David Clow, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD), is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in Public Safety and IT. As CIO, he spearheads the MPD's digital transformation, equipping over 4,500 officers with cutting-edge tools like Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) and a new Real Time Crime Center (RTCC).

David's passion lies in leveraging technology, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to enhance public safety. Under his leadership, MPD has successfully operationalized geospatial data, empowering officers with critical insights for:

• Improved Situational Awareness: Real-time data visualization on crime trends and locations allows for proactive policing and targeted resource allocation.
• Enhanced Emergency Response: Faster response times and better decision-making are facilitated by mapping tools and optimized dispatch routes.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Crime analysis through GIS helps identify patterns and develop data-driven strategies for prevention and investigation.

Join David as he explores the transformative power of GIS for public safety and its potential to revolutionize emergency response, crime prevention, and community engagement.

David's commitment to innovation extends beyond the MPD. You can find him engaging in industry discussions on his LinkedIn page.

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Barney Krucoff is a pioneer in the DMV’s geospatial and data communities, with over 30 years of experience shaping the field from its early rudimentary stages to the powerhouse it is today. He has served as the Geographic Information Officer (GIO) and Chief Data Officer for both Maryland and Washington, DC, where he played a crucial role in modernizing data infrastructure, leading the charge on open data initiatives, and improving data flow across government agencies. A native Washingtonian and an active leader in his community, Barney also served as the Interim Chief Technology Officer for the District of Columbia and has held prominent roles in both public and private sectors, including at the National Capital Planning Commission and Michael Baker International.

Known for his dedication to advancing geospatial technologies, Barney’s contributions have left a lasting impact on public service and civic technology. Now semi-retired and working outside IT, Barney takes a historical perspective and shares his insights on the evolution of geospatial data and its role in shaping resilient, data-driven communities at DMVGISDay.

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Bio Pending...

Monica Sanders is the founder of The Undivide Project, an organization dedicated to creating climate resilience in underserved communities through internet infrastructure and digital solutions. Her innovative work focuses on addressing the intersection of the digital divide and climate injustice. Monica has received major recognition throughout her career, including winning an Emmy for her coverage of the 9/11 tragedy at CNN, being named the inaugural Social Innovator in Residence at Grinnell College, and earning the Tropaia Outstanding Teaching Award at Georgetown University for her contributions to disaster law and environmental justice.

In addition to founding The Undivide Project, Monica has held prominent roles such as Senior Legal Advisor at the American Red Cross and Senior Committee Counsel for the U.S. Congress. She is also a FEMA Vanguard Fellow and serves on National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Committees. Monica’s keynote at DMVGISDay will draw on her expertise in disaster management, cybersecurity, and geospatial technologies to explore how they can be harnessed to foster resilience and equity in vulnerable communities. 

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Ghermay Araya is the Founder and CEO of New Light Technologies, Inc. (NLT), a Washington, DC-based company with over 23 years of experience delivering mission-critical geospatial and data solutions to public and private clients. Ghermay holds both a BS and MS in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences at George Mason University. He has attended Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program to enhance his Disruptive Innovation architecture for NLT. With deep roots in the DC GIS Program’s early implementation, he has been instrumental in shaping the region’s geospatial landscape, supporting numerous organizations across the DC and Maryland geospatial community.

As a mission-oriented IT executive with extensive experience in enterprise information technology, Ghermay has successfully transformed NLT into a leading provider of GIS, IT, and Data Science services. He has worked across various sectors, including space, defense, academia, and civil engineering, serving as a consultant, data analyst, software developer, and instructor. In his leadership role, Ghermay leverages a unique blend of business development and technical expertise to guide NLT’s diverse clientele, which includes Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as academic and non-profit organizations. He holds certifications such as GISP from GISCI and CSM from the Scrum Alliance, and has also led initiatives like GIS workforce development, address standardization, and implementing reliable GIS infrastructure—earning the NACIO Best of the Web award alongside his colleagues.

Ghermay has also been deeply involved in education and geospatial community organizing and events and serving as a lecturer at the University of Maryland’s MS GIS program, where he teaches Spatial Databases. He continues to lead teams across various technology projects, fostering sustainable solutions through lean business development and innovation strategies, and ensuring that NLT remains a prominent force in the geospatial and IT sectors.

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Glen Adams, a seasoned Software Consultant & Engineer at New Light Technologies (NLT), specializes in the intricate development and upkeep of applications for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics program and FEMA's Center for Disaster Preparedness. Backed by a robust educational foundation in Geospatial Information Sciences and profound proficiency in software development, spatial databases, and geoprocessing automation, Glen has significantly contributed to a myriad of projects spanning government entities, the military, and esteemed private clientele. Notably, his analytical acumen was pivotal in high-stakes litigation concerning environmental concerns, culminating in a pivotal role in a recent multimillion-dollar settlement with Mountaire Farms.

