Rootstech Keynotes - The Scoop

The Rootstech Official Bloggers have been given a scoop that I am thrilled to share with you. This morning I got news of the Thursday morning (Mar. 21) keynote speakers for the conference and it looks like a most impressive trio from diverse backgrounds. 

Dennis Brimhall and Jill (GeniAus) at Rootstech 2012

I have only met one of the  keynote speakers, Dennis Brimhall, who was new in his role at Familysearch in 2012. During Rootstech 2012 Dennis got out and about and chatted with many of the attendeees at the event. I was fortunate to have a chat with Dennis who was most interested in the views of an ordinary genealogist. I can't wait to hear what news he has to share about Familysearch's plans for the future.

I love a good yarn so look forward to hearing Syd Lieberman spin some to us during his session. D. Joshua Taylor is a genealogy rock star that I can't wait to hear. One of the reasons I travel to Rootstech is that I can hear people like Dennis, Syd and Joshua whom I would never get a chance to hear in Australia.

DENNIS C. BRIMHALL

Dennis Brimhall is currently the President and CEO of FamilySearch International.  FamilySearch International is a worldwide organization helping individuals find, preserve, catalogue, and search genealogical information. FamilySearch International is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of University of Colorado Hospital from 1988 to 2005. A native of Provo, Utah, Mr. Brimhall earned an undergraduate degree in zoology from Brigham Young University in 1972 and a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1974.  Mr. Brimhall and his wife Linda have four children and live in Dammeron Valley, Utah.

SYD LIEBERMAN

Syd is a nationally acclaimed storyteller, an author, and an award-winning teacher. Many of his best-loved stories deal with growing up in Chicago and raising a family in Evanston, Illinois. Syd is also known for his original historical pieces. He has received commissions to write stories for some of America’s leading institutions and agencies, including the Smithsonian; Historic Philadelphia, Inc.; NASA; and the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.  His work has garnered awards from the American Library Association, Parents' Choice, and Storytelling World. Syd was one of six tellers featured on the television special The Call of Story. He has also performed numerous times at the Timpanogos and National storytelling festivals.

D. JOSHUA TAYLOR

D. Joshua Taylor, MA, MLS is the Business Development Manager – North America for brightsolid online publishing, the creator of findmypast.com. A nationally known and recognized professional genealogist, lecturer, genealogical author, and researcher, Taylor is the current president of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and the former Director of Education at the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Taylor holds an MLS (Archival Management) and an MA (History) from Simmons College, and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Federation of Genealogical Societies Award of Merit, and the Rubincam Youth Award from the National Genealogical Society. Taylor was also a featured genealogist on NBC's Who Do You Think You Are?