Nicole D. Laflamme, Candidate for Nominating Committee

Nicole D. Laflamme 

Manager, Corporate Archives,
The J.M. Smucker Company

“I would welcome mentors to extend their role so that we may benefit from the breadth of their experience and their passion for our community.”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Manager, Corporate Archives, The J.M. Smucker Company, 2008–present.
• Archives Research Assistant, University of Akron, 2006–2008.
• Reference Assistant, University of Akron, 2005–2006.
• Substitute Reference Assistant, Massillon Public Library, 2005–2008.

EDUCATION

• MLIS, and BA, Art History, Kent State University.
• Archives Leadership Institute, Berea, KY, 2016 cohort.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Society of American Archivists: 2015 Cleveland Host Committee, Event Locations Co-chair, Special Projects Chair (2014–2015); Business Archives Section, Member-at-Large (2011); SAA Student Chapter, Secretary (2005–2006); Member (2004–present).
• Midwest Archives Conference: MAC17 Program Committee (2016–2017); Member (2014–present).
• Academy of Certified Archivists: Certified Archivist (2013).

SELECTED PRESENTATIONS

• Society of American Archivists: "Bringing Gamification to the Archives" (2017).

QUESTION POSED BY NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Although Nominating Committee members serve for just one year, their work has a lasting impact on SAA and its members through the selection of Vice Presidential, Council, and Treasurer candidates, as well as selection of the Nominating Committee slate that determines the next set of slates. Given the long-term reach of the Nominating Committee, what will be your approach in developing a slate of candidates that 1) demonstrates commitment to SAA's strategic goals and 2) facilitates the organization's mission of promoting the value and diversity of archives and archivists?  

CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE

The strength of the Nominating Committee is the comparative brevity of the role, as every year brings fresh faces and new perspectives. This dynamic brings archivists from different backgrounds together to collaborate.

From a practical standpoint, I would seek members who have demonstrated leadership experience in sections and roundtables; people who have proven their willingness to take an active role in our profession. I would seek candidates from a broad range of backgrounds, institutions, and demographics. Beyond practicality, I feel the greatest benefit of our organization is the relationships we build with one another. I would seek candidates who have served as mentors across our various communities within SAA. Our mentors have demonstrated an ability to build relationships, practice considered listening, and keep up crucial conversations. We can achieve our professional best with the practical advice and encouragement they offer. In addition, mentors bring enthusiasm and optimism during times of stress, conflict, or fatigue. During my time with SAA, I have met many archivists who truly nurture a culture of camaraderie. That capacity for relationship-building would best fulfill the vision of professional excellence and advocacy. That capacity for listening and conversing would best fulfill the mission of promoting value and diversity. I would welcome mentors to extend their role so that we may benefit from the breadth of their experience and their passion for our community.

Elected committees represent our members’ voices, which is why I would look to you, my colleagues, and rely upon your expertise and advice.

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