Jim Davis, New York State Geologist, California State Geologist, 1931 – 2023

James Frazier "Jim" Davis passed away on Sept. 30, 2023. He was born in 1931 in Iowa, grew up in Virginia, and learned about geology at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He obtained his geology degree from University of Virginia, and then Masters and PhD from University of Wisconsin Madison. He joined New York State Geological Survey in 1963, he was New York State Geologist from 1968 to 1978, where he worked on issues such as the safety of nuclear power plants. He then became California State Geologist from 1978 to 1987 and 1989 to 2003, with much focus on saving lives through comprehensively improved seismic mapping, monitoring, and preparedness. He was President of AASG in 1984/1985, he also was President of AGI, he held many other leadership roles, and he won the Campbell Medal in 2014, as well as many other honors. He is missed.

New Wisconsin Director and State Geologist

Today, Sue Swanson is Director and State Geologist at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey. She replaces Dr. Ken Bradbury, who retired in July 2022. Dr. Eric Carson served as Interim Director for the past year. Sue was at Beloit College since 2001, where she was a professor of geology, chair of natural sciences, and Weeks Chair in Physical and Human Geography. Prior to 2001, Swanson worked in the environmental consulting industry and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho. She earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Gustavus Adolphus College, as well as master’s degrees in Quaternary geology and hydrogeology and water resources management and a doctorate in hydrogeology, all from UW–Madison. Her research included studying how groundwater moves through fractures in sedimentary bedrock aquifers, interactions between groundwater and surface water, and the hydrogeology of springs. Welcome Sue!

https://home.wgnhs.wisc.edu/new-director-and-state-geologist/

State Geologist of Maryland, Steve Van Ryswick

Stephen Van Ryswick has been appointed Director of the Maryland Geological Survey. He is an authority on the lakes and lands of western Maryland, the streams and reservoirs of central Maryland, the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays, the Atlantic Coast Islands, and the sand shoals in the Atlantic Ocean.  Stephen has been with the survey since 2002, most recently serving as director of the Coastal and Environmental Geology program overseeing geologic mapping, geohazards, Chesapeake Bay mapping, and marine sediment studies. He has worked on sediment deposition, dredging, transport, streambed geomorphology,  and sedimentary habitat mapping. He holds a degree in Environmental Science, Soils, Water and Land Resources from the University of Maryland, College Park. He and his wife Dorothy live in St. Mary’s County with their three children Nicole, Sara and Matthew. Welcome to AASG, Steve!

 

Richard Ortt has completed his time as Maryland State Geologist

Richard A. Ortt, Jr. has been promoted this month to Director of the Resource Assessment Service in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Rich has three decades of experience with Maryland Geological Survey, and became State Geologist in 2013. He served as AASG VP in 2017-2018, President Elect in 2018-2019, President in 2019-2020, and Past President in 2020-2021. Rich is a former U.S. Army officer whose military service included time in Baghdad. He holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Thanks, and good luck with the next phase of your career, Rich!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys is rising sharply

The 2023 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Joeckel of NE indicates that FY22 revenue to state geological surveys was $265M, with total staff of 1883 FTE; current estimates for FY23 are $308M and 1993 staff. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY22 funding was half state-derived, and 22% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $57M in FY23. However, several states are seeing an even stronger surge in state funding. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 32%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

2023 AASG Pick and Gavel Award to Senator Cortez Masto

AASG presents the Pick and Gavel Award to distinguished friends of geology who have made significant contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in public policy. The 2023 recipient is Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who in 2016 became the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the United States Senate. Among other roles, she currently serves as the chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee. She was born and raised in Las Vegas and served two terms as Attorney General of Nevada. Before that, she served as Chief of Staff to Nevada Governor Bob Miller, and worked as an Assistant County Manager in Clark County and as a federal criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1986, and a J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1990. She resides in Las Vegas with her husband Paul, a retired Secret Service agent. An avid hiker and nature lover, Cortez Masto is committed to protecting our environment and public lands for future generations to enjoy.

https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/about

AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Spears

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Spears of Virginia, who was State Geologist of Virginia, 2009-2022; AASG Past President, 2017-2018; President, 2016-2017; President Elect, 2015-2016; Vice President, 2014-2015; Secretary, 2013-2014; and Editor, 2012-2013.  

