Since 2003, the Washington State Genealogical Society has recognized over 600 outstanding volunteers and teams, nominated by their local society or genealogical organization for their service and dedication. These volunteers are the backbone of their local society, giving their time and expertise, to the organization and the field of genealogy. In the coming months, you will be introduced to each of the 2022 award recipients and learn why they received the 2022 WSGS Outstanding Volunteer and Team Award.

Today we’re introducing the Bylaws Revision Team who was nominated by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (PS-APG).  The team was comprised of Nancy Cordell and Karin Coppernoll.

Nancy is a family historian specializing in DNA analysis and African American research. In 1991 she attained a Ph.D. in anthropology. She received a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and attended the Advanced Genealogy Course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. She is a past President of the Olympia Genealogical Society. Ms. Cordell serves the needs of her clients with her firm “Diggin’ Our Past.”

Karin has over 30 years of experience researching family history. She attained a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University and a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies in American Records from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Karin takes on the genealogical brick walls and dead ends for her clients as “Brick by Brick Genealogy.”

Nancy and Karin both joined Puget Sound Chapter of the PS-APG in 2015. Nancy became an active member and volunteered as an expert in three “Ask the Expert” events. She currently serves as the PS-APG Chapter president. Karin has served as the chapter treasurer since 2017. She was the chapter coordinator for an “Ask the Expert” event and volunteered in several others as an expert. She became a National APG Director in 2022.

Nancy and Karin greatly aided the PS-APG chapter by updating its bylaws. These revisions were important and timely since they allowed members to attend meetings online.

For more information on the WSGS Outstanding Volunteer Award program, visit the Recognition page of the WSGS website or contact Info@wasgs.org. Please type “Volunteer Award” in the subject line.