Connected Texas GIS Analyst Named to Advisory Board

Sarah Finne, GISP, a GIS Analyst at Connected Texas, has been named to a select group of GIS professionals.

Finne has been selected to a two-year term on the Vanguard Cabinet (VC) by URISA, the leading association for GIS professionals. The Vanguard Cabinet is a URISA initiative that began in 2011 to engage young GIS practitioners, increase their numbers in the organization, and better understand the concerns facing these future leaders of the GIS community.

“The Vanguard Cabinet provides a unique platform for young GIS professionals to foster networking and professional development opportunities for other young professionals,” said Finne. “I am honored to be a part of this increasingly important mission and will use my tenure to help college students and other young professionals realize the benefits that URISA provides.”

“Sarah is a great part of our GIS team and we are proud to recognize her selection to the VC,” said Ashley Hitt, Connected Nation’s Director of GIS Services. “She will no doubt make an impact on young GIS professionals through her efforts on the Cabinet.” Hitt was named to the inaugural URISA Vanguard Cabinet in 2011 and served a two-year term.

According to URISA, the VC is an advisory board made up of young professionals who represent the young membership of the organization. The Cabinet's mission is to collaborate with URISA's Board of Directors and committees in creating and promoting programs and policies of benefit to young professionals. Comprised entirely of young members selected from different geospatial disciplines, the Cabinet aims to position URISA as the center of opportunities for creative young professionals who are committed to improving URISA and the geospatial profession via innovation, collaboration, networking, and professional development.

“I look forward to working with my fellow cabinet members and URISA leadership to help increase student outreach, promote networking and other professional development opportunities, and to be a voice for young professionals in our field,” Finne said.

Applicants for the VC submitted a resume and answered questions related to the mission of the Vanguard Cabinet. A Steering Committee reviewed the submissions and selected five new members of the Cabinet, who will serve a two-year appointment through 2015.

More information about the Vanguard Cabinet is available here.