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!