Elections

2025 BAS Election: Meet the Candidates

Thank you to all of our excellent candidates standing in the 2025 Business Archives Section (BAS) election. Please take some time to review their statements and get to know them so you can make an informed choice. 

You will be voting for one candidate for each of the following positions:

• Vice Chair/Chair-Elect, three-year term
• Secretary, one-year term
• Vice Editor/Editor-Elect, two-year term
• Education Chair, one-year term
• Member-at-Large, one-year term

Ballots will be managed by SAA staff; keep an eye on your inbox for when the ballot opens!

BALLOT

VICE CHAIR/CHAIR-ELECT

Courtney Hopkins, Getty Images

BIO: After working various roles in the entertainment industry I found my way into photo and footage research, first at Corbis, then at Getty Images. While searching for the right visuals to help clients tell their stories, I gained experience in licensing, copyright, rights of publicity, metadata, asset management, outreach, and curation. I enrolled in the MLIS program at San José State University in 2018 while continuing to work full time, and transitioned to the Archive department before finishing my degree at the end of 2020. I was promoted to a manager position in 2022, overseeing two employees and a physical archive in Los Angeles. I help to promote and make accessible not only our wholly owned collections, but also the collections of the photographers, estates, collectors, businesses, historical societies, universities, and museums we represent. I became a Certified Archivist in July 2024 and earned the Arrangement & Description (A&D) certificate in February 2025. I'm currently Co-Chair of the Society of California Archivists Local Arrangements Committee and a volunteer for the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives (NDRFA) Silent Auction at this year's annual meeting in Anaheim.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I'm excited to put my name forward for the position of Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the Business Archives Section. I'm committed to deepening member engagement, encouraging cross-section collaboration, and strengthening the visibility of business archivists within SAA. When I was part of the SAA student chapter at SJSU, this group was proactive in supporting us and provided a fascinating and inspiring presentation. Multiple members provided insight into the varied responsibilities of their roles, often wearing many hats and navigating archival issues unique to business environments. This section is full of talented professionals who know how to get things done. I hope to help foster more opportunities to share that knowledge so we can learn from each other and amplify our collective expertise.

VICE EDITOR/EDITOR-ELECT

Claire Danna, P&G

BIO: Claire Danna (she/they) is the newest corporate archivist and historian at Procter & Gamble’s Heritage Center & Archives, where she assists in preserving the company’s 187 years of history. She attained a BA in English Literature and a minor in Media Studies from the University of California – Berkeley.  Her career got off to a surprising start at an artificial intelligence start-up in San Francisco before being accepted to the University of Michigan’s Science of Information Master’s program and working as the Joyce Bonk Fellow at the William L. Clements Library. At P&G, Claire combines her academic specializations in digital curation and archival sciences with a passion for storytelling, be that through virtual exhibits, blog posts, presentations, or videos. Claire has presented at the University of Sheffield’s People of Print conference and the Society of American Archivist’s Business Archives Colloquium in 2024. She received the Charlene Conrad Liebau Library Prize for her archival research on female printers in the late 17th century and two UMSI Exposition Awards for her work with the Henry Ford Museum and the Buddhist Digital Resource Center. Beyond her professional endeavors, Claire is an dance instructor specializing in Lindy Hop and blues dance. She enjoys running, knitting, pottery, and indulging in copious amounts of tea.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: As corporate archivists, we know that the way we share our stories is often just as vital as the stories themselves. I am passionate about amplifying the unique stories within our section and showcasing the invaluable contributions we make to our peers, the archival profession, students, and the businesses we serve, which is why I am running to be Vice Content Editor. In this role, I will leverage my experience as a copy editor, public library communications officer, and intellectual development coordinator to enhance our content delivery through newsletters, social media, resource lists, our SAA site page, and more. I love the work that Jennifer Steinhardt and Sam Citarella have initiated with innovative social media series like "Meet the Archivist," "Happy/Sad Archivist," and "Overheard in the Archives." Building on this momentum, I hope to create even more engaging content that resonates across our platforms. I would plan to audit and update essential sections of our SAA site, such as Governance and Directory (which currently only contains phone and fax contacts!), to ensure they provide relevant and accessible information. Additionally, I'm eager to share insights from recent research, like the new "Digitization and Artificial Intelligence for Archives" survey that came out at the end or March, or new tools and platforms that our colleagues are exploring. I am committee to supporting the Business Archives Section to the best of my ability, and I appreciate your consideration in this election among such a talented group.

