Having spent years helping organizations grapple with the realities of information governance (IG), I was drawn to ARMA International’s whitepaper, “From Rules to Reflex: Transforming IG into a Cultural Value,” to see how it tackled our field’s most persistent obstacle: culture. It’s almost a rite of passage in IG to be baffled by how
Jim Merrifield
Jim Merrifield is Robinson+Cole’s Director of Information Governance & Business Intake, a member of the Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team, and a non-attorney contributor to the Data Privacy + Security Insider blog. He has spent nearly 20 years helping organizations of all sizes, including law firms and Fortune 500 companies, develop and implement practical information governance strategies, policies, and best practices. Jim is a well-respected expert in the information governance industry. With an extensive background in policy development and enforcement, enterprise program deployment, and technology solutions, he has earned a strong reputation as a knowledgeable practitioner and reliable consultant. His deep understanding of the space is reflected by his many publications, lectures, and consulting services for top-tier companies and law firms. Jim holds a bachelor degree in Legal Studies from Quinnipiac University and is a certified information governance professional (IGP).
Jim's innovative thinking and commitment for the industry has enabled him to create the popular podcast, InfoGov Hot Seat, a platform for candid conversations featuring practitioners, consultants and solution providers - offering valuable perspectives to listeners about legal technology and managing information as an asset.
Mastering Information Governance with the ARMA IGIM 2.1 Framework – Part 4: Sustaining and Evolving IG Practices
Finally, after providing the building blocks for strong Information Governance (IG) programs and operationalizing that framework, we discuss how to sustain your IG program in the last part of the series. An effective IG program powered by the ARMA IGIM framework isn’t static. To remain relevant in an AI-driven world, it must be scalable…
Mastering Information Governance with the ARMA IGIM 2.1 Framework – Part 3: Operationalizing the Framework
Last week, we outlined the building blocks for a strong IG program. Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to bring your IG program to life. The ARMA IGIM framework emphasizes operational execution in three key areas:
- Procedural Framework
- Capabilities
- Information Lifecycle
These domains are where your framework tangibly interacts with AI systems…
Mastering Information Governance with the ARMA IGIM 2.1 Framework: Part 2 – Building the Foundation
Last week, we introduced you to the ARMA IGIM Framework. What’s next? Every successful Information Governance (IG) program starts with a strong base. The ARMA IGIM framework outlines three critical building blocks:
- Steering Committee
- Authorities
- Support Functions
Implementing these foundational pieces not only gets your IG program off the ground but also creates a…
Mastering Information Governance with the ARMA IGIM 2.1 Framework Part 1: Introduction to the ARMA IGIM Framework
Today, organizations face unprecedented data challenges. The sheer volume of information, evolving regulations, and the rising momentum of artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizing industries make it clear that information governance (IG) is not optional. The ARMA IGIM 2.1 framework provides organizations with a practical, structured approach to manage data effectively, enabling them to meet these challenges…
Why Dumping Sensitive Data on Network Shares is a Liability
Are you storing sensitive data on a shared network drive? If so, your organization could be at serious risk of a data breach or privacy lawsuit. Shared drives, like the common “S:\ drive,” are often used to store documents, spreadsheets, customer information, financial records, and even scanned IDs. But here’s the problem: these network shares…
Navigating the AI Frontier: Why Information Governance Matters More Than Ever
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the legal landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, this powerful technology also introduces new challenges to established information governance (IG) processes. Ignoring these challenges can lead to significant risks, including data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage.
“AI Considerations for Information Governance Processes,” a…
The CIO-CMO Collaboration: Powering Ethical AI and Customer Engagement
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping the corporate landscape, offering unparalleled opportunities to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. At the intersection of this digital transformation lie two key executives—the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This dynamic duo, when aligned, can drive ethical AI adoption, ensure…
Navigating the Future: Generative AI and Information Governance in 2025
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, unlocking new possibilities in automation, creativity, and problem-solving. However, as we look toward 2025, the success and sustainability of Gen AI will depend on one critical element: information governance. Governance frameworks will provide the foundation for ethical AI development and ensure compliance, accountability…
The Risks of Excessive Data Retention and Tips for Information Security
In today’s digital age, our every action generates a trail of data. From online searches to credit card details, this data is collected by companies to enhance their services. However, the question arises – how long should this data be retained? Over-retention of data poses numerous risks, which individuals must be aware of to safeguard…