His endeavors also encompass providing crucial support to legal teams in the judicious allocation of settlement funds to impacted individuals.

Mike Bennett is the Head of Government Solutions, North America for ICEYE. For nearly 15 years, Bennett has worked in the weather and natural disaster industry, from operational forecasting and hazard communication in broadcast meteorology, to peril risk assessment and post-event forensics in the Insurtech space. In his current role, he helps governments and public sector organizations understand ICEYE’s natural disaster insights to improve disaster response efforts, improve humanitarian aid and hazard communications, and fuel alternative risk transfer projects focused around improving recovery outcomes for disaster survivors. At ICEYE, Bennett has helped lead the development of the monitoring, forecasting, and satellite targeting operations for ICEYE Flood Insights.

Micah Brachman has seamlessly blended his lifelong passion for maps with an illustrious career in geospatial data science, leveraging his deep expertise across various sectors, including academia, government, non-profit, and corporate environments. As a geographer, Micah has honed a sophisticated skill set that spans machine learning, statistical modeling, GIS, and remote sensing.

Currently, Micah serves as the Community Manager at The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), where he supports the coordination of expert working groups aiming to make geospatial information universally accessible and useful. His role involves enhancing collaboration among over 500 organizations to improve the interoperability of geospatial technologies.

Previously, Micah was a Data Scientist at AppFolio, Inc., where he developed and deployed predictive models using R and Python, enhancing business lines through data-driven insights and advanced analytics. He also served as a lecturer at the University of Maryland, where he developed new courses and trained the next generation of geospatial professionals.

Micah earned his PhD in Geography from UC Santa Barbara, specializing in geospatial intelligence, programming, and spatial data analysis. His significant contributions to the field, particularly in public safety and IT while serving as the Chief Information Officer for the Metropolitan Police Department of DC, underscore his commitment to leveraging GIS for enhancing public safety and community engagement.

Micah’s visionary approach to geospatial sciences, combined with his role at OGC, positions him at the forefront of advancing global standards in geospatial technology and data interoperability.

Uwe S. Brandes is professor of the practice, faculty director of the Urban & Regional Planning Program and faculty director of the Georgetown Global Cities Initiative. Brandes is a scholar-practitioner in the field of urban design and sustainable urban development, with more than 25 years of experience in the planning, design, and development of new buildings, the public realm, and community development partnerships. As a practitioner, he has prepared urban development plans in New York City, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Berlin, Buenos Aires, Panama City as well as in China and the Republic of Korea. Projects completed under his direction have received national awards from the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Urban Land Institute.

Maggie Cawley serves as the Executive Director for OpenStreetMap US, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the democratization of geospatial data by catalyzing collaborative action around OpenStreetMap between individuals, government agencies, nonprofits, corporations, and academia. With a background in urban planning, GIS, and community engagement, Maggie is passionate about leveraging the power of open data and open source technology to create more inclusive and innovative solutions for various industries. She is a strong advocate for open data and collaboration, and works tirelessly to build partnerships and drive initiatives that make mapping accessible and impactful for all. Maggie also serves as the Chair of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, where she works to foster the innovation and collaboration that is critical in shaping and advancing national geospatial policy and initiatives for the benefit of society. She holds a MA in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BA in International Studies from the University of Richmond.

Dave Cook is the Founder and CEO of The Training Data Project (TDP). He has over 30 years of experience in AI/ML, geospatial intelligence, and cloud solutions  Recently appointed to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s AI Values Alignment Advisory Group, he plays a key role in ensuring that the DC Government’s AI development aligns with responsible, ethical standards. At TDP, Dave focuses on creating open-source tools and governance frameworks to improve the quality of data that powers AI systems. He believes the data that fuels AI/ML must incorporate values such as integrity and accountability to build trustworthy human-machine teaming for all.

Dave is a thought leader in AI and has been influential in shaping AI for national security and public safety. He has hands-on expertise in GEOINT,  MULTI-INT, data engineering, MLOps and risk management.  Dave currently teaches AI, GIS, and GEOINT at the University of Maryland, where he nurtures the next generation of geospatial and AI professionals. He has a Master of Science in Geospatial Intelligence from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science in Policy Analysis and Management Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University- Heinz College, and a Bachelor of Arts in American History and Political Science from Northwestern University.

Dave lives in Washington, DC with his wife, Noami, and their dog, Drake.

