Those who’ve been in the genealogy industry a while would be familiar with the name David Rencher, but as a number may not, I want to introduce him to you, as he’s a big name person you should know.

His official title is Chief Genealogical Officer for FamilySearch, and he is a leading international expert specialising in Ireland and England. But if that wasn’t enough, he’s just recently taken on the role of Director of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City.

Having started his venture into family history over 40 years ago, his credentials also include completing a BA, Family and Local History, at Brigham Young University in 1980, getting accredited in Ireland genealogical research in 1981, and becoming a Certified Genealogist in 2006.

David is also a:
– Fellow, Utah Genealogical Association
– Fellow, Irish Genealogical Research Society – London
– Lecturer, Course Coordinator (Ireland), Samford University’s IGHR
– Past-President, FGS
– Past-President, Utah Genealogical Association
– Author of a series of articles in The Septs on Irish Genealogical Collections

And if you’re wondering just what a Chief Genealogical Officer of FamilySearch does, this and a whole heap of other interesting questions are covered in the interview that Jill Ball (aka GeniAus) did with David at RootsTech earlier this year.

 

So as you can see David has been involved in the genealogy industry for many, many years. And has been hands on for much of it, and is now one of the top names of FamilySearch.

When asked about plans at FamilySearch, David said that …

“… the library will be the flagship of FamilySearch’s family history in-person experience for guests of all ages and skill levels. Discovery experiences proven in the library will extend quickly to FamilySearch’s Family History Centre network, website, and mobile apps”.

While I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting David as yet, I know he’s one of those people that you can learn so much from. So those who are going on Unlock the Past’s 16th cruise: Sydney to Singapore in March/April 2019 are in for a real treat as they get to enjoy two weeks with him and a bunch of other genealogists, which will an incredible cruise for sure.

Congratulations David on helping FamilySearch become the essential genealogical tool for research that it is today, and also on your new appointment as Director of the Family History Library.

And for more on David Rencher, have a a read of 9 Questions for David Rencher, FamilySearch CGO and New Family History Library Director.