Debbie Gurtler has been named the new assistant director of the FamilySearch Library.
Gurtler is replacing Lynn Turner, who became the director of the FamilySearch Library a year ago, according to a FamilySearch news release Wednesday, April 12.
“I am excited to assume this new role,” Gurtler said. “I’ve enjoyed working with Lynn through the years, and I look forward to helping shape the future of the FamilySearch Library and its reach.”
In her new position, Gurtler will be involved in strategic planning, alignment with FamilySearch initiatives and goals, facility upgrades, online services and selecting industry affiliations.
“As someone who has lived in many different areas of the world, I’m excited to explore ways we can more impactfully expand our expertise, services and offerings to people throughout the world, not just those who visit us in person in Salt Lake City, Utah,” she said. “I also hope to organize library teams in such a way to provide more leadership opportunities for our outstanding staff.”
Gurtler is qualified and prepared to fill this new leadership role, the FamilySearch director said.
“She has served in various roles in the library and understands the library’s vision, purpose, and resources,” Turner said. “Her research expertise covers broad geographical areas and has been honed over the years working with library guests and getting to know their needs. Debbie is a natural leader who appreciates and encourages the strengths and talents of her co-workers. She is enthusiastic about family history research and all the library offers to help our guests make personal discoveries. Her strengths will continue to be a big benefit to the FamilySearch Library and the genealogical community.”
As a FamilySearch Library employee, Gurtler has managed teams and international projects, as well as supervised training for volunteer staff.
Gurtler holds five accredited genealogist credentials with International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, which shows competency in genealogical research for various specialties. She is accredited in research in the United States mid-south region, Spain, Mexico, Portugal and Chile.
She was hired as a Latin America research specialist at the FamilySearch Library in 2011 after living in Chile with her family and becoming fluent in Spanish.
Gurtler graduated from Brigham Young University in 2009 with degrees in family history and genealogy. The Arizona native is the mother of three children and has five grandchildren.
Learn more about Gurtler and her career by reading the FamilySearch blog at FamilySearch.org.