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Quentin Cummings is a leader in sustainability, climate adaptation, and geospatial sciences. Currently serving as FEMA's Climate Analytics and Services Lead, Quentin enhances emergency management capabilities through innovative GIS applications. He holds esteemed certifications in community planning, GIS, and floodplain management, and his contributions have earned him FEMA’s Administrator's Awards for exemplary emergency manager and innovation.

Beyond his role at FEMA, Quentin champions housing affordability and sustainable development in Maryland. As chair of the Annapolis Housing Affordability Task Force, he led efforts to assess and improve local housing policies through his GIS work. His advocacy extends to the Strong Towns Annapolis chapter, promoting economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

Quentin's commitment also shines on the global stage through his volunteer work with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, where he focuses on mapping flood-prone areas to bolster environmental resilience.

Before FEMA, Quentin’s distinguished military service included key roles in domestic and international crisis response, having served a combined total of more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, National Guard, and Reserve components in infantry, homeland security, and military intelligence units. 

Quentin holds a Bachelor of Science from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate for his leadership potential. His comprehensive career spans the spectrum of geospatial science, emergency management, and community service, making him a respected figure in both the public and private sectors.

Mike Endale is an accomplished technology executive with over 23 years of experience leading digital transformation initiatives for federal agencies. As Co-Founder and Vice President of BLEN, Mike has spearheaded efforts in IT modernization, emerging technologies, and healthcare innovation, integrating advanced cloud platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure. His expertise spans AI, machine learning, data analytics, and location intelligence, enabling government agencies to enhance collaboration and agility.

Mike is also a dedicated advocate for cross-functional collaboration and fostering innovation through human-centered design. His notable work includes guiding the development of AI-enabled products and creating cloud-native solutions that seamlessly integrate with client systems.

Previously, Mike was the Co-Founder & CEO of Moxit, a software company that provided a complete tech stack for care providers. In 2021, Moxit was acquired by Wonderschool, a prominent edtech startup based in Silicon Valley. Following the acquisition, Mike served as Wonderschool's VP of Special Projects & Head of Engineering for CCMS.

Mike is also a board member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), where he contributes his insights into contract management and federal technology initiatives. His past roles include senior leadership in both the private and public sectors, working with organizations such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), GSA, and the White House.

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Vicki DeFries has been a pivotal figure in the geospatial community, with over 25 years of experience driving transformative geospatial initiatives for public sector organizations. As the former Director of GIS for the DC Government from April 2001 to August 2007, Vicki played a critical role in shaping the DCGIS program into the highly regarded model it remains today. Her leadership extended beyond day-to-day operations, focusing on the long-term sustainability of the city's geospatial strategy.

During her tenure, Vicki led the implementation of spatial data infrastructure (SDI) and established the foundational policies for open data and a standard operating data environment. These efforts modernized DC's data management approach and set a precedent that continues to influence the region's geospatial landscape. Her commitment to creating a resilient and enduring spatial data infrastructure has empowered DC to provide accessible, transparent, and reliable geospatial data for its citizens and partners.

Beyond her contributions to DC, Vicki also made significant strides in the Baltimore County GIS program and established the GIS program for Prince George's County  as well as other DMV local governments where her strategic insights further strengthened the county's geospatial capabilities. Her visionary approach marks Vicki's impact on the geospatial community, her dedication to policy development, and her unwavering commitment to advancing the role of GIS in public governance and planning.

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Bill Dollins, founder and president of Cercana Systems LLC, is a recognized geospatial technology leader with more than 30 years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing geospatial systems. Bill provides strategic consulting focused on maximizing the value of data assets in verticals like broadband infrastructure, civil engineering, government services, and AI. A lifelong resident of the DMV region, Bill has been a leader in advancing best practices in open data, the integration of proprietary and open-source geospatial software, and the development of high-performance teams. His expertise in fusing geospatial technologies with enterprise systems has helped public and private sector clients maximize value and gain new insights from their data. 

Previously, Bill served as Chief Information Officer at Fulcrum, where he led IT, data operations, and professional services teams. He achieved significant milestones in developing data infrastructure, expanding revenue, and ensuring security compliance. At Zekiah Technologies, as Partner and Senior Vice President, Bill managed programs and technology strategies for critical projects, including infrastructure protection for the US Navy and the Department of Homeland Security. Bill was also a founding member of the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) working group, which continues to provide high-value geospatial data to the infrastructure protection community. Bill’s expertise in geospatial technologies, data operations, and leadership has positioned him as a key contributor to the advancement of geospatial solutions across multiple industries.