Michael Zaidman, JM Family Enterprises, Inc.BIO: Michael Zaidman became the first archivist for JM Family Enterprises in 2016 as the company prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018. Since then, he has developed a comprehensive corporate archives program that preserves the full scope of the company’s heritage, including photographs, emails, newsletters, magazines, and three-dimensional artifacts. Beyond his corporate role, Zaidman also volunteers as an archivist and board member with the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, where he is dedicated to preserving and organizing the city's historical materials. His previous roles include serving as Senior Archivist at The Jim Moran Foundation, Curator at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Director and Curator at the National Museum of Roller Skating, and The Art Institute of Chicago. Zaidman holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from the University of Nebraska.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am running for Vice Editor/Editor-Elect to help build on the strong leadership in this role and to increase visibility for business archives through our Business Archives Section's social platforms. Business and corporate archives represent one of the most dynamic and rewarding areas of our profession, yet they are often underrepresented. As a long-time member of SAA since 2005, I've served on several committees, including Awards, Membership, Mentoring, and the Navigator Program. I'm passionate about promoting our field and sharing the value and impact of business archives with a broader audience.

SECRETARY

Natalie Auxier, NBCUniversal

BIO: I have been a member of SAA since 2017 and have greatly enjoyed being a part of the BAS community. Through tours, sessions and conversations, I have appreciated learning from other members best practices and how they have navigated challenges that occur in our unique corner of the Archives community. I would like to submit myself as a candidate for the Secretary position to interact more closely with the section’s members and further my participation in the BAS. I am excited to learn more about the BAS Steering Committee and, if elected, look forward to the opportunity to do so and to record the important conversations. Thank you for your consideration.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I have been a studio Archivist for over 15 years and am currently the Manager of Archive Collections & Outreach at NBCUniversal in Universal City, CA. I oversee the archival holdings and material culture for Film productions, Theme Parks and Corporate History. I manage the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of assets from those collections. Throughout my career in studio Archives I have also worked at 20th Century Fox Archives and the Walt Disney Archives. I earned my Master's Degree in Library Science from UCLA, and I am passionate about media and entertainment preservation and exhibition. I regularly serve as the spokesperson and advocate for all historical matters related to the company and production history of NBCUniversal by providing tours, curating exhibitions, and supporting numerous internal activations and initiatives.

Hannah Adkins, Coty, Inc.

BIO: I have worked in business archives for the past 15 years, across fine art, fashion, and beauty collections. Since 2016, I've built and managed the Coty Archives & Heritage program as the company's first and only archivist and historian. During my almost 9 years at Coty, I have developed both the physical and digital archive collections of more than a dozen heritage beauty brands, with contents dating back to the mid-1800s. In addition to maintaining and expanding these unique collections, I am responsible for all corporate heritage research and communications with internal and external audiences, working to preserve the past, inform the present, and inspire the future of beauty. Prior to my time at Coty, I initiated the runway collection archive for American designer Thom Browne, and acted as archivist for Galerie Lelong, a contemporary art gallery managing the work and estates of artists including Ana Mendieta, whose film and photo collection I worked on extensively. I hold a BA in Art History, Material Culture & Fashion Studies from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, and an MA in Fashion & Textile Studies: History, Theory & Museum Practice from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: My professional trajectory has been shaped by business archives since my first job out of college. For the 15 years that I have worked in this field, I've constantly had to advocate for myself and the collections I've been responsible for. Now, I'd like to help advocate for the larger profession and contribute to the further enrichment of our community through SAA's BAS. As someone who has benefited from the efforts of those who have contributed their time and energy to the committee before, it would be a pleasure to step up and into the role of Secretary to do the same for the coming year. I'm eager to learn more about how the BAS section is managed and offer my support and perspective. Thanks for your consideration!

