Colleen Shogan

Colleen Shogan. She is the 11th and current Archivist of the United States, appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2023. A political scientist and former senior executive, her career spans academia, the United States Senate, the White House, and the Library of Congress. Shogan is the first woman to hold the position permanently, overseeing the National Archives and Records Administration and its vast holdings of federal records.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she developed an early interest in history and government. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Boston College. She then pursued graduate studies at Yale University, where she received both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in political science. Her doctoral dissertation focused on American politics and political rhetoric, laying the groundwork for her scholarly career.

Career

Her professional career began in academia, where she served as an assistant professor of government and politics at George Mason University. She later transitioned to public service, joining the staff of the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. She subsequently held several significant roles, including Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress. Prior to her nomination as Archivist, she served as the Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association. In this capacity, she oversaw scholarly research and public programming related to the history of the Executive Mansion and the American presidency.

Notable Works

As a scholar, she has authored and edited several books and articles on American political development and the presidency. Her notable publications include *The Moral Rhetoric of American Presidents*, which analyzes presidential communication from George Washington to Barack Obama. She also co-edited *The President and the Political System*, a volume examining the evolution of executive power. Her research has been published in academic journals such as *Congress & the Presidency* and presented at conferences for the American Political Science Association.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, she has received recognition for her leadership and scholarship. She is a recipient of the Library of Congress Staff Award for her service. Her appointment as Archivist was endorsed by prominent historical and archival organizations, including the Society of American Archivists and the National Coalition for History. In 2023, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Boston College, in recognition of her distinguished public service and contributions to the preservation of the national heritage of the United States.

Personal Life

She is married to Bill Shogan, a former official with the United States Department of Justice. The couple resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. An avid runner, she has completed several marathons, including the Marine Corps Marathon. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of the National Archives and actively participates in events supporting civic education and historical literacy.

Category:American political scientists Category:Archivists of the United States Category:1975 births Category:Living people