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Anthony Dowell is the Associate Vice President at AECOM, where he leads the Maryland Water Area Business Line. With a rich background in geospatial technology and environmental systems, he has guided water and infrastructure projects across Greater Maryland. His expertise is enhanced by his certifications in Asset Management and Safety Training, alongside a Master’s in GIS from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. As an adjunct faculty member at Frederick Community College, Anthony also contributes to the education and development of future GIS professionals.

Anthony has been deeply involved in the DMV Geospatial community, demonstrating a commitment to community building within both geospatial and water management sectors. His leadership in organizations like the Maryland State Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC) and the TUgis Advisory Committee reflects his passion for advancing the GIS profession. He works tirelessly to foster collaboration, promote innovation, and enhance the role of GIS in addressing regional challenges, making him a key figure in the area’s geospatial landscape.

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Kendrick Faison is a distinguished geospatial professional with over 20 years of experience, particularly in the federal sector. His career began as an Imagery Analyst at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), followed by a significant role at the National Security Agency (NSA) through Booz Allen Hamilton. Faison's leadership in establishing the City of Laurel's enterprise GIS system and his tenure as GIS/IT manager at the Baltimore City Mayor's Office for Emergency Management highlight his expertise. He holds two Bachelor's Degrees in History and Geography and a Master's in Geosciences, reflecting his deep academic foundation in the field.

Mario Field is a seasoned GIS professional with a deep-rooted presence in the DMV community. He has been instrumental in driving the adoption and innovation of geospatial technologies and services. Throughout his career, Mario has focused on developing geospatial infrastructure, managing data governance, and promoting GIS adoption across local and federal government agencies

In recent years, Mario has expanded his expertise into the data domain and cloud environment. He has led data management initiatives, including data warehousing, data integration, data quality assurance, and data platform operation. His foremost goal is to empower organizations by leveraging data for advanced analytics, enhanced mission delivery, improved operations, and increased efficiency. He has successfully implemented these strategies in the USPS domain, serving as Chief Data Officer at the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and Enterprise Data Manager at the USPS Office of the Inspector General. 

Despite his recent focus on data, geospatial data and technology remain Mario's primary passion. Reflecting this, one of his first initiatives at the Postal Regulatory Commission was to establish an enterprise GIS service to enhance business decision-making and operational outcomes. 

Mario recently moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he's embracing the even hotter weather, southern charm, and sweet tea. Although he's changed sports markets, he remains a dedicated fan of the Baltimore Ravens and Virginia Tech Hokies.

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Ran Goldblatt is the Chief Scientist and Director of Integrated Science and Technology at New Light Technologies, Inc. (NLT), where he leads the development of the company’s science and technology strategy and spearheads a wide range of research and development (R&D) initiatives. With a Ph.D. in Geography from Tel Aviv University, Ran has a strong academic background, having authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers covering topics such as urbanization, environmental impacts, land cover / land use mapping, socioeconomic development, and public health. His deep academic roots are complemented by his ongoing role as NLT`s project manager for a range of projects conducted in support of the World Bank, Federal Agencies, International Organizations, and Acadamia, where he applies cutting-edge geospatial technologies to drive data-driven decision-making across sectors.

As a resident of the Washington, DC, and Maryland area, Ran is deeply connected to the DMV geospatial community. He has worked extensively with regional organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies, playing a pivotal role in advancing geospatial analytics and fostering collaboration. Ran’s leadership in organizing academic partnerships, research projects, and regional geospatial initiatives has solidified his position as a key figure in the DMV area. He is particularly passionate about using geospatial technology to promote equity for underserved populations, ensuring that data-driven solutions address the needs of marginalized communities and contribute to sustainable development.

In his role at NLT, Ran leads a team of scientists and technologists, including staff from partner organizations, supporting agencies such as FEMA on a variety of emergency response and analytics efforts. He has managed more than 50 high-profile geospatial projects, using his expertise to deliver solutions for disaster management, economic development, and public health. One of his most impactful projects is a multi-year collaboration with UNICEF and UC San Diego, where he is overseeing the development of machine learning models to forecast Dengue Fever hotspots across Latin America. Through his work, Ran continues to push the boundaries of geospatial science, blending his academic and professional expertise to tackle global challenges while staying deeply engaged with the local geospatial community.

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Noah Goodman has been in the Federal geospatial business for nearly 25 years. During this time, Noah has crossed the National Security/Intel Community, Federal Civilian and Law Enforcement/Homeland Security missions. He has led numerous national level federal geospatial initiatives across policy development, technology implementation and data governance.

Noah has recently joined Voyager after having worked for AWS in their National Security business. Prior to AWS, Noah built and led the Location Intelligence business at ArdentMC (recently acquired by Mission First) for 12 years and Booz Allen for 8 years prior.

