ProGen Study Group Names New Administrator

Many of you know that for the last six years I have served as the administrator of the ProGen Study Program. I have encouraged genealogists to study Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills, by organizing online groups to work through the book, completing practical exercises and discussing each topic. This week I will transition my role from administrator of the ProGen Study Group to a position on the board of directors. This change will allow me to pursue some of my other goals in genealogy.

Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG has been named as the new administrator of the ProGen Study Program, and will begin her service on January 1, 2015. Rebecca has completed the ProGen program, served as a ProGen coordinator, and is well prepared to take over leadership of the ProGen Study Program. I am confident that the vision of ProGen will continue under her direction.

Rebecca Whitman Koford, CG, is a board certified genealogist with special emphasis in Maryland and War of 1812 research.  She was coordinator for the 4th and 14th ProGen groups and coordinator for the 16th Gen Proof online study group (peer-led group study of Dr. Thomas Jones’ book Mastering Genealogical Proof).  She has spoken for the Maryland State Archives and for conferences and groups in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. She has taught beginning and advanced genealogy courses for Howard Community College.

Rebecca is a member of DAR, NGS, MGS, MDHS, NEHGS, and NYG&B.  She was formerly assistant director of the Columbia Maryland Family History Center and was the treasurer for the National Capital Area Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists.   She completed courses with NGS, NIGR, and SLIG (Advanced Methodology), and has recently authored articles for the Maryland Genealogical Society Journal.  She now serves as a board member of the Maryland Genealogical Society and volunteers at the Family History Center in Frederick, Maryland.   Rebecca has been taking clients and lecturing since 2004.  Her current passion is for the Preserve the Pensions: War of 1812 project sponsored by FGS.  She lives in Mt. Airy, Maryland, with three active teenagers and a very patient husband.

CG (SM) and Certified Genealogist (SM) are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and are used under license by Board-certified associates who meet program standards and periodic competency evaluations.

About the ProGen Study Program:

The ProGen Study Groups are organized to encourage professional and aspiring genealogists to put into practice the principles found in Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. This program employs an innovative method of collaborative learning focused on developing genealogical research skills and business practices.

Each month group members study one or two chapters of Professional Genealogy and complete a practical assignment relating to the material. They meet online to discuss the topic in small group discussions. Members review each other’s assignments and offer constructive feedback. Participation in the program requires a time commitment, but provides a unique opportunity for constructive feedback from colleagues. Each ProGen study group has a board-certified genealogist mentoring the group. These volunteer mentors participate in the monthly discussions to answer questions and offer guidance.

There have been twenty-four ProGen study groups, with over 500 genealogists participating in the 18-month program. The list of ProGen alumni can be viewed at http://progenstudy.org/alumni/  For more information on the ProGen Study Program see http://progenstudy.org/