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Mentor, Partner, Friend, and Model - John Charles Krysa (1953 - 2023)
John Krysa, past President and Chair of the ICRM, passed away on February 5, 2023 after a year-long fight with cancer. If you knew John, you will probably say he was your “mentor” in some shape or form. He was a mentor and coach to many us, generously imparting his knowledge. In return, he was always wanting to learn something from us as well. He was certainly a mentor to me as we worked closely together during our terms of office on the Board of Regents of the ICRM.
During his term of office, he led the way, along with the ICRM Executive Committee and Business Manager to successfully move to a new technology partner needed to take the ICRM into the future. This project was more than a year in the making. In addition, he participated on the Exam Development Committee (EDC) to assist in updating the CRM examination and he spearheaded the creation of the Federal Specialist (FED) designation. John also worked with members of the Board of Regents to create ICRM’s Strategic Alliance Committee (SAC), draft guidelines for the committee, and served as its first Chair. John supported SACs partnerships with academic partners that led to engagement not only of different educational institutions but also empowered their students just entering the RIM profession.
John was a true friend and we kept in touch with each other from the time we started our work on the ICRM board until the day before he entered hospice. He had a positive outlook throughout his illness and sent pictures of himself getting chemo with a smile and a thumbs up. Incredible!
John’s legacy will live on as a model for us. His life and career were many faceted having served in the armed forces, worked as a consultant and served in a government agency. His many experiences gained around the world paved the way for his strong work ethic, integrity and mentoring abilities. Just before John passed, he made a monetary donation to the ICRM. He also asked that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to ICRM. I hope you will consider this.
Rest in Peace, John Charles Krysa!
By Cheryl L. Pederson, FAI, CRM Retired
John Krysa – Mentor, Colleague, and Friend. I had the honor to serve on the ICRM Board of Regents with John. I always admired his leadership and class. For example, John took the time to send emails and handwritten letters of congratulations and encouragement even after my board service ended. Along the way, we became friends. I got to see some of the things he was proud of: photos of his family, hobbies, and church project. My life is richer for knowing John. Peace, my friend.
Wendy McLain, CRM
The Federal Specialist Exam Development Committee wishes to recognize John’s dedication to the records management profession, and especially his enduring legacy overseeing the development of the Federal Specialist credential. John identified that the role of a records manager in the Federal government required specialized skills and unique knowledge that extended beyond what was tested in the CRM exam. He also wanted to unite the Federal records management community because of the important role they play in serving the people of the United States with sound recordkeeping. He had the energy and vision to spearhead this credential and pulled together a strong group of contributors to help him see it through. He was a fun, industrious leader who always had a story to tell.
We will continue, in his memory, to make the Federal Specialist exactly what John intended it to be.
Respectfully,
Debbie and Margie
On behalf of the Federal Specialist Committee
John and I served together on the ICRM board during a period of significant change. During this time, the Board of Regents examined every facet of the institute and embarked on a journey to re-structure the board, improve our member and applicant experience, and develop strategic partnerships with learning institutions and other organizations. John’s ICRM presidency came at just the right time to help spark the fulfilment of partnerships that had been dreamed of for many years in the organization.
You always knew where John stood on an issue. He was upfront and candid and made sure that the impact of decisions were considered before finalized.
On a personal note, I fondly remember our adventures at Walt Disney World (who other than John would order a side of green beans as a snack to walk around with at Magic Kingdom?), Downtown Disney in Anaheim and many, many board dinners over the years. I always appreciated the handwritten cards, or the out of the blue calls or emails just to check in.
John fiercely loved his family, church and the RIM profession. His contributions will be remembered. He will be dearly missed.
Laurie Carpenter, CRM, IGP
Former Regent Exam Administration & Grading and Former Regent Certification Maintenance
I enjoyed working with John during my time on the board. He was a true professional. I always loved hearing about his many trips with his lovely wife. I hope he was able to complete most of his bucket list of trips. My condolences to the family and RIM community.
Paula Sutton, CRM
Lifetime Achievement Award
Su D.A. Graham, CRM, FIIM, FAI, MLS
Member of the Year
Angel Ramos, CRM
Mentor of the Year
Elizabeth Canter, CRM
Thank you to all who participated in the awards process!
Did you miss ICRM's Annual Meeting this past December? No Problem! A recording of the meeting is now publicly available for viewing.
Find out what the ICRM was up to in 2022! Click here to view the meeting recording.
Check out the latest issue of Inside ICRM in your inbox! The PDF version of Inside ICRM may be viewed HERE.