Thanks, David!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Steve Masterman

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Steve Masterman of Alaska, who was State Geologist of Alaska, 2013-2022; AASG Past President, 2018-2019; President, 2017-2018; President Elect, 2016-2017; Annual Meeting Host, 2016; and Vice President, 2015-2016.

Thanks, Steve!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Joe Gillman

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Joe Gillman of Missouri, who was State Geologist of Missouri, 2008-2022; AASG Annual Meeting Host, 2017; Past President, 2016-2017; President, 2015-2016; President Elect, 2014-2015; Vice President, 2013-2014; and Secretary, 2011-2013.

Thanks, Joe!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Karen Berry

At the 2023 AASG Annual Meeting in Colorado, AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Karen Berry of Colorado, who was State Geologist of Colorado, 2013-2022; AASG Past President, 2019-2020; President, 2018-2019; President Elect, 2017-2018; and Vice President, 2016-2017.

Thanks, Karen!

Jim Faulds presents AASG Presidential Awards

On June 30th, 2023, Jim Faulds, State Geologist of Nevada, completed a superbly successful year as AASG President. It is AASG tradition for the outgoing President to have the option to present AASG Presidential Awards, to recognize extraordinary service to the objectives of AASG by one or more active member(s) of the AASG community during recent time, or by friends of AASG over the long term. This year, Jim presented his Presidential Awards to State Geologist of Illinois Dick Berg, for his unrelenting service to AASG such as his role in supporting our advocacy in DC, to Warren Day of USGS for his superb service in leading Earth MRI and much more, and to Elizabeth Duffy for so reliably fulfilling her AASG duties as our person in DC. Nice work to all!

Frye Award to New Mexico

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology.

John C. Frye joined USGS in 1938, he went to the Kansas Geological Survey in 1942, he was its Director from 1945 to 1954, he was Chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey until 1974, and he was GSA Executive Director until his retirement in 1982, shortly before his death. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2023 Frye Award will be presented to New Mexico authors, for their publication: Bulletin 164 — Climate Change in New Mexico Over the Next 50 Years: Impacts on Water Resources, by Editors & Contributing Authors Nelia W. Dunbar, David S. Gutzler, Kristin S. Pearthree, Fred M. Phillips, and Paul W. Bauer, and Contributing Authors Craig D. Allen, David DuBois, Michael D. Harvey, J. Phillip King, Leslie D. McFadden, Bruce M. Thomson, and Anne C. Tillery

Congratulations! https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/monographs/bulletins/164/

John Metesh, 2023-2024 AASG President

John Metesh, Director and State Geologist at Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology since 2012, is the 2023-2024 AASG President. John holds a Master’s degree in geological/geophysical engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in geology from University of Montana. John’s expertise is in geochemical modeling, hydrogeology, and hydrogeochemistry. Thanks for your leadership, John!

Excellent AASG Annual Meeting held in Colorado

A superb 115th AASG Annual Meeting was hosted by the Colorado Geological Survey, under the leadership of outgoing AASG President Jim Faulds of Nevada and meeting host Matt Morgan, State Geologist of Colorado, at the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, from June 11-15, 2023. The pre-meeting field trip examined Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Colorado River, the mid-meeting trip went from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, and the post-meeting trip was on the Southwest Corner of the White River Uplift. Fantastic meeting!

Successful in-person DMT Meeting

The Digital Mapping Techniques (DMT) workshop, sponsored by the USGS National Geologic Map Database (NGMDB) and Association of American State Geologists, is an annual series that focuses on collegial interaction, to develop efficient and standardized methods for digital geologic mapping, publication, and GIS analysis. The DMT'23 workshop hosted by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys and NGMDB at the University of Alaska Anchorage, on May 21 to 24, was very successful and enjoyable. Thanks to Dave Soller of USGS for much appreciated leadership, to Jen Athey and her colleagues for being superb hosts, and to the 67 attendees who brought their experience and enthusiasm to share with their colleagues. A total of 28 state geological surveys were represented. Great meeting!

