. This is still being worked on and details will be out soon. We are so focused, that we are even planning the September meeting which is going to be a Golf event at Mohegan Sun!

We also have some exciting transitions coming up and a chance for you to volunteer and be part of this exciting chapter. I'll be stepping down as President in June and moving into the Past President role. We will have elections for the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Multiple committees are available for anyone and everyone:

  • VP of Professional Development
  • VP of Information Technology led currently by Meg Duncan
  • VP of Membership, led currently by John Curran
  • VP of Marketing
  • VP of Community Outreach, led currently by Stephanie McKinney
  • VP of Business Development


We want your involvement and any amount of time that you can dedicate to ARMA New England. If that is simply a committee role, we want you! To volunteer and be part of this organization is the real benefit of your ARMA membership. The involvement with the people in your community is a real benefit to you!

Volunteerism has been my goal over my tenure as President and I couldn't be prouder of the volunteers I've been associated with during this time. Thank you!

Mark S. Carter, CIP, IGP
President, ARMA New England
mobile: 617-922-2528

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January 2022

Welcome to 2022 ARMA New England Members and Friends!!

I hope this message finds you and your family safe and Omicron-free.    

Wow, it is scary to think that 2021 has come and gone, again a challenging year for everyone. Are you like most people and make a New Years resolution?

 

 

Do something different and please don’t just “Stay The Course”

 

Get involved with ARMA New England in 2022 as your resolution! 

 

 

We have a great team that works together to bring you industry education information, but we need your help, your ideas, and your passion for our industry in 2022.

The Board of Directors has a great lineup for 2022, with a current emphasis on virtual events. There will be many more opportunities to further your records and information management knowledge in the months ahead. Our events page will soon be filled with a full agenda for 2022. To get things started, we are having a Post Holiday Virtual Get Together on Wednesday, January 20th.  Sign-up, have some fun, network with your industry peers, donate to a good cause, and get involved in 2022. I challenge you to add ARMA New England to your resolutions!!

Also, don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels.


As always, please feel free to provide your feedback and ideas anytime to me or anyone on our board.

Mark S. Carter, CIP, IGP
President, ARMA New England
mobile: 617-922-2528

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Presidential Message August 1, 2020

Live, Laugh, and 

Leave A Legacy 

 

By: Mark Carter, President ARMA New England

It is with such an honor that I take the reins as President of ARMA New England from Donda Young.   YES, I did say ARMA New England!  We have officially formed a better community in New England by combining the ARMA Connecticut and Boston chapters.  Susan Gleason, former President of the Connecticut chapter, Donda Young, former President of ARMA Boston and I have been talking about this collaboration for a few years, and it’s now a reality.

LIVE

We are living in such a different, changing time that we formed this community when we are all starting to work from home and adapting to change.  We all need to embrace change & embrace the technology that is going to help us with this change.   For the foreseeable future, we are going to be a virtual chapter, but now a chapter of six states.

LAUGH

My Goal during these unprecedented times is to make sure we’re all learning, having a good time, and laughing.  Laughter is essential for all of us since we’re doing things differently; let’s enjoy one another uniqueness, and let’s enjoy this great community.  Billy Joel says, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the Saints”. 

LEAVE A LEGACY

Lastly, I would like for our board of directors to leave a legacy!  We are creating a New England organization that is going to be better for all six states within our region, and we want to make sure we’re building this correctly.   So, the Board and I would like to invite members and non-members of ARMA New England to become more involved in the community.  Volunteer to be a state champion and let us serve your state the best way possible.  Together we can leave this organization in a better place. 

We cannot wait to get started, and hope that you will join in the excitement that the future holds for us all!