February 1, 2013 (Bowling Green, KY) - A group of 15 GIS Professionals met on Monday, January 28th, at the offices of Connected Nation, in Bowling Green, Kentucky and officially established the Cumberland Chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). URISA “is a leading provider of learning and knowledge for the GIS community”.  The Cumberland Chapter was formed to provide additional opportunities for GIS professionals in Tennessee and Kentucky to benefit from the expansive knowledge and experience available from URISA International that has been accumulated since its inception in 1967.

The Cumberland Chapter of URISA will seek to work cooperatively with existing state GIS organizations in Kentucky and Tennessee to provide additional professional development opportunities for GIS practitioners as well as a conduit to national discussions of geospatial issues that have a local impact.

Bylaws for the chapter were adopted and the following inaugural Board of Directors and officers elected.

The 2013 officers are:

•   President – Kim McDonough, GISP, Tennessee Department of Transportation

•   President-Elect – Ashley Hitt, GISP, Connected Nation

At Large Members for one year:

•   Reed Tomlinson, EduContribution.org

•   Andy Carroll, GISP, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

At-Large Board Members for two years:

•   Sarah Finne, Connected Nation

•   Ryan Bowe, GISP, Photo Science, Inc. (Secretary)

At- Large Board Members for three years:

•   Stephen Berry, GISP, Clark County, KY

•   Louie Greenwell, GISP, Stantec, Inc. (Treasurer)

About URISA: URISA - The Association for GIS Professionals - is a leading provider of learning and knowledge for the GIS community. URISA connects great ideas and great people to inspire leadership and achievement. We strive to provide exceptional educational experiences, a vibrant and connected community, and the essential resources you need to be successful in your career. URISA is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community come together to share concerns and ideas. ( www.URISA.org)

Contact:

Wendy Nelson
Executive Director - URISA
847-824-6300
Email Contact  
www.urisa.org   

Kim McDonough
Email Contact