GISCI calls for AAG board representative

Are you a GIS Professional? Help us represent the AAG on the Board of Directors of the GISCI!

The GIS Certification Institute or GISCI provides the GIS community with a complete certification program, leading to Certified GIS Professionals. The GISCI is led by a Board of Directors that includes 2 representatives from the AAG. As one of our representatives is completing their term, we are seeking candidates to fill their position. 

What is the GISCI?

The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a non-profit organization that provides the GIS community with a complete certification program, leading to GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) recognition. It was established in 2002 by member organizations: Association of American Geographers (AAG), Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA), National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), University Consortium of Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). 

The GISCI is led by a Board of Directors with 2 representatives each from AAG, NSGIC, UCGIS, and URISA, and one at-large GISP representative. The board meets monthly to ensure the certification process is adapted to new circumstances and effectively administered. To do so, the board keeps track of the continuous innovation to the capabilities of GIS and the growing number of communities and disciplines — beyond Geography, that are gaining interest in the capabilities of GIS. 

As a founding member organization, and with 2 representatives on the board of directors, the AAG helps lead the activities of the GISCI, and does so in alignment with the goals of the community of geographers in mind. 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is a member of the AAG, who earned their GISP Certification from the GISCI, and is keeping their certification active. We are interested in casting a wide net and selecting a member who is genuinely interested in representing the goals and values of our geography community and in being part of the board. 

Once we made a selection of our top candidates, we will also consider whether the expertise and perspective of each top candidate would be a good complement to the GISCI board and to AAG’s representation on the board. For example, the board could use additional perspectives from educators at community colleges and/or from GIS professionals who are currently or have experience in the U.S. government sector; whether at USGS, NGA, the EPA, the Census, or any other government agency that relies on geographers and GIS Professionals. To fill that gap on the board, we think it would be especially valuable if our candidate is affiliated with GIS and geography education, but that also has an important presence and stake in geography beyond academia (government, private, or non-profit sectors). 

What is the role of the AAG representative?

As an AAG representative on the GISCI board, you will meet with the board monthly. All board meetings are virtual, except the annual retreat (typically in August), which is in-person. Board meetings cover discussions to ensure the certification process is adapted to new circumstances and effectively administered. Any emerging topics are also discussed that relate to the continuous innovation to the capabilities of GIS and the growing number of communities and disciplines – beyond Geography, that are gaining interest in the capabilities of GIS. 

You will also check-in virtually with AAG staff 3 times per year to report back about any GISCI activities relevant to AAG members and can collaborate with AAG staff on programs or communications that support the goals of both the GISCI and AAG. 

How long will my term as a representative be?

If you are selected to be one of the AAG representatives on the GISCI board, you will serve a 2-year term (August 2023 – August 2025). There may be a possibility to renew your term on the board up to 2 times, for a total service of up to 6 years. The GISCI retreat will be held Sat-Sun, August 5-6, 2023 (location to be determined), and as a newly appointed board member you will be expected to participate. 

Who are the current AAG representatives on the board and what is their experience thus far?

Michael S. Scott is at Salisbury University where he serves as the dean of its Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology and as a faculty in their Department of Geography and Geosciences. Scott earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in geography from the University of South Carolina, and also holds an undergraduate degree in geography. Scott’s research focuses on environmental hazards, particularly sea-level change and flooding, and on local/state government applications of GIS. As a member on the board, Scott brings important institutional knowledge about GISCI, but also a wealth of experience teaching GIS courses at different levels. 

“I have been an AAG representative on the GISCI board since 2013, and the opportunity I was afforded to represent the AAG on the GISCI Board as we shaped the direction of GIS certification was an honor and a privilege” shared Scott. “The members of the Board are deeply committed to advancing the GIS profession, and doing so in a way that continues to center Geography. During my tenure, I am proud to have witnessed many accomplishments at GISCI including the implementation the GIS Fundamentals Exam, the establishment of an annual fee model for maintaining one’s certification, the complete revamp of our financial reporting system, and a change in our bylaws to add an elected Board member. There will be many more opportunities to grow the GISP certification in the coming years and I hope those who want to commit to that work decide to apply.” 

Clancy Wilmott is at the University of California at Berkeley where she serves as an Assistant Professor in Critical Cartography, Geovisualisation and Design in the Berkeley Centre for New Media and the Department of Geography. Wilmott received her PhD in Human Geography from the University of Manchester and also holds undergraduate degrees in Communications (Media Arts and Production) and International Studies (Italian), as well as a postgraduate degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Technology, Sydney. As a member of the board, Wilmott brings experience applying GIS to a variety of projects and by her experience teaching GIS to students from different disciplinary communities, through which she developed an understanding of the newer challenges in the profession and of the importance of training and awareness GIS Professionals require today.   

“I have been an AAG representative on the GISCI board since 2020, and this has been an incredible opportunity to both represent the voices of geographers in the field of GIS, while also learning the ins and outs of the professional GIS world” shared Wilmott. “During my time at GISCI, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with colleagues from a broad range of industries, as well as different levels of government, to build a certification that is robust, adaptable and ethical as a standard of professionalization.  

What is the application process?

• On or before Monday, May 22, 2023, please submit your application to become an AAG representative on the GISCI board.
• By Friday, May 26, we will review all applications and select about 3 final candidates. You will be notified of our selection during the week of May 29, and we will schedule an interview with each of the final candidates, which will also offer candidates the opportunity to ask questions. 
• By Friday, June 30, we will notify all candidates of our final selection. 
• On Saturday-Sunday, Aug 5-6, 2023, the GISCI is holding their annual retreat (location to be determined), which will be the first meeting the new AAG representative will be expected to participate in.