Tell Your 2025 FOIA Story, Win 2026.
About this Webinar
Strong Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs don’t just respond to requests—they tell a story. The way you frame your 2025 outcomes can shape credibility, build trust, and set the stage for greater success in 2026.
In this practical, forward-looking session, you’ll learn both sides of the equation: how to showcase the work you’ve already done, and how to prepare your team and processes for what’s ahead.
What you’ll learn:
- Telling Your 2025 Story: Which metrics matter most, how to build a compelling narrative, and ways to use visuals and data to resonate with stakeholders.
- Winning 2026: Practical approaches to goal-setting, building an operating cadence that sustains progress, and exploring emerging technology that can accelerate FOIA results.
Whether you’re managing rising request volumes, improving transparency, or just trying to keep pace with limited resources, this session will give you the playbook to demonstrate impact today—and position your team for bigger wins tomorrow.
Presenters
Alison Fortner (Moderator)
Solutions Engineer
Alison Fortner is a Solutions Engineer at Exterro, where she focuses on the eDiscovery product suite. Her background in litigation services with Leidos, where she supported the Civil Division of the DOJ, gives her unique insight into the complexities of government workflows. She excels at the challenge of finding the best solutions for each customer's specific needs, helping agencies like yours streamline their FOIA processes and achieve compliance.
Michael Sarich
Founder of FOIA University, former Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) FOIA Service
Michael Sarich is the Founder of FOIA University and one of the nation’s leading voices in government transparency and disclosure.
He formerly served as Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) FOIA Service, where he led record-setting modernization efforts across the largest FOIA program in the federal government.
Today, Michael leads FOIA University—a platform dedicated to equipping the next generation of FOIA professionals with the tools, training, and technology insight needed to meet the moment. From practical courses on backlog reduction and eDiscovery workflows to thought leadership on AI and proactive disclosure, FOIA University reflects Michael’s belief that transparency is both a mission and a craft.
A recognized expert in compliance strategy, legal access, and information operations, Michael has championed the use of smart technology—from workflow automation to AI-assisted redaction—to reduce delays, improve outcomes, and strengthen public trust. His work at VA has become a model across government, and his current efforts continue to shape the future of FOIA across federal, state, and local agencies.
Rebecca Conner, CRM, IGP
Senior Manager, Records and Information Management, Amtrak
Rebecca Conner has a bachelor’s degree in American studies and history from Skidmore College, a master’s degree in information and library studies from The University of Michigan, and is both a Certified Records Manager and Information Governance Professional. She is currently the Senior Manager of Records and Information Management at Amtrak. She lives in the Washington DC area with her wife Sophia and two adorable cats, Samwise and Rosie.
Joel Karsevar
Founder of Data Glass, former FOIA analytics lead & database administrator for Veterans Affairs FOIA Service
Joel Karsevar is the founder of Data Glass LLC, a cutting-edge platform designed to help federal agencies understand, verify, visualize, and tell compelling stories with their FOIA data. Data Glass transforms complex federal transparency data into clear, actionable insights that enable FOIA professionals and government agencies to make informed decisions and demonstrate program effectiveness with confidence.
Joel previously served as the primary database administrator and FOIA analytics lead for the Department of Veterans Affairs' enterprise FOIA program, where he equipped VA stakeholders with data-driven decision-making tools and strengthened operational efficiency across one of the federal government's largest transparency programs.
A veteran of the United States Army and graduate of American University's Kogod School of Business, Joel combines technical expertise in dashboard development and data reporting with practical understanding of federal compliance requirements. Through Data Glass, he continues to advance FOIA program effectiveness for stakeholders by delivering custom reporting, advanced analytics, and strategic intelligence that help agencies harness the power of their FOIA data.