Officer candidates for 2025-2026

Candidate for President, Beri Kaplan Schwitzer

I am honored and thrilled to be nominated for the position of President of the Dallas Genealogical Society. This opportunity is not just a role but a passion that resonates deeply with my love for genealogy and the stories that connect us all.

Genealogy has always been more than a hobby for me; it is a journey into the past that helps us understand our present and shape our future. From tracing family trees to uncovering forgotten histories, the pursuit of genealogy is a quest for knowledge and connection. It is about discovering the threads that weave our personal histories into the rich tapestry of human experience.

As I step into this role, I am filled with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. My vision for the Dallas Genealogical Society is to foster a community where every member feels empowered to explore their ancestry and share their discoveries. Together, we can create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of our genealogical journeys.

Dallas is a city rich in history and culture, and our society is dedicated to preserving and exploring this heritage. The Dallas Public Library, recognized as one of the top libraries in the United States for genealogy research, offers extensive resources that are invaluable to our members. From rare manuscripts to comprehensive databases, the library is a treasure trove for anyone interested in uncovering their family history.

I am committed to supporting our members with resources, education, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of genealogy. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just beginning your exploration, the Dallas Genealogical Society is here to guide and inspire you. We will continue to offer workshops, seminars, and events that cater to all levels of interest and expertise.

I look forward to working with each of you as we embark on this journey together. Your stories, your heritage, and your passion for genealogy are what make our society strong. Let us celebrate our past, enrich our present, and inspire future generations to continue the quest for knowledge and connection.

Thank you for entrusting me with this nomination. Together, we will continue to make the Dallas Genealogical Society a beacon of discovery and community.

Candidate for Vice President, Nancy Pardo

I began my genealogical research journey twenty-four years ago, but my love of family history began much earlier.  As a child who was lucky enough to grow up in Fort Worth, Texas, within walking distance of both sets of grandparents and a chatty great-aunt, I listened to stories of their childhoods and my ancestors for as long as I can remember.  When I started doing my own research in 2001, I ambitiously tackled tracking down the birth and baptism records of my Danish paternal great-grandparents, their siblings, and parents.  They had emigrated from Denmark in 1870, and I had the barest of details when I began.  I started with census records in Fort Worth, and later volunteered after work at an LDS Family History Center, because I could easily order microfilm records and do personal research when the center wasn’t busy.  What a challenge!  I was successful, though, and that effort taught me a great deal about gleaning details from unexpected sources.  After DNA testing entered the picture, I was gratified to learn that my conclusions had been spot on, and I had in fact found my Danish family.

My passion over the past several years has been researching birth parents for adoptees.  I’ve done this on an independent basis, free of charge, starting with persons from among family member DNA matches who approached me for any information that might help.  Once again, I found I enjoyed pursuing answers as much as finding them.  I truly believe that knowing our family of origin helps us to understand ourselves better.  

I am honored to have been approached by Tony Hanson to be on the ballot for DGS Vice President.  After retiring from AT&T in 2021 after 47 years, I naively believed my days of external commitments were past.  I admit I feel a little out of my element among the stellar DGS officers, but look forward to doing my best, meeting expectations, and learning a lot from this excellent opportunity to serve our membership.

Candidate for Secretary, Christopher D. Bryant

Christopher D. Bryant is the founder and researcher for C.D. Bryant Genealogy, LLC. He presents and lectures regularly for genealogy events, sharing various methods he uses to solve challenging genealogical brick walls, as well as emphasizing the importance of documenting history both fully and accurately! 

Serving as Secretary would provide me with the opportunity to express my gratitude to an organization that has offered me unwavering support and numerous avenues to share my passion for genealogy.