December 1, 1948 – February 27, 2002
Rita Holt was born and raised in Dequincy, LA. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University in 1970 with a minor in Library Science. Her husband Steve, son Jeff and wife, Keri, and her sister, Dianne, survive her. Rita made her home in Manassas, VA in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Rita began her career in information and records management as a school librarian in Houston for three years. Her husband, Steve, who was in the military facilitated her next professional position as Microfilm Coordinator for the City of Newport News, VA for two years while Steve was stationed there. In her professional career, Rita had over 20 years of records & information management, forms management, micrographic and facilities experience in both law firm and other corporate organizations. Her career experience in the industry after Newport News was very broad:
Records Analyst, 11/77—11/78 National Rural Utilities Cooperatives Finance Corp.
Microfilm Supervisor, 11/78—3/81, National Academy of Sciences
Records Manager, 3/81—7/84, McKenna, Conner & Cuneo
RIM Supervisor/Forms Administrator, 7/84—1/86, Amtrak-Nat. RR Passenger Corp.
Mgr of Office Services & RIM, 2/86—9/90, Cawson & Harkins
Facilities Coordinator/Gen. Serv. Coordinator, 9/90-8/92, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan
Records Manager, 8/92—1998, Arent, Fox, Kintner, Plotkin & Kahn
Records Manager, 1998-2002, Caplan & Drysdale
Rita became active in ARMA in 1978 as a member of the Greater Washington DC Chapter (GWDC). She served in her first official capacity as Chapter Secretary between 1978 and 1981. The chapter kept her busy in elected and appointed offices and responsibilities. Most importantly, she was President of the Chapter from 1981-83 and again 20 years later served as President once more. She was Chapter Member of the Year in 1983 and received several Meritorious Service Awards and the prestigious Long Term Meritorious Service Award. At the ARMA International level, she was instrumental in the development of the Industry Action Committees which later became Industry Specific Groups She served on the ARMA Conference Program Committee and as a Conference Session Monitor. She loved participating in the GWDC Chapter charity events. In many cases, Rita served as the GWDC Chapter’s corporate memory and her chapter experiences were invaluable to the various chapter boards and committees.
Rita perhaps summarized her philosophy of service to and involvement with ARMA and the GWDC Chapter best from a statement she prepared when running for a chapter office. “Participation in a professional organization is a tool for individual growth. My participation in ARMA has meant so very much to me over the many years. The ARMA network has so often provided numerous answers to questions that began with “How do I. . .” or “Where do I find. . .” The ARMA network has also provided many friends who understand the enjoyment and frustration of the industry. Serving as a member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors is a way to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.”
Recollection contributed by Deborah Marshall.
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