Drew Andrews, State Geologist of Kentucky

 

William M. Andrews, Jr., Ph.D., PG, has been named Kentucky Geological Survey acting director. After joining KGS in 1996, he became head of the Geologic Mapping section in 2008. Drew received his BS in geology in 1993, his MS in 1997, and his PhD in 2004, all from University of Kentucky. His education was in stratigraphy, tectonics, coal petrology, and structural geology. Congratulations, Drew!

2023 Campbell Medalist, Vicki McConnell

Dr. Vicki S. McConnell, 2003 - 2015 State Geologist of Oregon, 2011-2012 AASG President, and recently retired Executive Director of GSA is the 2023 Campbell Medalist. Vicki earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she worked on volcanology. She has also received, for example, the AASG Distinguished Service Award in 2022, the GSA 2020 Burwell Award in Engineering Geology, an American Association for the Advancement of Science 2019 Fellowship, and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists 2017 Publications Award. Congratulations, Vicki!

Harvey Thorleifson has completed his time as State Geologist of Minnesota

University of Minnesota Professor Leonard Harvey Thorleifson has completed his time as a State Geologist. He was State Geologist of Minnesota from 2003-2023; AASG Acting Secretary, 2022; Treasurer, 2017-2020; Past President, 2013-2014; President, 2012-2013; President Elect, 2011-2012; Vice President, 2010-2011; Treasurer, 2008-2010; Statistician, 2006-2009; Mapping Chair, 2006-2008; 2015-2020; Information Chair, 2016-2023; National Geospatial Advisory Committee, 2014-2020; DMT Host, 2017; and Geologic Mapping Forum Host, 2018-present. Harvey holds undergrad degrees from University of Winnipeg, a Master’s in geology from University of Manitoba, and a PhD in geology from University of Colorado. He was with the Geological Survey of Canada from 1986 to 2003. Harvey was President of the Geological Association of Canada in 2003-2004, and President of the Canadian Federation of Earth Science in 2004-2006. He is pleased to now be focusing on writing and teaching as a University of Minnesota Professor.

Herman W. Ferguson, Tennessee State Geologist, 1916-2023

Herman White Ferguson, Tennessee State Geologist from 1951 to 1952, passed away at the age of 106 on Friday, January 13, 2023. He was born on December 28, 1916. He obtained a B.S. in 1939 and an M.S. in 1940 from Vanderbilt University. With the Navy, he served on the U.S. Rapidan in the Aleutians during WWII. He joined the Division of Geology of the Tennessee Department of Conservation. In 1951, he was appointed the State Geologist. In 1952 he became a geologist with U.S. Steel Corporation. He then carried out investigations of coal and non-metallic deposits in the US, Australia, and South Africa until his retirement in 1981. In retirement, he published extensively in the field of genealogy. 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/herman-ferguson-obituary?id=38705391

Bill Haneberg to complete his time as Kentucky State Geologist

State Geologist of Kentucky Bill Haneberg will retire from that position on June 30, 2023. Bill spent over a decade with the New Mexico Geological Survey, half that time as an assistant director. He then spent 17 years as a consulting engineering geologist, working on projects around the world from deepwater seafloor geohazards to Himalayan geomorphology. He will have spent 7 years as director in Kentucky. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State, as well as Masters and PhD from Cincinnati. Bill and Lisa plan to take up residence in New Mexico. Thanks for your service and good luck with the next phase of your career, Bill!

The job opening is posted here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/437082

Matt Heller has been named State Geologist of Virginia

In December 2022, Matt Heller was named State Geologist of Virginia. Matt is the 14^th Virginia State Geologist since the appointment of William Barton Rogers in 1835. Welcome Matt!