EDUCATION CHAIR

Catherine Acosta, VansBIO: Catherine Acosta is the Global Brand Archivist and Historian at Vans, the iconic Southern California footwear and action sports brand under VF Corporation. Since joining in 2018, she has established and now leads the brand’s official archive at its Costa Mesa headquarters, preserving and celebrating Vans’ rich cultural heritage. Her work supports storytelling across design, marketing, and brand heritage initiatives. Before her role at Vans, Catherine served as a Teaching Assistant at Parsons School of Design and was a CUratorial Fellow at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Her background continues to inform her work at the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling. In 2023, she became Co-Chair of Colorways, Vans' Employee Resource Group for BIPOC associates. She also joined Chapman University in 2024 as a Part-Time Lecturer, where she teaches courses on fashion, identity, and consumer culture. Catherine holds an M.A. in History of Design and Curatorial Studies from Parsons School of Design and a B.F.A in Video and Sound from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is based in the Los Angeles area and is a docent at the historic Gamble House in Pasadena, offering public and private tours of this National and California Historic Landmark.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I'm excited to express my interest in serving as Education Chair for the Business Archives Section (BAS). Education and mentorship have been essential to my own journey, and I’m committed to supporting emerging professionals and building inclusive pathways into the field. Since joining SAA and BAS in 2019, I've valued the strong sense of community it offers. In my roles at Vans and Chapman University, I regularly engages with students and early-career professionals--conversations that continually reinforce my passion for mentorship and accessible entry points into business archives. I'm especially enthusiastic about revitalitzing the BAS Mentorship Program--an intiative that aligns closely with my experience and values. My leadership style is rooted in active listening, thoughtful collaboration, and a believe in the power of shared knowledge to build a more inclusive and connected professional community.

 Joe Stolarick, Clair Global 

BIO: Joe started Clair Global’s archives program in 2023. Clair Global (Lititz, PA) is a technology company that specializes in delivering top-tier live production services, seamless systems integration, and cutting-edge audio products. Joe’s background in library science and audio production provides a solid foundation for his work. Prior to 2023, Joe served as Digital Archivist for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. There, he established the Foundation's digital archives program. Before that, he worked as an audio engineer, co-managing the Louisiana State Museum's state-of-the-art concert venue at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Joe began his career as an Assistant Engineer for George Blood LP and Production Intern for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. He holds his MLIS from Drexel University and a BA in Music from Lebanon Valley College (Annville, PA). Joe is an active member of the Society of American Archivists (SAA), Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC), Audio Engineering Society (AES), and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.  

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: When I started at Clair, I knew I needed to better understand what it means to be a business archivist. The Business Archives Section allowed me to connect with members and resources that have proven invaluable. More than simply a source of information, the BAS is a community of thoughtful professionals who are generous with their time and knowledge. Every member I contacted wanted me to succeed, providing advice and encouragement.  As Education Chair, I look forward to making my own contributions to this community and assist young/new business archivists who are navigating these now familiar waters and likewise setting them up for success.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Jill Hawkins, Biltmore Co. 

