Vicki Cowart steps down from Planned Parenthood

Vicki Cowart has stepped down as head of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains after 18 years in this role. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. Best wishes for your next career step, Vicki!

https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2021/11/09/head-of-planned-parenthood-of-the-rocky-mountains-retires-after-18-years-at-helm/

Mankin Award to Wyoming

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 2021 AASG Mankin Award will be presented to Wyoming authors, for their publication: Lichtner, D.T., Toner, R.N., Wrage, J.M., and Lynds, R.M., 2020, Upper Cretaceous strata in the Powder River Basin—Formation tops database, structure and thickness contour maps, and associated well data: Wyoming State Geological Survey Open File Report 2020-9, 50 p.

Congratulations!

https://sales.wsgs.wyo.gov/upper-cretaceous-strata-in-the-powder-river-basin-formation-tops-database-structure-and-thickness-contour-maps-and-associated-well-data-2020/

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 2021 Frye Award will be presented to New Mexico authors, for their publication: Rawling, G.C. and Rinehart, A.J., 2018, Lifetime projections for the High Plains Aquifer in east-central New Mexico: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources Bulletin 162, 42p. 

Congratulations!

https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/publications/monographs/bulletins/162/

State Geologist of Ohio, Mark Jones

On November 1^st, Dalton (“Mark”) Oxner-Jones became the 15^th State Geologist Of Ohio. Mark is the first African American State Geologist. He interned with the Ohio survey in 1996, at their former Lake Erie office in Sandusky, while completing his B.S. at Cleveland State and his M.S. at Kent State University. He then worked in the private sector before returning to ODNR in 2008 as the Lake Erie geologist. He became the supervisor of the Division’s H.R. Collins core laboratory at Alum Creek State Park in 2013. Additionally, Mark managed the Lake Erie program, OhioSeis seismic grid network, and underground salt mining leases for beneath Lake Erie. Welcome, Mark!

Mike Angle completes his time as State Geologist of Ohio

At the end of October, Mike Angle completed his time as 14th State Geologist of Ohio. Mike worked for 38 years in ODNR’s Division of Geological Survey and Division of Water. He also served as Geologist Supervisor for the Geologic Mapping and Industrial Minerals Group and Mapping Geologist for the Regional Geology Section.  He also held several positions with the ODNR Division of Water and authored more than 20 maps and more than a dozen articles and publications on various aspects of Ohio’s geology and hydrogeology.  Mike earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Akron from 1974 to 1981, with a specialty in glacial geology and hydrogeology.

Marcia McNutt is the 2021 Campbell Medalist

AGI has announced that Marcia McNutt, geophysicist and president of the National Academy of Sciences, is the 2021 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences, AGI's highest award. Marcia was Director of the USGS from 2009 to 2013, and among many other great achievements and contributions, she also has been President of AGU. The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, state geologist of California from 1959 to 1969, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.

Kansas Geological Survey seeks a director

The University of Kansas seeks a director for the Kansas Geological Survey. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, guiding the faculty, staff and students of this state survey and designated research center to its next phase of achievement.

 https://research.ku.edu/director-kansas-geological-survey

State Geologist of Louisiana, Clare Falcon

On September 20^th, Clare Falcon will be State Geologist of Louisiana. Falcon has worked in Houston for BHP, and other companies, recently as a manager and geologist on Gulf of Mexico projects. She is originally from England, where she did her PhD at Leeds, and her bachelor’s in geology at Liverpool. Welcome Clare!

Source 

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

The 2021 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY20 revenue to state geological surveys was $231M, with total staff of 1789 FTE, and current estimates for FY21 at $242M. 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. FY20 funding is 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. An upswing in federal funding is underway in FY21. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales continue to dwindle as data and publications are offered for free online.

AGI Executive Director, Jon Arthur

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) today announced the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Arthur as its new Executive Director, effective August 1, 2021. Jon has been with Florida Geological Survey since 1993, and Florida State Geologist since 2008. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010. He also has served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. He was recently appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Best wishes, Jon!