Noah lives in Vienna VA and is a father / husband / dog dad. His time spent outside of work includes coaching youth soccer, watching hours of swim meets and spending time on the trail systems across the DMV.

Geoffrey Hatchard, a cartographer interested in and focused on research, data, and geographical information systems, currently works as a senior geospatial data manager & engineer for New Light Technologies. Most recently, Geoff worked with the DC GIS team at OCTO, the DC government’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, where he curated geospatial data and information for the city’s Open Data portal. His responsibilities overall for New Light Technologies involve supporting teams working on projects for federal, state, and local government agencies and other partners. With a background that includes roles at the National Geographic Society, the U.S. Census Bureau, and Apple Maps, Geoffrey holds a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's degree in geography from Penn State University, with a thesis studying the application and use of color on maps.

Brooke Hatcher is a Senior Geospatial Analyst. Whether it’s using Google busy-ness data to determine where people are buying emergency supplies during a disaster or analyzing real-time utility data, Brooke produces geospatial products for FEMA during all phases of an event: preparation, response and recovery.

She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a GIS focus, and she is currently pursuing a masters in the same field at North Carolina State. She’s spent the majority of her career working in defense mapping, where she focused on image processing and intermittent water and hydrological feature delineation.  Her greatest strengths in GIS are performing imagery analysis, generating land cover products, creating flood extents, and doing 3D-feature extraction.

Brooke was raised on a horse farm in the Shenandoah mountains, but she now lives in Washington, D.C., and spends a lot of evenings at shows. Her favorite music venues in the city are the Anthem, the 9:30 Club, and U St Music Hall.

Charlene Howard is the Planning Data Resources Manager for MWCOG and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) in Washington, DC, where she oversees the organization’s spatial data resources. She and her team support TPB by working with staff to identify opportunities for leveraging GIS and other technologies for developing data visualization products for TPB programs.

Aaron Kelley is the president of UpSlope Advisors and a Geospatial Advocate. For nearly two decades, Aaron has supported the Department of Defense providing mission-critical GEOINT support and solutions. Over the last 5 years, he has supported NGA in a variety of roles such as Outreach specialist, System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA), trainer, and Product Manager.

Aaron is a USGIF Certified GEOINT Professional and geospatial open-source crusader. He is a member of multiple geospatial boards and organizations such as ESRI, USGIF, OGC, FedGeoDay, and the OSM US Government Committee. Recently, he was named co-chair of the newly established USGIF Diversity and Inclusive working group. He is also a frequent speaker at conferences and events spanning industry, defense, and intelligence circles.

Aaron holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Morgan State University.

Tim Kuhn is a GIS Analyst and Project Manager at New Light Technologies (NLT), where he provides critical geospatial support to clients such as FEMA. Tim manages projects that include business impact analyses for disaster response and product development within NLT's IMPACT initiative.

With a strong background in technical writing, cartography, and operational process development, Tim brings a diverse range of expertise to his role. He has a range of professional experience including serving as a case worker for people with developmental disabilities in Baltimore, MD; a corporate scheduler for Discovery Communications; and as technical support to NASA in launching and managing the GOES-R weather satellite.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology from Hood College, as well as a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Maryland College Park.

Tim is a writer in his spare time, focusing mainly on poetry and essays, and you can find him reading his work at open mic performances every couple weeks.

LT. (Ret.) Michael C. Macarilla, CPP joined Esri in 2022, bringing over 35 years of extensive Public Safety experience in law enforcement, corporate security, business resilience, executive protection, and the volunteer fire service. His distinguished career includes multiple roles within the Vermont State Police, where in part he served in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and then as the Assistant Staff Operations Commander. In the latter position, he directed IT services for the Vermont State Police, secured and managed millions in grant funding, and commanded the State Police Executive Protection Unit and as the Law Enforcement Liaison where he acted as the primary contact for law enforcement at the Vermont Emergency Operations Center.

Mr. Macarilla has testified before both state and federal legislative bodies regarding various bills and laws. His other notable assignments include serving as the Director of the Vermont Intelligence Center (State Fusion Center) prior to retiring in 2015. He was also a member of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Biometric Technology Working Group (TWG) and was selected for a position on the IACP LEIM Board of Directors shortly before his retirement.

Mr. Macarilla attended the 235th session of the FBI National Academy in 2008. He holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Critical Incident Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, both from Saint Leo University.

