Park Ridge, IL – During its Annual Meeting on April 1, 2009, the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) welcomed new Board members, elected new officers, and recognized the contributions of those who had completed their leadership terms.

Each of GISCI’s four member organizations appointed a new representative to serve on the Board of Directors:

• Association of American Geographers (AAG)-  Matthew Koeppe, Association of American Geographers
• National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)-  Michael Vanhook, State of Alabama Geospatial Office
• University Consortium of Geographic Information Science (UCGIS)-  Rakesh Malhotra, North Carolina Central University
• Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)-  Kim McDonough, GISP, Tennessee Department of Transportation

New officers were also elected by the Board to lead GISCI for the next year:

· President – Ed Arabas, GISP, State of Oregon Dept of Administrative Services
· Vice President – Bruce Joffe, GISP, GIS Consultants
· Secretary – Michael Vanhook, State of Alabama Geospatial Office
· Treasurer – Kim McDonough, GISP, Tennessee Department of Transportation

The following Board members concluded their terms on the Board and GISCI recognizes their great contributions to the organization:

• Association of American Geographers (AAG)-  David Cowen, University of South Carolina
• National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)-  Tim Johnson, GISP, North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (CGIA)
• University Consortium of Geographic Information Science (UCGIS)-  David DiBiase, GISP, Penn State University (GISCI Secretary)
• Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)-  J. Allison (Al) Butler, GISP, AICP, MilePost Zero (GISCI President)

The number of GISPs has grown substantially during the past twelve months, with 4,386 individuals earning the credential since the program’s inception. For more information about GISCI, visit www.gisci.org.