Erin Campbell, AASG President, 2021-2022

On July 1st, 2021, Erin Campbell, Wyoming State Geologist, will be President of AASG. Erin also serves as a cabinet member for the governor of Wyoming, and is a commissioner for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Enhanced Oil Recovery Commission. She spent one year as the manager of the Energy and Mineral Resources division at the Wyoming State Geological Survey before being appointed as state geologist in 2017. Previously, during 15 years at University of Wyoming, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, directed the Geology Field Camp, and conducted research in structural geology and geomechanics. Additionally, she was a geologist with Chevron in Louisiana and California. Erin holds a B.S. degree in geology from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming, specializing in structural geology.

William “Bill” Marsalis, State Geologist of Louisiana from 1992-1997

William E. Marsalis, Jr., March 28, 1937 - June 10, 2021, of Houston TX, has passed away. Bill was Louisiana State Geologist from November 1992–September 1997, and thus the predecessor of Chacko John. He received his MS from the University of Alabama Department of Geological Sciences, and he was a proud follower of the Crimson Tide. He served in the Army from 1960 to 1962, and worked in many roles before becoming State Geologist

AASG Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer

On June 16^th, 2021, AASG President John Yellich of MI presented the Presidential Award to Gale Blackmer, State Geologist of PA, for her leadership and vision in scientific and technological change in 2D and 3D geologic mapping, in development and implementation of National Geologic Map Database Phase Three, and her role in major new funding from Congress for geologic mapping. Concurrently, she is AASG Historian, and in that role she leads documentation of AASG and state geological survey history, including documents and data on AASG Affairs and the role that State Geologists play in our Nation.

C. William Clendenin , Jr. , Ph.D.

It is with deep sadness I inform you that our colleague Charles “Bill” Clendenin has passed away. Bill just retired August 2020 as the South Carolina State Geologist and as all good structural geologists, he was doing what he loved, fishing, and suffered an accident.  Bill was found in the Saluda River, South Carolina on Wednesday, May 19.  Respectfully, our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends and associates.  We will await any further information. AASG President John Yellich

DMT2021, June 7-10 2021 (A Virtual Event)

The Digital Mapping Techniques workshop series ("DMT") brings together scientists, cartographers, and GIS specialists, from State and Federal agencies, as well as Universities, the private sector, and international colleagues. This annual series of workshops began in 1997. It is a highly regarded venue that has contributed to the development and evolution of digital mapping techniques, standards, and guidelines both in the United States and internationally.

For information regarding the DMT workshops, please contact Dave Soller (drsoller@usgs.gov).

https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/dmt/

https://isgs.illinois.edu/dmt/2021

 

Scott Ausbrooks, State Geologist of Arkansas

Scott M. Ausbrooks has been named State Geologist of Arkansas. Scott’s education has been at Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and University of Memphis. He has extensive experience in geologic mapping, quarry work, bridge projects, landslides, drilling inspections, geotechnical logging, surveying, and environmental consulting. He has played prominent roles in relation to earthquakes in north-central Arkansas. Scott is very well known for his long service in support of the AASG community.

Bekki White retires as State Geologist of Arkansas

Bekki White has completed her time as State Geologist of Arkansas, a position she was appointed to in 2005. She did her undergrad at Henderson State, and Masters at Centenary College. Previously, she was Assistant State Geologist at the Arkansas Geological Commission from 2003 to 2005, Petroleum Geologist Supervisor at the Arkansas Geological Commission from 1998 to 2003, Petroleum Consultant at Chad White Operating Company from 1982 to 1998, and Research Chemist at Brine, Dow Chemical Corporation, Brine/Bromine Division from 1980 to 1982. Bekki was AASG Statistician from 2015 to 2017, and she hosted a very successful AASG Central Cluster conference in 2013.

Chip Groat retires as State Geologist of Louisiana, again!

