Elissa Scalise Powell

Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL, is a leader in professional genealogy, with more than 35 years of experience as a western Pennsylvania researcher. Powell Genealogical Services has conducted research in the western Pennsylvania area since 1990, and Powell has developed a career marked by deep regional expertise and rigorous methodology. She has been board-certified since 1995, successfully renewing every five years, and holds the credential of Certified Genealogical Lecturer from the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

Powell's contributions to genealogical education include serving as the "Genealogy as a Profession" course coordinator at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research in Athens, Georgia. She was co-director and creator of the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh and an instructor and module creator for Boston University's Genealogical Research Certificate program. Powell mentored the first, 25th, and 50th groups of ProGen Study and authored two chapters in "Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice and Standards." She also served as course co-coordinator of the AG/CG Preparation Course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Her work has influenced how genealogists are trained and credentialed across the industry.

A frequent speaker at national, regional, and local events, Powell addresses topics such as Pennsylvania records, genealogy methodology, professional development, and society management. She originated the term "Writing as You Go," a methodology encouraging researchers to integrate writing into the research process. Her lecture catalog covers subjects including courthouse records, migration trails, cemetery research, and the Genealogical Proof Standard. Powell has appeared on the PBS-TV show "Ancestors2" cemetery episode and on the Travel Channel's "Dead Files" in episodes titled "The Instigator" and "Devil's Triangle."

Powell served as a Trustee for the Board for Certification of Genealogists for nine years and as BCG President. She was also a Director for the Association of Professional Genealogists for six years and taught genealogy courses at the local community college for fourteen years. Her leadership and service have been recognized with honors such as the Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Achievement Award and the NGS President's Citation for contributions to the field of genealogy. Powell is a past president of two local Pittsburgh area societies and a contributing author to publications including NGS Quarterly, NGS Magazine, and APG Quarterly. With decades of hands-on research, award-winning scholarship, and a focus on making complex genealogical concepts accessible, Powell is an authoritative voice in the field of family history research.