GeoJava

2026 NSGIC Lifetime Service Award Winner: Tim Johnson (North Carolina Retired)

For more than 35 years, Timothy R. Johnson has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the advancement of the geospatial profession. As a founding participant in the creation of NSGIC in 1991, Tim has spent more than three decades strengthening interstate collaboration, advancing geospatial governance, and supporting NSGIC’s mission. As North Carolina’s Geographic Information Officer and Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, he helped establish nationally recognized programs and governance models that continue to influence states across the country. His service to NSGIC, federal agencies, and the National Geospatial Collaborative has advanced critical geospatial initiatives, fostered enduring partnerships, and strengthened the nation’s geospatial infrastructure. Tim’s lasting legacy of leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and public service makes him exceptionally deserving of the NSGIC Lifetime Service Award.

2026 NSGIC Outstanding Service Award Winner: Jenna Leveille

Huge kudos to Jenna Leveille for her extraordinary leadership on the 2025 Geospatial Maturity Assessment. As co-chair, Jenna dove deep into the survey results, untangling inconsistencies and strengthening the foundation of the entire assessment. Her sharp analysis, dedication, and incredible work on the final report brought clarity, consistency, and a polished finish that sets a new standard for future GMAs. Jenna’s contributions made this year’s flagship NSGIC product more impactful than ever – truly outstanding work worthy of recognition!

2026 NSGIC Geospatial Excellence Award Winners

Catalyst Award: Chris Owen 

Chris Owen, Pulaski Area Geographic Information System (PAgis) GIS Coordinator, is an exceptional catalyst for geospatial progress, delivering measurable, high-impact results that strengthen statewide GIS and Next Generation 911 (NG911) readiness.

PAgis is an independent government agency specializing in the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of GIS related data within Pulaski County, Arkansas. In June of 2023 local officials representing three different PSAPs determined the PAgis team would become the single point of contact for NG911 data conversion and maintenance. Chris was designated to lead this initiative, and this demonstrates his ability to modernize complex datasets quickly, accurately, and collaboratively. Layered onto this complex challenge was a state mandated consolidation of PSAPs, creating the need for urgency and diplomacy. Two characteristics that don’t always go together. Hampering the implementation was that NG911 service providers were deciding on if these PSAPs would enter the ESInet at the RFAI service level or full i3.

Under Chris’s hand, the conversion and ongoing maintenance support the largest populated county in the state. This data coordination includes rural county territory and across 10 incorporated cities. His team processed more than 225,500 address points and over 3,990 miles of roads – divided into 36,163 unique segments – and successfully translated legacy schema attributes into the NENA NG911 standard. Thanks to Chris’s vision and expertise, the project achieved a remarkable 98% match rate in short order despite all the political moving parts. Chris consistently brings people and data together, streamlines workflows, and inspires excellence across agencies and disciplines. For his leadership, innovation, and ability to drive meaningful, timely change, Chris Owen is a truly outstanding recipient of the NSGIC Catalyst Award.

Catalyst Award: Katy Hattenhauer (AR)

Katy Hattenhauer received for the NSGIC Catalyst Award in recognition of her extraordinary effort and results in getting things done. Over the past year, Katy led the rapid development of NSGIC’s Membership Survey, assembled a high-performing team, and created an innovative hub site that makes survey results accessible to all members. She performed all technical work for both the survey and the hub, while actively serving on the NSGIC Board and advancing the organization’s strategic plan. Katy’s blend of technical skill, collaborative leadership, and strategic vision has significantly strengthened NSGIC’s operations and member engagement.

Catalyst Award: Karen Rogers and Jenna Leveille

Karen and Jenna have played an instrumental role in shaping and sustaining one of NSGIC’s most valuable initiatives – the Geospatial Maturity Assessment. Karen was foundational in recognizing the importance of establishing a framework that could help states better understand, evaluate, and strengthen their geospatial programs. Her early leadership helped establish what has become an essential tool for advancing strategic geospatial coordination nationwide. Jenna has been an equally important partner in this work, providing steady support to Karen and helping ensure the continued success and accessibility of the GMA. Through job changes and transitions, Jenna has remained focused on helping leaders understand their geospatial programs and identify opportunities for improvement, while also supporting the many states that rely on the GMA as a resource for growth and long-term planning.

What makes both Karen and Jenna especially deserving of this recognition is not only the work they have contributed to building and sustaining the GMA, but the example they have consistently set through their dedication to the broader geospatial community. Karen has continuously demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to this work, regularly dedicating her own personal time to participate in meetings, events, and conversations simply because she recognizes how important this work is to the future of state geospatial coordination. That level of dedication reflects a deep personal investment in the success of NSGIC and the mission it serves.

Together, Karen and Jenna have also demonstrated one of the most important values within the NSGIC community: the willingness to support one another and strengthen the community through collaboration. They have consistently shown why asking questions, sharing knowledge, and relying on the expertise of others is so critical to the success of our profession. Through their support of states participating in the GMA process and their continued willingness to help others navigate challenges, they have fostered a culture of openness, mentorship, and collaboration that benefits the entire geospatial community.Their contributions extend far beyond a single program or initiative. Through years of dedication, service, and leadership, Karen and Jenna have helped build not only an impactful resource for states, but also a stronger and more connected professional community.

Innovator Award: Minnesota Geospatial Commons Modernization Project Team led by MnGeo

The Minnesota Geospatial Commons Modernization Project Team, led by the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office (MnGeo), transformed Minnesota’s statewide geospatial clearinghouse platform into a modern, cloud-based, service-first system that dramatically improves data accessibility, interoperability, security, and collaboration for state agencies, local governments, Tribal Nations, researchers, and the public. The modernized Commons advances national geospatial best practices and sets a new benchmark for shared geospatial infrastructure for Minnesota.

Innovator Award: State of Indiana – ATLAS Grant Program

Indiana developed the Advancing Technology for Learning and Applied Spatial Solutions (ATLAS) grant to empower colleges, universities, K-12 organizations, and other learning institutions to:

• Advance applied geospatial research.
• Enhance accessibility of geographic data.
• Promote best practices in geographic data management and analysis.
• Ensure effective use and understanding of geographic data and concepts across various disciplines.

Innovator Award: Transportation Safety Reporting Mechanism – Pueblo of Sandia GIS Program

This real-time, transportation safety reporting mechanism is a geospatial tool that helps protect land, and lives’ both human and wildlife, by making it faster and easier to report fence breaks, roadway debris, and other hazards across our lands. This tool allows for reduced delays caused due to paper-based systems and is a solution that is smart, efficient, and rooted in care for the land and community. It acts as a catalyst for transportation safety and community well-being. This is a powerful example of how tradition and technology can come together to create safer spaces for all.

For more information about NSGIC Awards, please visit the Awards page.