Des Plaines, IL (October 10, 2023) URISA is pleased to announce the newest members of its Vanguard Cabinet. The Vanguard Cabinet (VC) is a URISA initiative (which debuted in 2011) to engage young GIS practitioners, increase their numbers in the organization, and better understand the concerns facing these future leaders of the GIS community. The VC is an advisory board who represent the young membership of the organization. The Cabinet’s mission is to collaborate with URISA’s Board of Directors and Committees in creating and promoting programs and policies of benefit to young professionals.

Comprised entirely of passionate young members selected from different geospatial disciplines, the Cabinet aims to position URISA as the center of opportunities for ambitious young professionals who are committed to improving URISA and the geospatial profession via innovation, collaboration, networking, and professional development. Each will serve a three-year term.

2024-2026 URISA Vanguard Cabinet Members:

• Rachel Byrd, GISP, Geographer & GIS Subject Matter Expert (SME), Infrastructure, Land, & Water Resource Management, New York, New York
  “I am deeply honored to serve as a member of the URISA Vanguard Cabinet. This opportunity to work alongside a dynamic group of emerging leaders in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to making meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving geospatial industry while connecting with like-minded professionals in the wider community of practice. Geography plays a pivotal role in understanding our world, and together we can make a positive impact for both present and future generations.”
  
  
• Rasha Elnimeiry, MPH, MAS, CPH, Geospatial Epidemiologist, Washington State Department of Health, Rochester, Minnesota
  “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for considering and selecting me to be a part of the Vanguard Cabinet. It's an honor to join such a talented and passionate group of individuals dedicated to advancing the field of GIS. With my background in public health/epidemiology and GIS, I am excited to contribute to the cabinet's mission of promoting innovation, collaboration, and professional development within the geospatial community. I look forward to working alongside these wonderful and inspiring professionals to strengthen our industry and inspire the next generation of GIS professionals. Together, we will continue to demonstrate that GIS is not just a tool but a vital profession with the power to solve complex spatial problems. Thank you for this incredible opportunity, and I can't wait to get started.”
  
  
• Sydney Fuhrig, Planning Specialist, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Nashville, Tennessee
  “I am really excited to be part of the Vanguard Cabinet for the next three years! I have loved maps since I was a kid obsessed with history. I stumbled upon a GIS class in college and was immediately hooked. I cannot wait to share my GIS enthusiasm and get more involved with mentorship in URISA.”
  
  
• Johnny Harley, GIS Analyst, TREKK Design Group, Kansas City, Missouri
  “I am thrilled to accept a position on the Vanguard Cabinet 24’ - 26’! I have been truly blessed with several mentors in my career and believe in paying it forward through mentorship. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow cabinet members so that we can continue to grow our geospatial network through the communities we serve!”
  
  
• Julie Lazor, Technical Advisor, SoCalGas, Long Beach, California
  “I am very excited and honored to be selected for the URISA Vanguard Cabinet and to be working alongside some of the industry’s greatest young professionals. I am looking forward to making many meaningful connections in the GIS industry and to be able to serve as a resource to other young professionals in the community. I cannot wait to get started and connect with other passionate, geospatial folks!”
  
  
• Jacob McDaniel, GIS Manager, Washington County Assessor’s Office, Fayetteville, Arkansas
  “I am thrilled and honored to have been selected to join URISA's Vanguard Cabinet. As someone deeply passionate about the intersection of technology, data, and spatial analysis, I am excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals and contribute to the advancement of GIS and geospatial technologies. Being part of this esteemed group allows me to engage with innovative ideas, drive positive change in the industry, and promote the value of geospatial solutions in addressing real-world challenges. I look forward to this incredible opportunity for growth and collaboration within the Vanguard Cabinet.”
  
  
• Ludo Nthoiwa, MSc Environment Science Student, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
  “I joined URISA as a mentee and since then I have only grown in my networking and technical abilities as a Spatial Analyst. Becoming a member of the Vanguard is an exciting new chapter in an already fulfilling community.”
  
  
• Olga Tambazidis, GIS Technician II, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles, California
  “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of the URISA Vanguard Cabinet. My passion for realizing the potential of geospatial tools to promote both human and environmental stewardship is a core part of who I am. I feel privileged to have the chance to engage with and learn from other remarkable young professionals who share this passion. During my tenure, I am eager to build upon the achievements of the previous cohort and discover innovative ways to apply our cohort’s collaborative effort.”
  
  
• Hannah Walters, GIS Analyst, Denver Water, Denver, Colorado
  “I am so excited and honored to have been selected to join the next cohort of the Vanguard Cabinet! I’m looking forward to supporting URISA and having the opportunity to work alongside, learn from, and grow with other highly motivated young professionals. During my time on the Vanguard Cabinet, I hope to help build a robust geospatial community, encourage students and other emerging professionals to get involved, and share my enthusiasm for all things GIS!”
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Wendy Nelson

Executive Director – URISA
Email Contact

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