The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) presents the 2022 nominees for “Lifetime Achievement Award” and “Member of the Year” and we will announce the winners at our Business Meeting in December 2022.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Deborah Gearhart, CRM, FAI
Deborah Gearhart has been a part of so many members' personal and professional journeys. She has been an active leader on the ICRM Board of Regents in numerous positions and is a consistent advocate for both members and candidates. Her passion for records and information management is contagious and has connected her to thousands of people through her presentations, her exam prep workshops, and college classes she has taught. Ms. Gearhart could be considered the God Mother of the ICRM Prep Workshop as she served an intricate role in its development and is considered a premiere speaker at national events. She continuously encourages her students and RIM professionals to seek a CRM or CRA certification and will help them through the process.
Since her retirement, she continues to be active within the ICRM helping the EDC, presenting at workshops or anywhere else she is asked to participate.
Ms. Gearhart, by her very nature, has earned this lifetime achievement award and deserves to be recognized for her amazing contributions to the organization.
Su. D.A. Graham, FIIM, FAI, CRM, MLS
Su. D.A. Graham, FIIM, FAI, CRM, MLS began her involvement in Records and Information Management in 1973 and has remained highly active since. It was that year the Su joined the Mile High Denver Chapter of ARMA and ARMA International. In 1975, she pursued and earned her master’s degree in library science. She pursued and earned her CRM designation in 1980, only the second person to do so in the State of Colorado.
Ms. Graham has been an active and vocal supporter of the profession and has mentored many professionals pursuing CRM and CRA certification over the past 40+ years. Su has led countless Chapter CRM/CRA Study Groups and continues to mentor and encourage chapter members to pursue these important certifications. Sue has been recognized for her numerous contributions to our profession over the years.
David McDermott, CRM, FAI
With more than 35 years’ experience in almost every facet of records and information management, David is a Fellow of ARMA International, and past president and chairman of the board for both ARMA International and the ICRM. He has held several board positions and served on many tasks force and committees for the ICRM, ARMA, AIEF, Boise ARMA Chapter and Great Northwest Region. David has presented at various ARMA Chapter meetings, Region Conferences, the International Conference and the ICRM Prep Workshop. He has published several RIM related articles and has even done a You tube presentation.
David is driven by excellence and implemented risky changes within the ICRM that proved to be extremely successful. In addition, he participated on Sedona Conference – Working Group 1, testified on the 2006 Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and wrote privacy laws for two U.S. Senators.
David has spent his career moving our profession forward and promoting the ICRM.
Member of the Year
Rae Lynn Haliday, CRM
Rae led the SAC in 2022 through the SHRM conference for the first time in the history of the ICRM. She also lead and coordinated workshops that were done in person and virtual. Rae has been the external face for most of the ICRM in 2022.
Peter Kurilecz, CRM, CA, IGP, FAI
Peter is an active voice on the Marketing Committee. The ICRM is extremely grateful to him as he rebooted the ICRM Newsletter. He promotes the ICRM through his other channels and has always been a highly respected member.
Angel Ramos, CRM, MLIS
Angel has served as a valuable member of the ICRM for many years and is currently the Webmaster and member of the Marketing Committee. As the Webmaster he services the full ICRM, all Regents and Committee Leads. He is always on top of the mounting assignments ensuring information is published in a timely manner.
10/20/2022
ICRM is going virtual again this year for our Annual Business Meeting. We are excited that this will make our business meeting more accessible to members, candidates, applicants, and our partners. We hope you will join us to hear what we have been up to this year!
The virtual meeting will take place on Friday, December 2 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm ET.
Please register for this free event here.
Check out the latest issue of Inside ICRM in your inbox! The PDF version of Inside ICRM may be viewed HERE.
We are pleased to announce this year's Board of Regent election winners are as follows:
President-Elect/Treasurer (2023-2025)
Blake Richardson, CRM
Regent, Exam Development (2023-2024)
Sheri Nystedt, CRM/CIGO
Regent, Applicant and Member Relations (2023-2024)
Susan Marin, CRM/CIGO
Regent, Marketing and Communications (2023-2024)
Kiersten McAvoy, CRM
All members will begin their term starting January 1, 2023. We look forward to their leadership in the new year and thank them for their willingness to serve on the ICRM Board of Regents.
Thank you to all who participated in this year's election process. Please click here for full election results.
Thank you,
Sharon LaPlant, CRM
Chair, ICRM Board of Regents
ICRM is going virtual again this year for our ICRM Annual Business Meeting. We are excited that this will make our business meeting more accessible to members and candidates. We hope you will join us to hear what we have been up to this year!
Friday, December 2, 2022
2:30pm ET – 3:30pm ET