David Spears has completed his time as State Geologist of Virginia

On December 1^st, 2022, David Spears retired as State Geologist of Virginia, after 13 years in this position, and 30 years in state government. In AASG, David was elected Editor in 2012, Vice President in 2014, President Elect in 2015, President in 2016, and Past President in 2017. David did his undergrad at Lafayette College, and a Master’s degree at Virginia Tech. David is an accomplished naturalist and birder. He and Jennifer plan to stay on their little farm in central Virginia. Thank-you for your highly respected and appreciated service, David!

Carey Bridges will be Missouri State Geologist

On November 15th, 2022, Carey Bridges will be State Geologist of Missouri, as successor to Joe Gillman. She will direct the Missouri Geological Survey, part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. She has been a Deputy Director for the department's Division of Environmental Quality since 2018. She was Chief of Wellhead Protection until 2012 when she became a Director in the Geological Survey. She was Chief of Brownfields/Voluntary Cleanup for over five years before joining the Survey in 2011. She joined the Department in 1999, as Project Manager in the Hazardous Waste Program, overseeing Superfund, Brownfields, and Voluntary Cleanup sites. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s degree in geology from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Welcome, Carey!

https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/missouri-department-natural-resources-names-new-state-geologist-director-geological-survey

https://dnr.mo.gov/node/1846

Mankin Award to West Virginia

The AASG Charles J. Mankin Award is given each year to the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey geological map, compilation, or report on regional, energy, or mineral resource geology.

The award honors Charles Mankin (1932-2012), who as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey for forty years (1967-2007) was a tireless advocate for geologic mapping.

The 2022 AASG Mankin Award has been presented to Susan Pool, Ray Boswell, John Saucer and B.J. Carney, for their publication:

West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Report of Investigation 36: Estimates of Natural Gas Resources and Recovery Efficiency Associated with Marcellus Development in West Virginia.

Congratulations!

 

Meghan Seremet is Connecticut State Geologist

Meghan Seremet PG has been appointed Connecticut State Geologist. She holds a BS in Geology and Geophysics, a BS in Environmental Sciences, and an MS in Geological Sciences from University of Connecticut. For 15 years, she was a consultant in remediation and geotechnical projects across the US. She is an adjunct geology professor at the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus. She enjoys photography and exploring the outdoors with her family. Welcome, Meghan!

https://portal.ct.gov/deep/geology/connecticut-state-geologist

Margaret Thomas has completed her time as Connecticut State Geologist

Margaret A. Thomas has retired as Connecticut State Geologist, a position she held since 2006. She had been preceded by Ralph S. Lewis, who held the post from 1997 to 2003. Her geology degrees are an MS from University of Connecticut, and a BS from La Salle College. She has been active in several fields, including pyrrhotite in concrete, radon, radionuclides in water, soil chemistry, geological mapping, and hazards. Congratulations on a job well done, Margaret!

Matt Morgan is State Geologist of Colorado

On September 1^st, 2022, Matt Morgan commenced his role as State Geologist of Colorado. Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Geology from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1996. He received a Professional Degree in GIS and Remote Sensing from University of Denver in 1997, and a Master’s degree in geology from the Colorado School of Mines in 2006. He also studied advanced project management at the Stanford School of Business in 2015. He was with the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources from 1993 to 1995. He joined the Colorado Survey in 1996, and became Deputy Director in 2015. Welcome, Matt!

Karen Berry has completed her time as Colorado State Geologist

Karen A. Berry has retired from the role of Colorado State Geologist, a position she was appointed to in 2013, as CGS was being transferred from state government to Colorado School of Mines in Golden. She joined the Survey in 1999, and was engineering geologist, land use program manager, and deputy director prior to appointment as director. 

Before that, she was an exploration geologist for Petro Lewis in Texas, engineering geologist for CRS Sirrine in Arizona, geotechnical reclamation specialist for the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board, and County Geologist for Jefferson County. She obtained her degree in geological engineering from Colorado School of Mines in 1982.

