Press/Journalists

Archivist of the United States Appoints New Director of Presidential Libraries
Press Release · Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Washington, DC…Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero announced today the appointment of Susan K. Donius as the Director of the Office of Presidential Libraries, effective February 26, 2012.

In her new position, Donius will direct and coordinate the Presidential Library system, currently comprised of thirteen libraries that house the records of Presidents Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush. She will provide oversight and support for the Presidential Libraries to preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. She will also lead the development of new Presidential Libraries into the National Archives.

In making the announcement, Mr. Ferriero said, “I am pleased to welcome Susan into the leadership position as Director of the Office of Presidential Libraries. Her more than 20-year tenure in various positions at the National Archives has given her valuable insight into the importance of the mission of the agency. I look forward to working with her to foster continued collaboration among the Libraries, their partner Presidential Foundations, and the entire National Archives organization.”

Throughout her career at the National Archives, Donius has focused on customer service for external and internal audiences. She began her career in 1989 as an Archives Technician at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, providing service verification to veterans and civil servants nationwide. Since 2002, she has worked in the Office of Presidential Libraries, focusing on information technology initiatives and developing collaborative programming across the Presidential Libraries, both expanding services to the millions of individuals visiting research rooms, public programs, and museum exhibits annually. In 2006, Donius was appointed Deputy Assistant Archivist and Chief of Staff for the Office of Presidential Libraries. She played a key role in the establishment of the William J. Clinton and Richard Nixon Presidential Libraries, and has worked closely on the development of the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Donius has a Master’s Degree from Syracuse University in Information Management and undergraduate degrees in Organizational Psychology and Business Economics. She and her husband, David J. Lyons, reside in Potomac, Maryland, with their two children.

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

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