FLARE Founding & Inaugural Members
Diana Bartelli Carlin, Ph.D.FLARE PresidentProfessor Emerita of Communication, Saint Louis University Brief Biography > | Christopher LeahyFLARE Vice PresidentDr. Christopher J. Leahy is Professor of History at Keuka College, a liberal arts institution located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Brief Biography > |
Kathleen SpennrathFLARE TreasurerKathleen Spennrath has a long career working with fiduciary issues. Her work career has included finance, information technology, education, and publishing. Brief Biography > | Sharon Williams LeahyFLARE SecretarySharon Williams Leahy is an independent scholar and historian specializing in nineteenth-century America, particularly print culture and American first ladies. Brief Biography > |
Nancy Kegan SmithFLARE Immediate Past PresidentArchival consultant and Retired Director of Presidential Materials Division, National Archives and Records Administration Brief Biography > | Nichola GutgoldFLARE Member-at-largePenn State Lehigh Valley, Professor of Communication Brief Biography > |
Heath Hardage LeeFLARE Member-at-largeHeath Hardage Lee is an award-winning historian, biographer, curator and lecturer who specializes in women’s history. Brief Biography > | Anita B. McBrideFLARE Member-at-largeExecutive-in-Residence, Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies in the School of Public Affairs at American University Brief Biography > |
Katherine A. S. Sibley, Ph.D.FLARE Member-at-largeProfessor of History and Director of American Studies, Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia Brief Biography > | Susan SwainFLARE Member-at-largeSusan Swain retired from C-SPAN as co-CEO in 2025 after a 40-year career. In addition to her management and editorial responsibilities, Susan served as a principal on-camera interviewer for the network's signature public affairs coverage and many special history series. Brief Biography > |
Jeanne Ryan WolfsonFLARE Member-at-largeAuthor and Strategic Communications Consultant specializing in public relations and marketing communications based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Brief Biography > |