Karen was AASG VP in 2016/17, President Elect in 17/18, President in 18/19, and Past President in 19/20. Best of luck for your next steps, Karen!

Eric Carson has been named Interim Wisconsin State Geologist

Eric C. Carson has been named Interim Wisconsin State Geologist. He has been a geologist with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey since 2008. Previously, he was Lecturing Faculty at San Jacinto College in Houston for almost 5 years. 

He received his BS from West Virginia University and his MS and PhD from UW–Madison. His research focuses on the advance and retreat of the last great ice sheet across North America, processes associated with rivers and floods, and how rivers sculpt landscapes. Welcome to AASG, Eric!

A mineral is named after former State Geologist Priscilla Grew!

Priscillagrewite-(Y), ideally (Ca2Y)Zr2Al3O12, is a garnet discovered by Irina Galuskina and her colleagues in 2020, from an exposure of marble in Jordan. It is the eighth new garnet species discovered by Galuskina. 

It is named for Priscilla Grew, who has held several posts, including State Geologist of Minnesota from 1986 to 1993. As Priscilla P. Dudley, she was first to reveal oscillatory zoning in eclogitic garnet using scanning electron beam photography; hence the nickname “the garnet lady” that she shares with Galuskina. Grew’s mother introduced her to collecting minerals in 1947 when Grew was only seven and the family was on vacation in Colorado. 

Congratulations, Priscilla!

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00357529.2022.2074257

Joe Gillman to complete his time as State Geologist of Missouri

After 27 years in state government, and 14 years as State Geologist of Missouri, Joe Gillman will retire on October 1^st, 2022. The Missouri Survey has flourished under his leadership.

Joe was AASG President in 2015/2016, having joined Executive in 2011, and Annual Meeting Host in 2017; he currently is the Finance Committee chair for the National Association of State Boards of Geology.

Joe has been serving on the State Oil and Gas Council, Missouri Mining Commission, Missouri Board of Geologists Registration, Well Installation Board, and Industrial Minerals Advisory Council.

Best of luck for your move to Colorado, Joe!

Bob Milici, State Geologist of Virginia from 1979 to 1991

Robert C. Milici, State Geologist of Virginia from 1979 to 1991, passed away on August 18, 2022. Previously, Bob was with the Tennessee Survey for 19 years, and he finished his career with USGS in Denver and Reston for 21 years. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1931, and attended university at Cornell and Tennessee. His research production was prodigious, for which he received several awards. He is very well remembered by us all.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-milici-obituary?id=36360708

Larry Woodfork, State Geologist of West Virginia from 1988 to 2002

Larry D. Woodfork, former West Virginia State Geologist, passed away on August 22, 2022, in Morgantown, at the age of 83.

Larry attended Indiana and WV Universities, joined the WV Survey in 1968, was appointed assistant state geologist in 1969, and was director and state geologist from 1988 until his retirement in 2002. Larry was AASG President in 1998-99, and he also served as President of AGI, and AIPG, as well as Chair of the 2007-2009 International Year of Planet Earth.

He received the AIPG Parker and Van Couvering Medals, the AGI Campbell Medal, and the AAPG Galey Medal. He will long be very well remembered by us all, for many reasons, including his role as the 'father of the Pick and Gavel'.

https://www.dominionpost.com/2022/08/27/larry-woodfork-2/

Early Career Award to Kansas Geological Survey Scientist

Sam Zipper of the Kansas Geological Survey has been awarded the 2022 Kohout Early Career Award from the Hydrogeology Division of GSA.

Sam has been working on how water and land management decisions affect the people, economy and environment of the Great Plains, including relationships between intermittent and ephemeral streams and playas and other ecological systems, studying the effects of irrigator-driven groundwater conservation programs on water resources and developing easy-to-use tools to estimate streamflow depletion caused by groundwater pumping. His current work in part is funded by NSF, USDA, USGS, and NASA.

