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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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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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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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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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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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.

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.

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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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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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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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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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.

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 Geospatial Services and Applications 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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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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