Spotlight Award: Michelle Ganz

Michelle Ganz, archives director at McDonough Innovation, is the 2020 recipient of the Spotlight Award from the Society of American Archivists (SAA). The award recognizes the contributions of individuals who work for the good of the profession and archival collections—work that does not typically receive public recognition.

Michelle is very involved within both SAA and the Academy of Certified Archivists. She is known as someone who is industrious and passionate about building a strong archival profession. She has been deeply involved in creating policies and best practices for the profession by serving on various committees and roles for SAA and the Academy of Certified Archivists. Her involvement within SAA includes leadership on various commitees, including the Archives Management/Records Management Joint Working Group on Accessibility co-chair (2009–2011), Lone Arrangers Section vice-chair (2009–2012), SAA representative to the American Library Association Committee on Cataloging (2018–2020), Archives History Section Steering Committee member (2019–2020), and Professional Writers Virtual Group co-leader (2019–2020). Ganz is deeply involved in the Academy of Certified Archivists by serving as an Exam Development Committee member, leading the Petition Review Committee, item writing the exams, and proctoring exams. Additionally, Michelle was active in ARMA International in the Technical Manual Auditing Working Group (2013–2014) and the Glossary Working Group (2001–2002).

She is vigorous in her writing and presentations, and generous with sharing her expertise. “She is energetic and tireless in her work and is a pleasure to work alongside,” her nominator stated.