BIO: I have worked in the library and archives field for over 30 years and have served as the Archivist at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, since 2006. Prior to joining Biltmore, I held positions in university libraries, public libraries, presidential libraries, and historical societies. I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science with a concentration in Preservation Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. I received the Digital Archives Specialist Certificate in 2017 and renewed it in 2022, and I received the Arrangement and Description Certificate in 2024. I earned a Silver Certificate in Digital Asset Management for Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums from Rutgers University in 2024.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Iam interested in serving as a Member-at-Large for the Business Archives Section of SAA because, after nearly 11 years in my current role, I finally found my professional community at the BAS Colloquium during the 2017 SAA conference in Portland. It was a lightbulb moment—hearing others share experiences and challenges that so closely mirrored my own. As an archivist and librarian working for a privately owned, for-profit company within a museum team in a historic house, I found a true sense of connection in BAS. I'm now at a point in my career where I have more time to be involved. Being part of BAS has been a meaningful turning point for me, and I'm eager to support and strengthen this community.

 Ron Oppenheim, Liberty Mutual

BIO: Working at Liberty Mutual Insurance since 2006, I began my career as a business archivist in 2012 and am currently the Director of Brand Heritage. In this role, I oversee the company's archives, a center for information and engagement that showcases their 100+ year brand. The archives sits within the company's Global Brand & Communications group, and I also manage several brand intiatives, working to link the brand's past with its present and future. I am a passionate advocate for inclusion and belonging, spending four years at the National Co-Chair for Pride@Liberty, the company's Employee Resource Group dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. During my tenure, I oversaw a team of close to 200 volunteers, doubling the ERG's membership to over 5,000 affinity and ally members. I'm also a member of the Massachusetts Bar, having obtained a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, along with my M.S. in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, and a B.A. in Political Communication from Emerson College.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: The BAS has been a key part of my success as an archivist and this opportunity would allow me to pay it forward, helping to cement our position as a resource for business archivists at any stage of their career. Like many business archives, my company’s began as a pile of curiosities that I inherited when I first started. The relationships and resources I got from the BAS were key in helping me establish, grow, and continuously strengthen the repository’s visibility and success.

Patricia Thibodeau, Microsoft

BIO: Hi, I'm Patti Thibodeau, the Archivist at Microsoft. I hold a Certified Archivist (CA) credential and have a knack for archival research, digitization, and space management and have been in the field for over a decade. My journey has taken me through roles like Archives Coordinator at California State University Maritime Academy and Collections Project Manager at Oakland Aviation Museum. I love creating systems that make it easier for people to access and enjoy archived materials. I recently joined SAA and am hoping to help make a positive impact!

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I'm thrilled to throw my hat in the ring for the Member-at-Large position in the Business Archives Section of the Society of American Archivists. With my background in archival research and digitization, plus my current role at Microsoft, I feel ready to co-lead the Early-Career Member Committee and help with advocacy efforts. I'm passionate about supporting early-career archivists and making sure business archives are both preserved and accessible. Joining the Steering Committee would be a fantastic way to contribute to our field and support the important work of business archivists.

Grace Eng, Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

BIO: Grace Eng has served as the Principal Corporate Archivist at Pacific Gas and Electric Company since 2017, where she leads the management of the company's corporate archives and the PG&E Artifact Museum. She holds a Master's degree in Library and Information Science with a specialization in archives and records management from San José State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from Northeastern University. Grace is a Certified Archivist (CA) and an active member of the Society of American Archivists and the Society of California Archivists. She is deeply committeed to the role of corporate archives in preserving institutional memory and informing the future. She believes one needs to learn and know history to make their own history.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am eager to become more involved in the Business Archives Section of the Society of American Archivists as a way to give back to a community that has greatly enriched my professional journey. The thoughtful discussions, generous support, and shared knowledge I’ve experienced have been instrumental to my growth, and I am committed to helping strengthen and support this vibrant community of archivists. In collaborative settings, I am known for being approachable, easy to work with, and a strong thought partner - often helping to develop and refine ideas. I have had the privilege of mentoring archives and records management professionals as they explore professional development opportunities and navigate their careers. I actively share my own experiences with emerging professionals and equally value learning from their energy and fresh perspectives. I believe that the exchange of knowledge across career stages is essential to keeping our field dynamic and resilient. As Member at Large, I would be honored to contribute to the continued growth, connection, and success of the Business Archives Section. 

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