Susan Hughes
Lead Historian & Archivist
Susan has worked in the public history sector for more than 30 years. At the Pomeroy Foundation, she oversees a wide range of historical marker programs and the research historians who support the marker applicants and grantees. Recognizing her many contributions to public history through her role at the Foundation, Susan is a recipient of the prestigious Hugh Hastings Award presented by the Association of Public Historians of New York State (APHNYS). Susan previously worked in the University Archives at Syracuse University and as a Regional Archivist for the Documentary Heritage Program. Susan earned a B.A. from the University of Delaware and an M.A. in history with a public history concentration from Bowling Green State University where she worked at the Center for Archival Collections.

John Hart, Jr.
Grants Reviewer, Pomeroy Foundation
Archivist/Collections Manager, American Pomeroys
John joined the American Pomeroys in 2024, bringing a broad background in American history and expertise in the museum field with a specialty in collections care and management. He regularly provides input and knowledge on a range of projects for the Pomeroy Foundation’s historical marker grant programs. As archivist/collections manager for the American Pomeroys, he applies best practice to the unique and growing collection, interweaving the Pomeroy family story into American history, while making the collection as accessible as possible. John previously served as director of the Sullivan Museum and History Center at Norwich University (SMHCNU), Northfield, VT. Before SMHCNU, John was the collections manager at Fenimore Farm and Country Village (formerly The Farmers’ Museum) and Fenimore Art Museum. John holds a B.A. in history from St. Michael’s College and M.A. in history museum studies from The Cooperstown Graduate Program. He grew up going to lots of antique shops, developing his interest in objects. John’s favorite is his 1929 Ford Model A, given to him by his grandfather.

Jodi Oaks
Historical Grants Consultant
Jodi is responsible for working directly with marker applicants throughout the entire process. Her role includes reviewing and evaluating marker grant applications, as well as conducting primary source research. Jodi’s work with the Pomeroy Foundation began as a historical research consultant for the National Votes for Women Trail program in 2019. Prior to her work with the Foundation, Jodi served as a reference and research librarian in higher education. Jodi holds an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Mohawk Valley Community College, a B.S. in history from SUNY Oneonta and an M.S. in information and library science from the University at Buffalo. Jodi is an avid reader and lifelong learner who loves to discover new information and stories. She enjoys spending time with her family and cats.