Prior to joining the Special Libraries Association in July 2003, Lachance was consulting with non-profit and membership organizations in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development/transformation, and culture change. From 1993 until January 2001, she held a variety of positions within the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal government’s human resources agency, starting as the director of communications and policy and serving as the agency’s director from 1997 until 2001. The OPM director is a presidential appointment with confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Her appointment by President Clinton was unanimously confirmed in 1997. During her tenure at OPM, she is credited for successfully redirecting and shifting the agency’s strategic direction and transforming the agency into a flexible, innovative entrepreneurial human resources management organization. As head of the nation’s civil service, she updated federal employment benefits to include long-term care insurance and expanded family-friendly workplace policies.

Prior to her OPM experience, Lachance worked with the American Federation of Government Employees. She also served on the staff of a number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Tom Daschle. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, and a J.D. degree from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Special Libraries Association (SLA) is the international association representing the interests of thousands of information professionals in 80 countries. The association offers a variety of programs and services designed to help its members serve their customers more effectively and succeed in an increasingly challenging global information arena. SLA is committed to the professional growth and success of its membership. For more information visit Virtual SLA at www.sla.org.