Brian G. Maddox is the owner of Digital Maddox LLC and a seasoned IT and GIS professional with close to 30 years of experience in software development, system architecture, artificial intelligence, and geospatial technology. He specializes in delivering advanced GIS solutions and consulting across sectors, including government and private industry, with clients in the US, Canada, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Brian’s expertise lies in leveraging open-source tools and advanced techniques in computer vision and deep learning to create innovative geospatial systems, as well as building machine learning pipelines for processing and analysis. His recent projects include developing deep learning models for geomorphological feature detection using LiDAR, identification of objects from satellite imagery to estimate commerce, and creating image processing applications for multi-spectral cameras mounted on drones.

Brian has lived in the DMV since 2006, and has extensive experience working for the US Geological Survey, the FBI, NGA, and the private sector. At the USGS he was accepted into the Equipment Developer Grade Evaluation program for his original work in using distributed processing for large geospatial datasets, creating the first Beowulf-class cluster at the Survey. At the NGA he worked in the Innovision directorate in areas such as image salience and using computers to mimic neuroscience of the brain. With the FBI he worked to combine GIS tools with computer forensics to provide a clearer picture of the data. In the private sector, he has created tools ranging from a database of types of objects found in imagery from deep learning, to a system to attempt to georeference news articles and collect NLP data from them. Brian has contributed to major government and commercial geospatial initiatives. He has a proven record of leading projects involving natural language processing for GIS data, computer vision and deep learning for object detection, and implementing secure IT infrastructures. In addition, Brian’s work with the FBI and DARPA has further honed his capabilities in information security and advanced data analysis. With a unique blend of technical skills and leadership, Brian continues to drive transformative advancements in the geospatial technology space.

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Check out Brian's blog

Pravin Mathur is a distinguished leader in geospatial technology and program management, with extensive experience in federal, state, and local governments and the consulting sector. Pravin excels in building robust teams and spearheading business process innovations. He holds a Master of Science in Urban Spatial Analytics from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a noted authority on GIS technology, having chaired a variety of organizational activities, including the URISA GIS-Pro 2024 Conference recently. Pravin is also a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) Advisory Board, contributing his expertise to advance geospatial data integration and management.

Thomas Moran is a Geographer. He likes building geospatial tools that help eliminate tedious and repetitive work and help people see how spatial thinking is helpful. Thomas is based out of Fredericksburg, VA.

Siddharth (Sid) Pandey is a senior geospatial consultant at Deloitte, focusing on the use of geospatial data, tools, and technology for location intelligence. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Geospatial Professionals Network (formerly known as URISA) and is the past Chair of the URISA Vanguard Cabinet. He has extensive experience helping organizations use geospatial technology to analyze, collect, manage, and visualize data within visually compelling geospatial applications to make informed decisions. In 2018, he was recognized in xyHt magazine’s 40 Under 40 list of Remarkable Geospatial Professionals, Geospatial World named him one of its 50 Rising Stars in the geospatial industry in 2021 and he was also listed in xyHt magazine’s list of 22 Young Geospatial Professionals to Watch in 2022.

Eddie Pickle is Sr. Vice President, Public Sector, at Crunchy Data — a leading provider of open source PostgreSQL database and PostGIS technology and support. Eddie began his open source career at the pioneering geospatial leader OpenGeo, and was the founding CEO when OpenGeo became Boundless. He has also been a senior executive at software (IONIC, RadiantBlue) and data (Maxar, Claritas/Nielsen, IXI) leaders, working with commercial, government, and NGO organizations worldwide. Eddie co-founded the FedGeoDay and FOSS4G North America conferences, and he holds a MA degree in Geography from UCLA, and a BA in Geography from the University of Tennessee.

Robert Pitts is the Executive Vice President of New Light Technologies, Inc. (NLT), a leading science and technology consultancy based in Washington, DC. With nearly two decades of experience at NLT, Robert has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and success, overseeing its operations, research, product engineering, and business development efforts. He is a dynamic leader with deep expertise in data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), geospatial technologies, cloud security, and agile software development. Robert’s strategic vision has driven NLT to deliver cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, including emergency management, economics, and public health.

As a long-time resident of Washington, DC, Robert is deeply rooted in the region’s geospatial and technology community. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing numerous high-profile projects across federal, state, and municipal levels. He has worked extensively with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Defense (DOD), and Department of Agriculture (USDA), where he has led teams in deploying cloud-based geospatial systems, predictive analytics, and decision support tools. His work has focused on solving some of the most complex challenges in disaster response, social vulnerability analysis, risk assessment, and infrastructure security, all while ensuring a seamless integration of innovative technologies.

