APG Announces Election Results - Association of Professional Genealogists

APG Election Results

4 November 2024

Results of the recent Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) election are in! The APG membership elected six at-large board members for two-year terms (2025–2027). Two nominations committee members were also elected for one-year terms. Both terms will begin on 1 January 2025.

AT-LARGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (TWO-YEAR TERM)

Rose Lerer Cohen PhD (Israel): Dr. Rose Lerer Cohen’s involvement with genealogy spans almost three decades and her expertise touches on varying aspects of the genealogy profession. Her work focuses on Eastern and Western Europe, Israel, South Africa, Holocaust and historical research, as well as Lithuanian citizenship reinstatement. A founding member of the Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA), Rose also serves on a number of IGRA committees. She is a former member of the APG Board and currently sits on the APG International Affairs Committee.

Shannon Combs-Bennett (USA – Virginia): Shannon Combs-Bennett is an award-winning author who regularly presents on various genealogical and historical topics to national and international audiences. She is pursuing a PhD in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. Shannon is a member of several professional organizations and was elected to the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. In addition to client work, Shannon is a Program Tutor at the University of Strathclyde and a frequent contributor to Family Tree Magazine/University.

Karin Coppernoll, PLCGS (USA – Washington): Karin Coppernoll, PLCGS, has over 20 years experience managing the finances of a family-owned S-Corporation and is the proprietor of Brick by Brick Genealogy, a genealogy consulting business. She is the chair of APG’s On-Ramp Committee, serves as treasurer for the Olympia (Washington) Genealogical Society and is a trustee of the Monroe (Washington) Historical Society. Karin has served as a facilitator for a National Genealogical Society Quarterly Study Group, secretary for the Washington State Genealogical Society, and as treasurer for the Puget Sound Chapter of APG.

Alec Ferretti (USA – New York): Alec Ferretti is a New York City-based professional genealogist who has worked for the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center, researching family histories for high-net-worth clients. Specializing in the genealogy of 20th century immigrants to the United States, Alec is a regular lecturer at genealogical societies and conferences. He serves as the President of the New York Genealogy & Technology Group and is on the board of Reclaim the Records. Alec has led APG's advocacy efforts for the last few years as Chair of the Advocacy Committee.

David Ryan (Ireland): David Ryan is a professional genealogist, speaker, and oral historian based in Cork, Ireland. The current Communications Chair for the Oral History Network of Ireland, David has a Masters in Medieval History and a Diploma in Genealogy from University College Cork and recently completed a Masters in Public History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Limerick. A graduate of ProGen Study Group 39, David serves on the APG International Affairs Committee and is a member of the Britain, Ireland, and the Isles Chapter of APG.

Markus Schönherr (Austria): Markus Schoenherr is a professional genealogist living and working in Vienna, specializing in Central and Eastern European research as well as probate genealogy. He has served on boards and commissions of various associations in Europe. Markus formerly worked in financial planning and accounting, holding a business degree from the University of Passau, Germany. He is the current chair of the APG Long Range Planning Committee and a member of the Professional Development Committee.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE (ONE-YEAR TERM)

Erica Cousins Curtis (USA – Pennsylvania): Erica Cousins Curtis transitioned from a career in education to work as a full-time professional genealogist in 2022. She founded First Cousins Genealogy and specializes in forensic genealogy, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio research, pre-1850 brick walls, and using DNA to determine kinship. She earned Boston University’s Certificate in Genealogical Research, and has completed ProGen 66 and GenProof 77. She is a former board member of the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society and is the editor of its Quarterly journal.

Kristin Dennis (US – Texas): Kristin Dennis is the owner of The History Hunter, specializing in southern research with a focus on Texas German history. She has studied at the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research, ProGen 66, and many seminars and institutes. Kristin is the Director of Volunteers and Hospitality for the Clayton Library Friends at the Family History Research Center Clayton Library Campus in Houston.