Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries Sharon Fawcett Retires
Press Release · Monday, May 23, 2011

Washington, DC

Washington, DC…Sharon Fawcett announced her retirement as Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries after 34 years in public service, effective June 4, 2011. Susan Donius, Deputy Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries, will be Acting until a replacement is named.

In making the announcement Fawcett said, “The Presidential libraries have served as bookends to my career at the National Archives. When I walked into the Lyndon Johnson library 43 years ago as an archivist, I never imagined that I would have a career that was so multi-faceted and exciting. I have witnessed many changes throughout the agency and am proud that I have played a role in a number of accomplishments over the years, including the moves of the Clinton and the George W. Bush Presidential materials, the dedication of the George W.H. Bush and the Clinton libraries and the welcoming of the Nixon Library into the Presidential library system.”

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero said, “I want to thank Sharon for building strong and productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders that includes the White House, Congress, and Presidential Library foundations. Her knowledge and experience regarding Presidential libraries will be greatly missed.”

Fawcett’s illustrious career began in the presidential library system in 1969 as an archivist on the staff of the Lyndon B. Johnson Library. She remained with the LBJ Library until transferring to a position in the National Archives in Washington, DC. In 1980, she left the National Archives, later moving to West Branch, IA, the home of the Herbert Hoover Library, returning to the National Archives in 1988. She served as Chief of the Reference Service Branch and later the Director of User Services where she was responsible for the overall planning, development, direction, coordination, staffing and control of all research room in the National Archives Building in Washington DC, and the College Park, MD facility.

Throughout her career, Fawcett served on multiple critical strategic committees, helping to steer the agency into the 21st century. She chaired the Agency's Strategic Plan Working Group (1994‑95), the Office of the National Archives Study Group on Product Planning (1995‑96), and the Customer Service Committee (1995‑96) and the Committee on Administering Volunteer Programs. Fawcett has lectured and written extensively on Presidential libraries, access to Presidential records, archival reference, research room design and security, product management, and genealogy and family history, and managing human resources.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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