This month we would like to spotlight Vona Williams, AG, CG®. Vona is accredited for research in England and Scotland, and has also obtained a Certified Genealogist® credential. She has been serving as the Renewal Chair for ICAPGen for the past five years.
Vona is a graduate of Brigham Young University in genealogy. She has over 40 years experience as professional genealogist, lecturer and writer. Vona has served as a Reference Consultant and manager in the British Reference Unit of the Family History Library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 40 years.
We thought you might be interested to know more about the roles of our Commissioners and Board members, so we asked Vona to tell us a little bit about her duties as Renewal Chair:
What is your role in ICAPGen, and how long have you been serving?
I serve on the Renewals Committee. It is my responsibility to keep people on track with their renewals. All renewal applications go through me. I review everything they submit then I pass the report and research log on to two AG’s that will review and grade the report according to the criteria set forth in the Rater’s Review form. I then contact the AG to tell them whether or not they passed and if they didn’t pass what they must do to pass. I have been serving for 5 years.
What are some of the responsibilities, opportunities, or challenges in your role?
It is enjoyable to read the reports of the AG’s and to see how they go about solving the problems they have been given. It is hard to tell people they haven’t passed but rewarding when they redo their report and they pass. Because the rules and guidelines changed a few years ago, there have been many AG’s who have had to revise their submission but now it should not be such a big problem because almost every AG has been through the renewal at least once since the changes were made.
What motivated you to pursue accreditation?
I actually pursued accreditation because my job required it. I am glad I did. In fact I accredited in two regions. It helps you to know the areas you are strong in and the areas where you might need a little more study.
What advice do you have for those pursuing accreditation?
I feel there is great benefit to being accredited. You can learn, develop greater skills, and have the support of many who are trying to be the best professional genealogists that they can be.
Vona is a great example of someone who exemplifies the professionalism we all aspire to. Her level of experience and years of service at the Family History Library have been a real asset to ICAPGen, and we thank her!
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