Robert holds a Bachelor’s degree (BA) in Geography from the University of Denver, a Master’s degree (MSc) in Geographic Information Science from Edinburgh University (UK) and is also a Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Scrum Master (CSM). Robert is not only a seasoned practitioner but also an advocate for developing the next generation of geospatial professionals. In this capacity, Robert has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Maryland, teaching GIS Project Management in the Master of Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences program.

With a passion for leveraging data and technology to make the world safer, healthier, and more prosperous, Robert continues to drive innovation and foster collaboration across sectors. His leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and building strategic partnerships has enabled NLT to deliver impactful solutions that address the evolving needs of government, industry, and non-profit clients. His deep connection to Washington, DC, and his work across national and local initiatives have positioned him as a thought leader in the fields of geospatial science and digital transformation.

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Kari Primiano is a seasoned Technical Product Manager and advocate for data-driven geospatial innovation. With a solid foundation in machine learning, generative AI, and data analytics, Kari has a unique ability to turn complex technical challenges into impactful business solutions. In her previous role as Senior Product Manager at ALM Global, she led cross-functional teams in the development of advanced data analytics platforms, achieving significant revenue growth and enhanced operational efficiency.

Currently at New Light Technologies, Kari applies her expertise to enhance geospatial solutions and data-powered products. Her diverse experience also includes consulting, where she specialized in optimizing digital advertising strategies and aligning technical innovations with business objectives. Kari is a dedicated member of the emerging tech community, frequently engaging in discussions around the latest advancements in geospatial and data science.

Kari is a cold-water swimming enthusiast, bringing the same resilience and passion to her professional work as she does to icy waters. She holds a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in geospatial technology.

Eva Reid, MPA, GISP, is a distinguished figure in the DMV GIS community with decades of experience, having driven strategic initiatives and workforce development that have significantly increased the adoption of GIS by both government entities and the public. Currently serving as Senior Associate, Program Manager for GIS, Solutions, and Analytics at Dewberry, she has also held leadership roles in the DC government, including as Senior IT Data Manager and Agency Data Officer at the DC Department of Health, and as Senior Analyst and Trainer at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer.

In addition to her public service, Eva runs her consulting firm, Eva Reid Consulting, LLC, where she specializes in career coaching for women in underrepresented fields like STEM. She hosts the Government Women in Technology - DC and DC Women in GIS affinity groups, fostering monthly networking and educational events. Eva is a regular presenter at professional conferences and workshops, where she speaks on topics such as technology adoption, health, and other social causes.

Her long-standing contributions have made her a trusted voice and veteran of the DC GIS community, recognized for her leadership and commitment to advancing geospatial technologies.

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Shelby Roberson is the GIS Manager for the Montgomery County MD Police Department. In her 7 years in this role, she has transformed the Police department’s use of GIS from one person with an ArcMap license and a plotter into a full-fledged Enterprise GIS operation used by nearly every staff member in the department. She creates and supports applications used for everything from real-time situational awareness for Command staff to mobile field data collection by officers on traffic stops. Shelby has been in GIS since 2005 and Public Safety GIS since 2013​. In addition to Law Enforcement, she has experience working in Fire & Rescue and Emergency Management, and loves being part of the Public Safety GIS community. She thoroughly enjoys learning about new technology, fostering collaboration, and convincing everyone around her of the power of location intelligence and GIS. She spends her free time chasing around a toddler, fostering cats, and traveling the world attending Taylor Swift concerts.

With more than 20 years of economic development experience, Chad Shuskey has successfully implemented business recruitment and retention programs, research projects, and the underlying strategies supporting these initiatives. Chad has facilitated more than four million SF of real estate transactions, including recruiting tenants such as Apple, Atlantic 10 Conference, Lidl, Planet Fitness, Tesla, Walmart, and Wegmans. In addition, Chad oversees the WDCEP’s research program, driving a strategy that complements the organization’s program goals. The DC Development Report and the DC Neighborhood Profiles have been recognized with an International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Award, and ESRI has given WDCEP’s economic development maps a Special Achievement in GIS award. As COO, he collaborates with the CEO and other leadership, such as Operations, DMPED, and the Board, to set the strategic direction of WDCEP. Chad is also active in numerous local professional organizations, including DCBIA, ICSC, and ULI.

With 20 years of data industry experience in both the public and private sectors, Matt Sokol focuses on improving data for organizations with people, process and technology through team building, data strategy and governance.

Currently serving as the Chief Data Officer for the Government of the District of Columbia out of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, his portfolio includes GIS, Big Data and Data Integration, Data Visualization and Analysis and Data Strategy. He supports the city through a unified data approach and by breaking down silos to implement enterprise solutions to benefit the District. He has chaired the city’s Information Technology Investment Review Board, aimed at informing city leadership on the high profile and large budget IT projects, for multiple fiscal years. He is also a member of the Mayor’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, advising on AI solutions and their alignment with DC’s values on AI. He was a key leader in the creation of DC Compass, the DC government’s first generative AI solution,
built on top of the Open Data DC platform.

