Who We Are

The American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) was established in 1977 and is accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board. The Board’s objectives are two-fold: to establish, maintain and enhance standards of qualification for those who practice forensic document examination, and to certify applicants who comply with ABFDE requirements for this expertise. In doing so, the Board aims to safeguard the public interest by ensuring that anyone who claims to be a specialist in forensic document examination does, in fact, possess the necessary skills and qualifications.

The ABFDE is sponsored by the Canadian Society of Forensic Science, the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, the Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners, and the Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners, and is recognized by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association for Identification, the Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists, and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists.

The ABFDE is committed to impartiality in all matters. Our bylaws and procedures are structured to manage and safeguard impartiality, and the Board of Directors of the ABFDE accepts responsibility for impartiality in all of its activities. The Board of Directors of ABFDE and each of the committees therein shall not allow personal, commercial, financial, or other pressures to compromise this responsibility. The policies and procedures of the ABFDE are fair, objective, non-discriminatory, and in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. The Board of Directors and committees of the ABFDE will identify potential risks to impartiality and take steps to remove such risks.

Officers

PresidentMeg O'Brien
Vice PresidentDarlene Morin
SecretaryGina Hunter
TreasurerKatherine Schoenberger

Additional Directors

Committee Chairs

TestingLisa Hanson
CredentialsGina Hunter
RecertificationSandra Raudabaugh
Test Preparation & ValidationLisa Hanson
FSABDarlene Morin
Public RelationsLisa Hanson
Continuing EducationSandra Raudabaugh
HistorianLarry Olson
Rules and ProceduresGeorge Lehman
NominationsLisa Hanson
ABFDE SyllabusGary Licht

Past ABFDE Presidents

Ted Burkes2017-2023
Lloyd J. Josey, Jr.2016-2017
Rosalind Spencer2015-2016
Kirsten A. Singer2010-2015
David Oleksow2009-2010
Joyce Lauterbach2006-2009
Paige Doherty2005-2006
Brian Carney2003-2005
Jan Seaman Kelly2001-2003
A. Frank Hicks2000-2001
Howard C. Rile, Jr.1997-1999
Mary Wenderoth Kelly1995-1997
Dan C. Purdy1993-1995
Janet F. Masson1991-1993
William J. Flynn1989-1991
Thomas J. Donovan1987-1989
Robert G. Lockard1985-1987
James H. Kelly1983-1985
James J. Horan1981-1983
John J. Harris1979-1981