NARA's deputy archivist steps down

The second-highest official at the National Archives and Records Administration stepped down Dec. 31, 2007, after more than a decade as the agency’s deputy archivist and chief of staff. Lewis Bellardo has held the position since 1995. In that time, he has overseen the government’s interagency Electronic Records Work Group, served on the Interagency Committee on Government Information and contributed to the government’s CIO Council. He also played a key role in establishing and guiding the Electronic Records Archives program, which will preserve, manage and provide sustained access to all types of e-records, independent of any specific type of software or hardware. NARA officials call it the “Archives of the Future.” Bellardo will be replaced by Adrienne Thomas, who has been assistant archivist for administration and chief financial officer since 1994. Thomas is a 37-year veteran of the agency. "Dr. Bellardo's devotion to the National Archives and his agencywide perspective have been invaluable,” said Allen Weinstein, U.S. archivist, in a statement. “While we will miss Dr. Bellardo's insight and wise counsel, I am very pleased that Ms. Thomas has agreed to become deputy archivist. She brings an unparalleled dedication and institutional memory to this position, along with an intricate understanding of the budget process.”