First ombudsman for FOIA named at National Archives

The National Archives has named the first Freedom of Information Act ombudsman, with ability to mediate disputes over requests for information.

Miriam Nisbet heads the information society division of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris. She will direct the Archives' new Office of Government Information Services, acting Archivist Adrienne Thomas announced on Wednesday.

Thomas said Nisbet "has dedicated her entire professional life to working for open access to government records."

Nisbet is expected to open the new Archives office in September.