Vinny Barraza is the Head of Archives & Special Collections and Faculty Associate Librarian at Xavier University of Louisiana, where he has served since 2015 in roles including Archivist & Digital Preservation Librarian. He also serves as President-elect of the Louisiana Archives & Manuscripts Association (LAMA) and President of the Greater New Orleans Archivists (GNOA). He holds an MA in Museum Studies from Marist College’s Lorenzo de’ Medici International Institute in Florence, Italy, and a BA in Art History from California State University Channel Islands. Vinny is recognized for his leadership in archival practice, digital preservation, and community engagement, with a strong record of professional presentations, publications, and grant-funded projects. He has contributed to the field through service on national committees, including the Society of American Archivists, receiving multiple awards and scholarships for his work. Vinny’s expertise is further demonstrated by his involvement in initiatives supporting diversity, digital sustainability, and the preservation of underrepresented histories, particularly within Black Catholic and African American communities.