Zipper has been with the Kansas Survey since 2019, and is the author or co-author of 58 scientific publications with more than 250 co-authors from more than 150 institutions. Congratulations, Sam!

https://today.ku.edu/2022/08/17/kansas-geological-survey-scientist-receives-early-career-award

Priscilla Grew wins the 2022 GSA President's Medal

Priscilla Grew, State Geologist of Minnesota from 1986 to 1993, is the 2022 winner of the GSA President’s Medal. The award is conferred on those whose impact has profoundly enhanced the geoscience profession. Priscilla was born in Glens Falls, New York, attended Bryn Mawr, earned her doctorate in geology from Berkeley in 1967, and joined the Boston College faculty. Her early research was on blueschists and eclogites in California. She later became an assistant research geologist at UCLA, and in 1977, director of the California Department of Conservation, which included the State Geological Survey and the oil and gas agency. In 1981, she was appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission. She became director of the Minnesota Geological Survey and University of Minnesota Professor in 1986. From 1993 to 1999, she was vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and after then being faculty for a while, from 2003 to 2015, she was Director of the Nebraska Natural History Museum. Her service has been extensive, and she now is on the Finance Committee of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics. Congratulations, Priscilla!

2022 Campbell Medalist, Jean M. Bahr

The AGI Campbell Medal honors Ian Campbell, 1959-1969 State Geologist of California, whose service to our profession was profound. The Medal is presented each year to a nationally recognized, living statesperson with a distinguished record of significant achievements in science, education, and administration, in support of the profession of geology and its role in society. The 2022 Campbell Medalist is Jean Bahr, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison, for her unselfish service to the geosciences through proactive leadership of professional societies, inspirational mentorship of students and colleagues, valued advice on science for sound public policy at the highest levels of the Federal Government, and respected research contributions. Dr. Bahr is a highly respected hydrogeologist whose research contributions focus on the interactions between physical and biogeochemical processes in groundwater, effects of heterogeneity in solute transport, paleohydrology, groundwater and ecosystems. Congratulations, Jean! (americangeosciences.org)

Frye Award to Wisconsin

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology.

John C. Frye joined USGS in 1938, he went to the Kansas Geological Survey in 1942, he was its Director from 1945 to 1954, he was Chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey until 1974, and he was GSA Executive Director until his retirement in 1982, shortly before his death. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2022 Frye Award will be presented to Wisconsin authors, for their publication: A. C. Fehling, and D. J. Hart, 2021, Potential Effects of Climate Change on Stream Temperature in the Marengo River Headwaters, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Bulletin 115, 74 p. Congratulations!

https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/catalog/publication/000976/resource/b115

State Geologist of Kansas, Jay Kalbas

On July 25th, 2022, Jay Kalbas will be State Geologist of Kansas. Jay has been with ExxonMobil for sixteen years, with his work most recently focusing on offshore Guyana, subsurface characterization, and fluid flow modeling. Jay has been a visiting assistant professor at Bucknell University, and has presented short courses at Purdue, University of Iowa, and LSU. He has published geologic maps, made contributions to academic literature, and delivered invited lectures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a Master’s from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate from Purdue University. Welcome, Jay!

https://today.ku.edu/2022/06/27/ku-names-new-director-lead-kansas-geological-survey

Rolfe Mandel to complete his time as State Geologist of Kansas

On July 24th 2022, Rolfe Mandel will complete his time as State Geologist of Kansas, a position he has held since 2016, as successor to Rex Buchanan. Rolfe is a Distinguished Professor of Archaeology at the University of Kansas who has been widely influential over three decades, largely based on his work on the geoarchaeology of the Great Plains and the Mediterranean. He obtained his BS in from the University of Texas at Austin in 1975, and at University of Kansas, his masters in 1980 was on paleosols in Texas, and his PhD in 1991 was on Holocene landscape evolution in southwestern Kansas. Thank-you for your service, and best wishes on your next steps, Rolfe!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys exceeds a quarter billion dollars