Previously a GIS Program Manager for the Maryland Department of Information Technology, he architected the first state run next generation GIS platform, MD iMAP, a highly scalable and available environment supporting over 1,500 public geospatial services.

Julie Spangler serves as the Director of GIS & Technology at Straughan Environmental, Inc., where she blends her expertise in GIS with her passion for environmental stewardship. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Julie has developed a robust skill set in enterprise GIS, project management, and technology solutions.

Her career has been marked by significant roles, including Director of Client Services at IMS Infrastructure Management Services and several leadership positions at JMT Technology Group. During her time at JMT, she led the Technology Group’s marketing and business development team and played a pivotal role in normalizing operations across technical and marketing departments. Her project management prowess was particularly instrumental while serving as a program manager for GIS at the Maryland Aviation Administration, leading key projects related to core functions such as the development of BIM standard and the adoption of an asset management program

At Straughan Environmental, Julie continues to drive innovation and implement advanced GIS solutions for environmental projects. Her work involves overseeing GIS applications that support complex environmental and infrastructure projects, ensuring that technology integrations enhance strategic outcomes and sustainability goals.

Julie holds an M.S. in Applied Information Technology with a focus on Database Management Systems from Towson University, where she also earned her B.S. in Geography and Environmental Planning. Her academic background and professional experience make her a key player in promoting GIS integration in environmental planning and management, fostering a tech-driven approach to environmental conservation and planning.

Dave Stepp is the Associate Director of Federal Connected Solutions at Verizon. In his role, he and his team oversee wireless solutions architecture for all Civilian, DoD, and NatSec agencies. Dave has been with Verizon for over 25 years, serving in a wide array of sales and technical roles in both the public and private spaces. Dave and his team currently specialize in designing, implementing, and supporting complex wireless deployments in the Mobile Broadband, Fixed Wireless Access, Private Wireless Network, and IoT spaces.

Martha Wells, is a founder and Principal of Spatial Focus LLC, bringing over 50 years of expertise in GIS management, address data organization and urban planning. Known for her deep roots in the DMV GIS community, Martha has pioneered the development of resilient Master Address Repositories across the country, including Washington, DC. Her adaptive strategies and innovative solutions continue to endure the test of time, supporting government agencies and organizations in managing critical address data.

Martha was co-chair of URISA’s Address Standard Working Group, where she helped develop the comprehensive street addressing standard adopted by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). A seasoned educator and speaker, she has taught at UC Davis, Sacramento State University, and Georgia Tech, while authoring numerous publications, webinars and workshops on addressing, GIS and urban planning. Her career spans local government, real estate development, transportation planning, and coastal zone management, making her a pivotal figure in advancing address management and geospatial strategies nationwide.

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Darryl Wiggins is an accomplished Innovation Architect and Founder/CEO of Public Sector Solutions Group (PS2G). Over 20 years ago, Darryl founded PS2G in Washington, DC, with a vision to drive inclusion and innovation from the heart of the nation’s capital. His company is now recognized for its transformative approach to digital solutions across key industry sectors, including Healthcare, Energy & Utilities, and the Public Sector.

Under his leadership, PS2G has forged strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Verizon, Hyland, Accenture, KPMG, and West Monroe Partners, consistently delivering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and modernize processes. Darryl’s commitment to value-based digital transformation empowers clients to achieve impactful outcomes through innovative, technology-driven approaches.

A respected voice in the field, Darryl continues to advocate for effective technology adoption and equitable transformation strategies, helping organizations realize their strategic goals through tailored digital solutions.

Jing Wu, PharmD, MPH is The Geospatial Pharmacist an established subject matter expert in location-based data collection, management, monitoring, analytics, modeling, and constituent and stakeholder engagement as applied to operations and business strategy in private and public health. She demonstrates her ability to broker relationships and skills across industries in her roles as Director of Pharmacy Data Strategy and Innovation at the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), Consultant for the World Health Organization GIS Centre, Principal of Wocus Health, LLC, Executive Director of The MindReset Inc., External Partner for The Center for Data-Driven Drugs Research and Policy (C3DRP), Advisory Board Member for the University of Louisville - Pharmacy Accessibility Index Project, Chair of the American Public Health Association's Asian Pacific Islander Caucus Board of Directors, Editorial Board Member for the Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning Elsevier publication, among other roles where her expertise can help advance individual and community health with equity in mind.