Eric Chin, Candidate for Council

Eric Chin 

Senior Archivist, NBCUniversal

“Freedom to think independently yet together is paramount to our growth as an organization. By valuing our differences, we make our professional development much richer and profound.” 

 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Senior Archivist, NBCUniversal, 2011–present.
• Archivist, NBCUniversal, 2007–2011.
• Archivist, DreamWorks SKG, 2004–2006.
• Archive Trainee, Universal Studios, 2002–2004.

EDUCATION

• MA, Public History, California State University at Sacramento.
• BA, History, University of California at San Diego.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Society of American Archivists: Business Archives Section, Past Chair (2018–present), Chair (2017–2018), Vice Chair (2016–2017), Editor (2013–2014), Vice Editor (2012–2013), Mentor (2017–present); Host Committee (2012). 
• Visual Communications Archives Advisory Board: Board Member (2013–2014).
• UCLA Department of Information Studies: Mentorship Program, Mentor (2009–2013). 

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

• Society of American Archivists: “Everyone’s Vested Interests: Archivists and Affinity Groups” (2017); “Moving, Moving, Moving” (2016); “Lights, Camera, Archives!: Working with the Media and Moviemakers” (2013); “Behind the Scenes: How Archivists in the Studio System Work Amongst the Silos of the Entertainment Industry” (2012).
• Documenting Cinema: Film Librarianship in the 21^st Century: “Inside Studio Archives: Preserving and Promoting the Legacy of Universal and Disney” (2017).
• Society of California Archivists: “Reinforcing Popular Belief: How Archivists in the Film and Television Industry Define the Cultural Significance of Collections” (2014).
• California Council for the Promotion of History: “Locke: Growing Past Our Roots” (2002).

QUESTION POSED BY NOMINATING COMMITTEE

As a governing leader of SAA, how will you use your three years on the SAA Council to provide value to SAA members, to increase opportunities for participation for all members, and to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment in which SAA members can share, learn, and grow together?

CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

We consist of a diverse membership representing all aspects of archival practice. We share a collective mission to protect the archival record. If elected to SAA Council, I envision myself being your united voice. I will empower you with the platform to think and speak independently within our organization. As a section liaison, I will join component groups together by collaborating on inclusive discussions and programming opportunities. These activities will demonstrate the common ground we all share. Through my past leadership and editorial positions in the Business Archives Section, I have significant experience achieving tangible results for SAA. Given this opportunity, I would contribute to moving a united SAA forward.

Freedom to think independently yet together is paramount to our growth as an organization. By valuing our differences, we make our professional development much richer and profound. Creating a welcoming environment within SAA requires more than simple tolerance or respect. We must inspire one another by offering creative but thoughtful solutions to our concerns in our defense of the historical record. Motivating and encouraging SAA membership allows ideas to flow, voices to resonate, and opportunities to materialize. I welcome the opportunity to serve and thank you for your consideration.

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