Handing Over the Torch:

On November 1, the SLRM team exemplified the old adage “the only constant in life is change.” On that day, we said goodbye, sort of, to one colleague and promoted another.    

After 8 years as manager of the Records Management Assistance (RMA) Unit, Sarah Jacobson stepped down to become the next director of the Talking Book Program at TSLAC. Sarah was my right-hand person from the first day I arrived at TSLAC. Thank you, Sarah, for your patience, advice, and steady hand in leadership of the RMA unit. It has truly been a pleasure working with you in SLRM and I look forward to working with you as part of the TSLAC administrative team.

I am happy to say that we had enough lead time to be able to fill the position immediately. Please join me in welcoming Megan Carey, former Senior Government Information Analyst, to the SLRM management team. Megan was an analyst in the RMA unit for four years. For those that have worked with Megan as their analyst or been in the audience when she was presenting at a conference or workshop, you know she is passionate about her work. I’m excited to work along side her as she takes over the leadership of the unit and anticipate she’ll bring some great ideas and perspectives to make the RMA unit even stronger.

-Craig Kelso,
Director, State and Local Records Management
State Records Administrator

Gratitude from Sarah:

I’m not great with goodbyes (honestly, who is?), so instead I would like to spend some time giving thanks. I’ll try to not get too sentimental.

Thank you to my SLRM Family – this has been my home away from home the past 10 years. I’ve truly enjoyed working with all of you. Thank you to Craig – you will forever be my boss and mentor. I would not be in the position of taking on this new role without your full support and giving me every opportunity to grow professionally. Thank you to Megan and RMA – Megan is a rock star and is going to bring some new energy and enthusiasm to her new role. Analysts – you are an awesome team. It’s been an honor to lead you the last several years and I cannot wait to watch you continue to provide outstanding services to Texas records and information managers. Lastly, thank you to all the records and information managers in Texas (yes, all!) – it’s been a pleasure working with you and it’s been my goal to try and provide you with all the resources you need to perform your duties in maintaining and preserving government records.

Retention period: Until Superseded

Disposition Method: Transfer to Talking Book Program at TSLAC

-Sarah Jacobson
Director, Talking Book Program

Greetings from Megan:

Starting a new job is always a little scary—and exciting! — and those feelings are compounded as I transition into the manager role within the division and department I already work! These past four years working as a Government Information Analyst have given me the foundation and familiarity with the agency as well as the inner workings of SLRM to hit the ground running. Even so, there is a big difference between the work and responsibilities of the analysts and facilitating and supporting the analysts to do their best work. I’m looking forward to the continued challenges and learning opportunities this new position will offer me.

Sarah’s shoes will be hard to fill, so I’ll put my own spin on “manager” and work hard to ensure the Records Management Assistance Unit continues to provide stellar records management guidance and training to Texas local governments and state agencies.