06/22/2026
Dear ATALM Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our Founding President and CEO, Susan Feller.
For more than two decades, Susan dedicated her life to strengthening and supporting Tribal archives, libraries, museums, language programs, and cultural institutions. Through her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment, she founded the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM), transforming a simple but powerful idea into a national organization serving Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond.
Susan believed deeply in the power of Indigenous communities to preserve, protect, and share their histories, languages, cultures, and traditional knowledge. She understood that cultural institutions are not merely repositories of information and artifacts, but living centers of community, identity, and resilience. Throughout her career, she worked to create opportunities for those working in cultural institutions to learn from one another, build professional networks, access resources, and strengthen their institutions.
As we mourn Susan's passing, we also celebrate a life devoted to service, collaboration, and the preservation of Indigenous cultures and knowledge. We are grateful for the vision she shared with us and for the organization she created. Her influence will continue to guide our work and inspire our community for years to come.
On behalf of the ATALM Board of Governors and staff, we extend our deepest condolences to Susan's family, friends, and all who knew and worked with her.
The ATALM Board wants to reassure our community that our work will continue. ATALM remains committed to the mission and vision that Susan established, and preparations for ATALM2026 in Spokane will continue without interruption.
To ensure continuity in operations and leadership during this transition, the Board has appointed ATALM Chief Operating Officer, Melissa Brodt, to serve as Interim President/CEO. Having worked side by side with Susan since ATALM’s founding, Melissa brings a strong understanding of the organization and will guide ATALM forward with the support of the Board and staff.
In the coming weeks, we will share information about opportunities to honor Susan's memory and celebrate her extraordinary contributions to the field.
With gratitude and remembrance,
The ATALM Board of Governors
