At the State of the Association and Awards Luncheon at InfoCon, we reaffirmed who we are—the home of Information Governance (IG). ARMA exists for individual practitioners, organizations that rely on strong information programs, and the advancement of the profession itself.
Our mission is anchored in education and professional development, focused on three goals: building the professional, advancing the profession, and championing IG within organizations - where strategy, culture, and daily practice intersect.
Rooted in records and information management, our discipline has evolved to encompass the broader landscape of information governance. The Information Governance Implementation Model (IGIM) unites these perspectives, providing a shared roadmap and language for effective programs across the enterprise.
This past year, ARMA delivered meaningful progress to strengthen member value and organizational impact:
In certification and education, the Information Governance Professional (IGP) community continues to grow, approaching 500 active credential holders with record recertification rates. New initiatives - such as the Educator Discount and Academic Partnership Program - are building the next generation of IG talent.
ARMA’s education strategy now aligns with transformation at three levels:
Our foundational frameworks - the IGIM, the updated Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles® (2025), and the forthcoming Glossary of Information Governance Terms—establish consistent standards across the profession. The IG Maturity Index survey, open through December 31, will continue guiding industry benchmarking.
Education offerings are expanding with the Essentials Series, a new Fundamentals of IG course (developed with Robinson + Cole), and the Professional Leadership program, launched at InfoCon and coming soon as a hybrid course.
ARMA’s reach is amplified through strong strategic partnerships with RIMPA Global, ARA, ICRM, ILTA, I-SIGMA, NAGARA, GIC, Cadence Solutions, Carahsoft, CHIMA, and KARMA, among others. These collaborations enhance member access to standards, research, and professional networks.
In exciting news, ARMA International and the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) are proud to announce a strengthened partnership dedicated to advancing the profession of records and information governance worldwide. By aligning their collective expertise, resources, and shared commitment to excellence, ARMA and the ICRM aim to elevate the value, recognition, and accessibility of certifications that define and uphold the highest standards in the industry.
ARMA’s Verified Organization Program continues to spotlight organizations demonstrating excellence and commitment to IG education and professional standards. Participating organizations exemplify the principles of strong information governance by ensuring their teams are educated, credentialed, and actively engaged in advancing the field.
Current ARMA Verified Organizations include Iron Mountain and Robinson + Cole. Each has demonstrated that key staff members hold ARMA’s Essentials of RIM Certificate, Essentials of IG Certificate, and/or the Information Governance Professional (IGP) certification, and that those employees maintain active professional memberships.
By achieving verified status, these organizations affirm their dedication to fostering information governance excellence - aligning policy, education, and culture to strengthen their organizations and the profession as a whole.
Our partnership with the ARMA International Educational Foundation (AIEF) deepened this past year, aligning governance and operations to better serve members. AIEF awarded $22,900 in scholarships across education, certification, and conference attendance, and introduced a new international scholarship. AIEF is also the principal sponsor of the Experience Matters Business Impact Research Project, a global study - led with Adelaide and Deakin Universities - quantifying how information quality and governance drive business outcomes.
As we look ahead, ARMA will continue to broaden programs, deepen partnerships, and expand resources that empower practitioners worldwide. Together, we are building the future of information governance - stronger, smarter, and more connected than ever.