Society of Georgia ArchivistsPreserving the past and present for the future.

Lisa Vallen

Southern Labor Archivist and Instruction Coordinator

Special Collections & Archives at Georgia State University

Biographical Statement


Lisa Vallen is the Southern Labor Archivists and the Instruction Coordinator at Georgia State University Special Collections & Archives.  As the Southern Labor Archivist, Vallen is responsible for the stewardship and preservation of over 12,000 linear feet of archival material, donor relations, selecting and acquiring collections, managing oral history projects, and securing external funding.Ms. Vallen has nine years of experience in libraries and archives.  She has her Master of Science in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.  Throughout her career Ms. Vallen has raised over $800,000 in grant funds from multiple funders.


Candidate Statement

My experience as the 2024 Program Chair for the joint GLA and SGA Conference has equipped me with the skills necessary to oversee complex projects and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. I successfully coordinated logistics, developed the conference theme, and facilitated communication between key participants. This role honed my organizational skills and my ability to manage multiple priorities, which will be invaluable in the role of President. My involvement with the Society of Georgia’s Annual Conference Program Committee further exemplifies my dedication to our field. By reviewing presentation proposals and coordinating with speakers, I gained insights into the needs of our membership and the importance of fostering a vibrant, collaborative community. I believe that the President should be a unifying force, and I am eager to bring together our board members to innovate and refine our strategic initiatives. 

As chair of the Sister M. Claude Lane, O.P. Memorial Award and Chair of the Archival Innovator Award committees with the Society of American Archivists, I led efforts to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to religious archives. This experience taught me the importance of transparency, diligence, and inclusivity in our decision-making processes. I actively solicited applications, engaged with committee members, and communicated with broader networks to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. This commitment to outreach aligns with our goal of gathering member feedback and enhancing engagement within the SGA.

As your President, I will commit to:

  1. Regular Communication: I will ensure timely updates and maintain transparency regarding SGA activities, soliciting input from members to shape our strategic plan.

  2. Strategic Planning: I will work collaboratively with the Executive Board to monitor our strategic goals, ensuring that we adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving archival landscape.

  3. Archival Advocacy: I will represent our interests at regional and national levels, forging connections with other organizations to amplify our voice and impact.

  4. Recognition and Celebration: I will continue the tradition of acknowledging outstanding contributions to our field, such as through the SGA President's Award, fostering a culture of appreciation within our community.

Together, we can enhance our services and expand our outreach, making the SGA a leader in advocating for archival practices and education. I am excited about the opportunity to work with each of you, and I hope to earn your support in this election.



Slate of Candidates

The Nominating Committee has slated the following SGA members as candidates for office in the 2025 special election:


Vice President / President-Elect

  • Laura Starratt, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University
  • Lisa Vallen,  Georgia State University Special Collections & Archives 
Treasurer Member-at-Large

Nominating Committee    Member 1

Nominating Committee    Member 2

    Program Committee Assistant Chair

    • Cathy Miller, Georgia State University's Special Collections and Archives
    Local Arrangements Assistant Chair

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