OGIS Welcomes a New Director

Archivist of the United States Davis S. Ferriero has announced the appointment of Alina M. Semo as Director of the Office of Government Information Services. Ms. Semo joins OGIS from the National Archives’ Office of General Counsel, where she has served as Director of Litigation in the Office of General Counsel since March, 2014.

In his announcement, the Archivist said: “Ms. Semo is a dedicated public servant who is uniquely qualified for this position.  Her extensive experience with FOIA at both the administrative stage and in Federal court litigation, knowledge of National Archives, and commitment to Open Government will serve her well in her position as Director of OGIS.”

“I am very excited to accept the position and to join a staff who is as dedicated and passionate about improving access to information as I am,” said Ms. Semo.  “I am proud to continue on the positive path that the previous Directors have set before me, and to continue to honor the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act.”

During her time at the National Archives, Ms. Semo worked closely with the FOIA team and other National Archives offices to respond to FOIA requests and appeals. She also provided frequent legal advice to ensure consistent agency responses, and helped rewrite the National Archives’ FOIA regulations. Additionally, she provided legal guidance and support to OGIS on administrative and mediation processes, and on issues involving the FOIA Advisory Committee.

Before joining the National Archives, Ms. Semo led the FOIA Litigation Unit of the FBI’s Office of the General Counsel for over 10 years and was a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (1991-1999). Ms. Semo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law School.

We hope you will all join us in welcoming Ms. Semo to the OGIS team!