Ever wonder what exciting new projects the many employees at NARA are working on? The “What are You Working On?” blog feature aims to introduce a variety of NARA employees and highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on around the agency. Check for this blog series on Wednesdays!
Continuing our series-within-a-series on getting the George W. Bush Presidential Library up and running, we’ll turn to the library’s audio-visual specialist, Jodie Steck.
What is your name and title?
Jodie Steck, AV Specialist
Where is your job located?
The George W. Bush Presidential Library in beautiful downtown Lewisville, Texas
What is your job in a nutshell?
I oversee the audio-visual collection of President George W. Bush
What are you working on right now? (Why is it cool/why does it matter?)
The Freedom Collection: a request by the Office of George W. Bush for images and video of the former President meeting with freedom activists from across the globe. This will be part of a permanent, online archive documenting the fight for freedom and the personal struggles of human rights activists
How long have you been at NARA? Have you worked at any other NARA location?
I’ve been at NARA since June 2009. Prior to joining NARA, I was the deputy director of photography at the White House under 43. I’ve been in journalism most of my life, so these past nearly seven years have really opened my eyes to government’s way of life.
What has changed since you started at NARA?
Because we’re in processing mode, and because we’ve yet to move into our permanent facility, everyday seems to be a different day. Transformation and the focus on new technology make things especially interesting. We have more electronic records than previous presidential libraries, and some days, the challenges inherent with ever-changing technology just make you want to climb back into bed and pull up the blankets!
Do you have a favorite day at NARA, or a favorite discovery or accomplishment?
My favorite day? When Sarah Barca joined me in AV and I stopped talking to myself (unfortunately for her!) In the past year, we’ve been able to provide assistance for books written by the former President, First Lady, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. We’ve also provided hundreds of images for publications on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and were able to join our textual brethren in the launch of a Flickr collection. All of this, of course, is overshadowed by ongoing preparations for the MOVE, which will begin this coming year.
What are your passions or interests outside of work?
I’m a hockey mom of a 13-year-old bantam and I love all that goes with that (except the smell ). I like telling myself I’m a photographer and take youth sports photos on the side. I have a wonderful partner of 20 years, and we give thanks every day for all that we have and how incredibly lucky we are to have it.
Ive known Jo Steck since 1991. She has, by far, made this world a better place, with all her contributions, personal and business. I thank God for knowing her and her family. I am so proud of all she has accomplished and my family and I continue to cheer her on!