The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) Board of Directors recently sought nominations for a new “at large” Board Member to represent the broad GISP Community. GISCI is currently governed by representatives of four professional geospatial organizations: American Association of Geographers (AAG), National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA).  This position is intended to represent those GISPs not in one of those organizations.  Nominees needed to be a current GISP in good standing, have no ethical complaints against them and would be willing to serve a three-year term as a Board Member if elected.  GISPs were given the opportunity to cast their vote from this list of qualified candidates to represent them and the GISP Community as a whole.

The GISCI Board of Directors is proud to welcome Shannon Doyle, PhD, GISP as its first GISP-Elected Board Member. The GISP community selected Shannon from a list of 12 nominees to serve on the GISCI Board. Shannon is currently a GIS Project Manager for the JMT Technology Group in Hunt Valley, MD and serves on the GISCI Exam Development Committee.  In addition to the GISP she earned in 2008, she is a PMP, Esri Certified Desktop Associate and Professional, CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) and member of the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee.  Shannon has been working in GIS since 2001, and her experience spans many different areas, such as defense and intelligence, space systems, county and local government, federal agencies, environment, agriculture, training, and more.  Shannon stated in her election biography that she is very proud of the work she has put into helping develop the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam^R and how far things have come since it started in 2008.  Throughout her career, Shannon has made many meaningful connections with fellow GISPs as well as aspiring geospatial professionals and has worked to mentor and guide future GISPs in their own careers.

When notified of being elected to serve on the GISCI Board Shannon stated: “I am incredibly honored and excited to learn I've been elected to this Board position by my fellow GISPs! The ballot was full of highly qualified and passionate candidates, and I hope I will get to work with them during my tenure on the Board.”  She continued: “Being elected to the Board is a huge professional milestone for me, and I look forward to bringing my passion, enthusiasm, and ideas to the Board to help advance the vision and goals of GISCI. Representing my fellow GISPs is a privilege, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Shannon’s term on The Board will begin in March 2023 and run for three years.  The GISCI Board of Directors is excited to have Shannon on board and looks forward to working with her.

About GISCI   The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of proficient GIS professionals through its international GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) certification program. The Institute fosters rigorous professional and ethical standards, community engagement, and professional mentoring within the GIS industry. GISCI’s member organizations include the American Association of Geographers (AAG), National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA).