The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) announces that Dr. Robert Austin has assumed the position of President of the association. In accordance with association bylaws, Austin will complete the unfilled term of his predecessor then serve his regular term through the end of 2011.

Dr. Austin, Manager of Enterprise Application Integration, City of Tampa, has a long history with GITA, including serving as chair of the 1991 Annual Conference in San Diego when the association was known as AM/FM International. He has previous experience as a member of the board of directors and has participated in nearly every committee within the association.  Long active on the international front, Austin also was instrumental in facilitating the creation of the Australia/New Zealand affiliate in the early 1990s.  More recently, Austin assisted in GITA’s Geospatially Enabling Community Collaboration (GECCo) initiative and also helped organize the Central Florida Chapter of GITA.

 “I look forward to serving as President of this association at such a critical period in its history,” said Austin. “I have been affiliated with it almost since its inception and have watched it evolve along with my career in the private sector, academia and now a governmental organization. Though we are facing some serious challenges, as are many organizations, I am convinced that GITA’s best days are ahead of us, and I’m gratified to be able to contribute at this level. We’re going to make some news!”GITA Executive Director Bob Samborski said, “Austin’s term as President coincides perfectly with the new Strategic and Operations Plans that have just been developed. His considerable leadership skills will be a huge asset for GITA as we navigate major changes over the next 18 months. I could not think of a better, more appropriate person to have at the helm of GITA at this point in our existence than Dr. Bob.”

For more information, visit www.gita.org.