Interview with ICRM's Regent of Marketing and Communications, Jerry Lucente-Kirkpatrick, CRM, IGP
In this issue we speak with Jerry Lucente-Kirkpatrick, CRM, IGP, who is serving the ICRM as Regent of Marketing and Communications. His career has seen him in various records management roles at the Arizona State Library, Dartmouth College, the Food and Drug Administration and, now, at Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Jerry’s educational background includes a B.A. in History / Sociology from Arizona State University.
How might sociology be applied to RIM / IG?
When it comes to the management side of being a records manager, sociology comes in handy. It helps me understand workplace dynamics, what to expect, and how to improve the present state.
Did you have a mentor?
No. I wish I had a mentor when I was taking the CRM test parts 1-5. But at that point, there were only mentors for part 6. I learned a lot from my supervisor, Lisa Maxwell (CRM, retired), at the Arizona State Library.
Why did you become a mentor?
I wanted to give something back to the profession I love. I encourage ICRM members to volunteer as a mentor because it provides the opportunity to help someone.
Records management continues its transformation to information governance. What can CRMs and CRAs do to keep pace?
There are four things we can do to keep up with the changes:
- Obtain RIM / IG certifications. Through testing I learned a great deal; and it started me on the process of continuous self-improvement.
- Join RIM / IG associations. Memberships in ICRM, NAGARA, ARMA, and attendance at local ARMA chapters has enriched me as a CRM.
- Join LinkedIn. Create a solid professional profile. Join groups that will help advance your career. I’ve joined groups dealing with RIM, IG, classification and metadata, privacy and security, taxonomy, essential records, Microsoft 365, and preservation technology.
- Follow LinkedIn RIM / IG influencers and subject matter experts.
What do you find most rewarding about being an ICRM Regent?
I have the opportunity to administer committees, projects, programs, and learn from the best and brightest CRMs and CRAs.
Why did you become an ICRM Regent?
I had the opportunity to meet Sharon LaPlant, who was Board Liaison for the Mentoring Committee. She understands the value of spotting talent and lifting people up the ladder. Sharon asked me to become Chair of the Mentoring Committee, Chair of the Marketing Committee and, then, provided the opportunity to become Regent of Marketing and Communications.
Did teaching in China impact your decision to forge a path in RIM / IG?
Yes. My deep passion for history and the importance of records grew from three years (1988 – 1991) teaching English in Changchun city. I learned about centuries of burning books and records as a way of rewriting the past and the present. I returned to the States a true believer in the role preservation and records management play in holding our nation accountable. What better lessons could I have had in the importance of RIM / IG?
Interview By: Michael DeVanna, CRM