Bob Marx, GIS Pioneer at the US Census, Has Passed Away

I just got this sad note from Tim Trainor at the Census Bureau. Bob was a friend and colleague. We gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award from his home state of Minnesota in 2001.

Will Craig
University of Minnesota
=============================

It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the passing of Robert W. Marx, former Chief of Geography Division. Bob succumbed to an illness on Monday, September 7, 2009 with his family at his side.

Bob served as Chief of the Geography Division from 1983 to 2003 (interrupted by a 3-year period as Associate Director in the 1990s to prepare for Census 2000). He was the architect of the Census Bureau’s TIGER System which began in the early 1980s as a collaborative effort with the U.S. Geological Survey. Bob was a visionary who sought ways to advance the importance of census geography through new technological developments that were made practical through useful applications. By making spatial data for the nation available, the TIGER effort opened the way for GIS development and created an entire new industry which continues to grow. Bob was a friend to all and will be sadly missed by his colleagues.

During his more than 36-year career at the Census Bureau, he received several awards for exceptional performance, including the Department of Commerce’s Gold and Silver Medals, and the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.

Bob Marx is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jan. They have two grown sons and eight grandchildren. On Saturday, October 10, there will be a memorial service celebrating Bob at the Springfield Christian Church in Springfield, VA. More details will follow prior to the event.

Tim Trainor
Chief, Geography Division
U.S. Census Bureau

2008 NSGIC Awards Presented

The National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) presented five Outstanding Service Awards and one Lifetime Service Award for 2008 at its Annual Conference in Colorado. These are two of four possible service awards that can be granted by the organization. The others are the Distinguished Service Award and the Dedicated Service Award.

The awards were presented by 2007-2008 NSGIC President Cy Smith, of Oregon. The Lifetime Service Award was presented to Ted Koch, of Wisconsin. Outstanding Service Awards were presented to:

• Ivan Weichert, of Kansas
  
• Vicki Lucas, of the USGS
  
• Shirley Hall, of the USDA
  
• Craig Molander, of Surdex Corporation
  
• Mike Mahaffie, of Delaware

The NSGIC Outstanding Service Award (PDF) is presented to individuals (or organizations) in leadership positions who have advanced the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and promoted NSGIC’s goal of efficient and effective government through the prudent implementation of geospatial technologies.

As this is one of NSGIC’s highest service award recognition, a recipient's service must exceed the normal expectation of duty.

Ivan Weichert, of Kansas, serves as the Treasurer for NSGIC Board and was honored for his work in the role:

Ivan pays close attention to the financial health of our organization and carefully plans with our Financial Officer to ensure that we are implementing the best practices that are expected. Ivan can always be counted on for candid communications and he is able to make his point heard when needed. Our future financial success as an organization is in good hands with him.

Mr. Weichert was unable to attend the conference. His award was accepted on his behalf by fellow Kansan Rick Miller.

Vicki Lucas, of the USGS, has been a long-time partner with the states and a leader in national initiatives:

Vicki possesses the characteristics that every NSGIC state member wants to see in a federal agency employee. She doggedly pursues a vision of the NSDI that is a shared function of Federal, state, local and other governments. She has been instrumental in advancing the credibility and commitment of the NSDI liaisons and worked to pursue partnership opportunities through them. Most recently, she has been appointed to oversee and merge the activities of seven Executive Committees that will advance the Imagery for the Nation (IFTN) initiative which is NSGIC’s number one advocacy issue. In addition to being a long-time NSGIC resource and member, she has done an excellent job of pulling these diverse groups together to work as one.

Shirley Hall, of the USDA, helps manage the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) , a valuable resource for the states:

She has also gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure implementation of Imagery for the Nation (IFTN) and been an ardent supporter of this initiative including her tireless work on several of the FGDC Executive Committees. Shirley has listened to state government coordinators and incorporated design changes into the NAIP program that are consistent with the principles of IFTN. These changes will make NAIP an even more valuable resource for state and local governments.

Ms. Hall was unable to attend the conference. Her award was accepted on her behalf by NSGIC Washington Liaison Bill Burgess.

Craig Molander, of Surdex Corporation, is a leader among NSGIC's private sector partners:

Craig is a Senior Vice President of Surdex which is a busy corporation that is also a NSGIC sponsor. He has been an active leader on NSGIC’s Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) and helped to shape that group as a trusted adviser for NSGIC leadership. In spite of his corporate responsibilities, Craig has participated in most of the NSGIC Conference Committee activities to help ensure the success of the organization. He has also provided leadership for the CLC presentations which have been well received by the members.

Mike Mahaffie, of Delaware, is a Board Member and chair of the NSGIC Communications Committee:

Under his guidance, communications have greatly improved and the organization is better connected with its members. He is constantly searching for ways to use today’s technology to better advantage and will undoubtedly continue to improve communications within the organization.

All five join a distinguished list of NSGIC awardees (PDF) dating back to the 1995 Annual Conference in Vermont. Nominations for the NSGIC awards are solicited by the NSGIC Awards Working Group twice each year. awards can be given at either the Annual or the Midyear NSGIC conferences.

We have create a whole blog post devoted to the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ted Koch. It deserves one.

New NSGIC Board and Officers Elected

Learon Dalby (left), of Arkansas, took over the Presidency of NSGIC during the 2008 Annual NSGIC Conference in Colorado last week.

Under the NSGIC Bylaws (PDF), candidates are elected to President-Elect for one year, then serve a year as President, followed by a year as Past-President. This allows for a continuity of leadership and creates a solid core of experienced executives who work closely together to guide the organization. The change of office takes place at the conclusion of the annual conference each year.

Mr. Dalby was elected President-Elect in 2007 at Madison, Wisconsin. He takes over from Oregon's Cy Smith, who now takes on the role of Past-President. Minnesota's Will Craig (right), was elected President-Elect at the 2008 Annual Conference.

Meanwhile, the NSGIC membership selected four new members of the NSGIC Board of Directors. Three will replace Board members who have stepped down and one will complete the term of Will Craig, who leaves his seat on the Board to serve as President-Elect.

The newest board members are Danielle Ayan, of Georgia: Michael Byrne, of California; Jon Gottsegen, of Colorado; and Dan Widner, of Virginia. They join returning Board members Mike Ouimet, of California; and Mike Mahaffie, of Delaware.

Ivan Wichert, of Kansas, was appointed to another term as NSGIC Treasurer. Mike Van Hook, of Alabama was appointed Secretary. Bill Burgess, of Maryland (ret.), will continue as NSGIC's Washington Liaison.

The NSGIC Board and officers meet monthly by Conference Call, making use of on-line meeting and collaboration technology as appropriate. They hold face-to-face meetings during the NSGIC Mid-Year and Annual Conferences. Approved meeting minutes are published on the NSGIC web site.