Featured Presenters

Visit 2022 Conference Schedule for complete agenda.

Joseph Kerski
May 24

Joseph Kerski, Phd GISP, Geographer

Joseph Kerski (Ph.D, University of Colorado) is geographer focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in education. Joseph was Pres. of the Natl C for Geo Educ and gave TED Talk on Whys of Where. He served as geographer in NOAA, US Census Bureau, USGS, academia (Sinte Gleska Univ, Univ of Denver, Penn State, Elmhurst College), private industry (Education Manager for Esri), and nonprofit organizations (Natl Council for Geog Education, AAG). Joseph authored > 75 chapters, created 5,000 videos, 750 lessons, 1,000 essays, books - Spatial Thinking in Enviro, Interpreting Our World, Essentials of Enviro, Spatial Math, Tribal GIS, Int'l Persp on Lrng, & GIS Guide to Data.

Cy Smith
May 24

Cy Smith, Policy Director, National States Geographic Information Council 

After serving many years as a NSGIC state representative, board member, and board president, Cy Smith joined NSGIC’s staff team in the newly-created role of Policy Director. In this position, Smith will work with NSGIC leadership to develop, promote, and coordinate strategies that advance states’ geospatial interests linked to federal programs, congressional actions, and related initiatives. The new appointment coincides with Smith’s retirement from state government service in Oregon on Nov. 12, 2021.

Tracy Barnes
May 25

Indiana Office of Technology, Chief Information Officer Tracy Barnes

Indiana Office of Technology, Chief Information Officer Tracy Barnes was appointed by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in March 2020. In this role, Tracy oversees the Indiana Office of Technology and provides strategic oversight of the State’s technology portfolio, as well as leadership on technology and cybersecurity policy. Tracy brings significant business leadership and information technology experience to his role, having previously served as Chief of Staff for the Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Auditor and IT Director for the Indiana Auditor of State. Additionally, he was president and chief executive officer for ENTAP, Inc. which designed and delivered effective enterprise focused information technology solutions to organizations in various industries across the globe. Tracy has been recognized as Inc. Magazine's 9th Fastest Growing Black Entrepreneur and has received accolades from Top 50 Indiana Companies to Watch, the TechPoint MIRA awards and the IBE Governor's Award for Achievement in Technology.

Travis Holdman
May 25

State Sen. Travis Holdman has served Hoosiers since 2008 as a member of the State Senate. He represents Senate District 19, which includes all or portions of Adams, Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Jay and Wells counties. Holdman is the Senate Majority Caucus Chair. He also serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy and is a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Senate Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure. He is an attorney at Holdman Consult/Holdman Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University, a Master of Science from the University of St. Francis and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University.