Press/Journalists

John Constance, Longtime Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, to Retire from National Archives April 28
Press Release · Monday, April 16, 2007

Washington, DC

 

Washington, DC…Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States, today announced the retirement of John Constance, Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, after 35 years of Federal service, effective April 28, 2007. Mr. Constance has served as the National Archives liaison to Capitol Hill for 14 years and currently supervises congressional relations, public affairs, communications, and the agency’s web program.

Susan Cooper will become acting director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, and David McMillen will assume responsibilities as acting congressional liaison within the Congressional Affairs and Communications staff.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Constance came to the Archives after graduating from the College of William and Mary in 1972. He has served in a number of managerial positions with the agency, including Director of Policy and Program Analysis, and the Chief of Product Acquisition and Marketing for the National Audiovisual Center. In addition, Mr. Constance served in extended details to both the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Education during his career, managing public affairs projects for both agencies.

“John’s contribution to the National Archives over the past 35 years is unsurpassable,” said Allen Weinstein. “He has been an honest broker for this agency, bringing energy, wisdom, and strategic thinking to the various challenges that we have faced. He has forged strong relationships with the Congress, educating them about the importance of our mission and encouraging them to see the Archives as a touchstone in our democracy. With a sense of humor matched by none, he has helped lead the Archives into the 21st century. I am proud to have worked with John and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Constance is leaving the National Archives to begin a new career as the Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Legal Services Corporation. LSC is a private, independent, non-profit corporation created by Congress in 1974 to promote access to equal justice and to provide civil legal services for low-income families and individuals. He will take up his new duties on Monday, May 7, 2007.

In describing his departure and new position, Mr. Constance said, “The National Archives has been my home for over 35 years, and I will always love its mission and its dedicated people. I now transition from a job where we preserve the Constitution and educate Americans about its meaning, to a job where people work every day to fulfill its promise. I look forward to this new challenge.”

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

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