The 2022 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY21 revenue to state geological surveys was $239M, with total staff of 1790 FTE; current estimates for FY22 are $263M and 1885 staff. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY21 funding was half state-derived, and 20% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. A significant upswing in federal funding is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $65M in FY22. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

Jim Faulds, AASG President, 2022-2023

On July 1st, 2022, Jim Faulds, State Geologist of Nevada, will be President of AASG. James E. Faulds is Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno. Jim received his B.S. from University of Montana in 1981, his M.S. from University of Arizona in 1986, and his Ph.D. from University of New Mexico in 1989. His expertise is in geologic mapping, structural geology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, and geothermal. Previously, Jim was a professor at University of Iowa from 1991 to 1997. Lead on, Jim!

 

The 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada – a great success!

After two years of pandemic online meetings, the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting was very successfully held at the Tahoe Ridge Resort in Nevada, from June 12 – 16, hosted by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. The meeting included technical sessions, field trips and keynote addresses by invited speakers from science, energy, environment and policy. The meeting offered numerous optional field trips, including a field trip featuring Nevada’s hydrothermal sites. Author of the book "The Bonanza King: John Mackay and the Battle Over the Greatest Riches in the American West" Gregory Crouch spoke at the event's closing reception. What a wonderful meeting! Thanks to the organizers for a superb job.

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). Jonathan D. Arthur was State Geologist of Florida, 2010-2021; AASG Past President, 2015-2016; President, 2014-2015; President Elect, 2013-2014; Vice President, 2012-2013; Treasurer, 2010-2012. Great work, Jon!

 

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell, who has been GSA Executive Director since 2015. Vicki S. McConnell was State Geologist of Oregon, 2003-2015; AASG Past President, 2012-2013; President, 2011-2012; President Elect, 2010-2011; Vice President, 2009-2010; Secretary, 2007-2009. Thanks, Vicki!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney. Robert G. Marvinney was State Geologist of Maine, 1995-2021; Annual Meeting Host, 1998; Secretary, 2001-2003; President Elect, 2003-2004; President, 2004-2005; Past President, 2005-2006; Honoraries Chair, 2016-2021; Education Chair, 2015-2021; Water Chair, 2010-2012. Thanks for your service and friendship, Bob!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat. Charles G. Groat was State Geologist of Louisiana from 1978-1990; in 1992; and 2017-2021; Director, U.S. Geological Survey, 1998-2005; Ian Campbell Medalist, 1998; AASG Honorary Member, 1993-present; AASG Past President, 1988–89; AASG President, 1987–88; AASG President Elect, 1986-1987

AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson

On June 15th, 2022, at the AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson, State Geologist of Minnesota. Harvey was a big asset to AASG during the past year through his service as interim secretary, taking co-lead on the Liaison Committee, assistance monitoring many federal matters including the BIL, sharing of institutional knowledge, and willingness to step in whenever needed.  Thank you, Harvey!

DMT returns to an in-person format

After two years of virtual sessions during the pandemic, the 26th annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshop was hosted by the Missouri Geological Survey, as an in-person event, May 22-25, in Rolla, MO. Vicki Voigt and her colleagues did a great job hosting this event.  In addition to federal staff, twenty-three State geological surveys were represented. Thanks as always to Dave Soller!

Vicki Cowart, 2022 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee

Vicki Cowart is one of seventeen extraordinary women who have been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2022. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. In 2021, Cowart retired as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM). Vicki graduated from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and has been honored by that institution. Congratulations, Vicki!

https://www.cogreatwomen.org/

Ruarri Day-Stirrat, State Geologist of Oregon

On April 1, 2022, Dr. Ruarri J. Day-Stirrat was appointed State Geologist of Oregon, after several months in which Sarah Lewis was acting in this capacity. Ruarri received degrees in geology from Cardiff and Newcastle University in the UK. He was with the Bureau of Economic Geology in Texas from 2006 until 2011, and was then with Shell Research in Houston. Dr. Day-Stirrat has expertise in clay minerals, rock properties, mineralogy, and diagenesis. Welcome, Ruarri!