Charles G. Groat has retired from his third stint as State Geologist of Louisiana, a position he filled from 1978 to 1990, in 1992, and from 2017 to 2021. Chip did his undergrad at Rochester, Masters at UMass, and his PhD at UT Austin. Starting in the late 1980s, for example, Chip was hands-on in development of current arrangements for geological mapping. Chip served as Director of the U.S. Geological Survey from 1998 to 2005, and he also has held multiple additional senior positions, such as with UT Austin, LSU, and AGI. He was AASG President Elect in 1986-87, President in 1987-88, and Past President in 1988-89. He has been an AASG Honorary Member since 1993, and he was the Ian Campbell Medalist in 1998. Chip’s astounding record of service is appreciated by all.

Bob Marvinney, longest serving State Geologist, to retire

Robert Marvinney, State Geologist of Maine since 1995, will retire at the end of June 2021. Bob did his undergrad at Rutgers in the mid-70s, and his Masters and Doctoral work at Syracuse. Prior to his arrival at the Maine Survey in 1987, Bob spent five years as a Research Geologist with Exxon Production Research Company. Bob was AASG Annual Meeting Host in 1998, Secretary from 2001 to 2003, and he became President Elect in 2003, President in 2004, and Past President in 2005. Bob also has served AASG admirably in roles such as Honoraries Chair since 2016, Education Chair since 2015, and he also served as Water Chair/Co-Chair, as well as in geological mapping leadership. Bob also has served on AASG Foundation leadership. Bob’s successor will be marine geologist Dr. Stephen Dickson, who has been with the Maine Survey even longer than Bob’s 34 years. Thanks and good luck, Bob!

Rick Chormann completes his time as New Hampshire State Geologist

Rick Chormann has retired as Director of the New Hampshire Geological Survey. Rick has been proud to have been the leader since 2010 in a State where the First Geological Survey was authorized by the New Hampshire state legislature in 1839. Rick’s successor is Shane Csiki, who previously was Administrator of the Flood Hazards Program.

Scott Howard, State Geologist of South Carolina

In 2020, C. Scott Howard was appointed State Geologist of South Carolina, upon the retirement of Bill Clendenin, who had fulfilled the role since 1995. Scott holds a B.S. degree from Washington and Lee University, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Delaware. His expertise is in structural geology of the Appalachian Piedmont, and GIS. Scott has been with the state since 2000.

Jessica Moore, State Geologist of West Virginia

On January 1^st, 2021, Jessica Moore was appointed Director and State Geologist, West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Previously, since 2011, Jessica has been Program Manager, Applied Oil and Gas at the West Virginia survey in Morgantown. Her prior service includes over three years at North Carolina Geological Survey, and education mostly at West Virginia University, where Jessica was a Chesapeake Energy Scholar. Jessica is taking over after the service of Mitch Blake, who had been Director since the retirement of Mike Hohn in 2018.

2021 AASG - Pick and Gavel Award to Dr. Elizabeth Eide

2021 AASG Pick and Gavel Award recipient Elizabeth Eide, acting executive director for the National Academy Division on Earth and Life Studies, has contributed tremendously in facilitating the role that geology plays in society.  She has directed 11 consensus studies of the National Academies on topics including critical minerals, disaster resilience, induced seismicity, coalbed methane, and floodplain mapping as a senior program officer between 2005 and 2012.  From 1993-2005, she served as a research geologist, team leader, and geochronology laboratory manager at the Geological Survey of Norway in Trondheim. Among her publications are more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.  She received a Fulbright Scholarship to Norway and was elected to membership in the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.  She completed a Ph.D. in geology at Stanford University and received a B.A. in geology from Franklin and Marshall College. 

https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/leadership/elizabeth-eide

David Wunsch is President of AGI

Dr. David R. Wunsch is the State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey. Previously was the State Geologist of New Hampshire (2000-2010), and Director of Science & Technology (2010-2011) for the National Groundwater Association (NGWA). He has held leadership positions with the Association of American State Geologists (President 2009-2010), NGWA (Division Director 2002-2005), and AGI (Secretary 2002-2004). Dr. Wunsch was AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow (1988-1999), where he advised the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy & Minerals. He has served on National Academy of Science committees, and federal advisory committees for the U.S. Geological Survey. He holds an affiliated faculty position with the University of Delaware Department of Earth Sciences. His areas of interest include hydrogeology and geochemistry, and science and policy.

https://www.americangeosciences.org/content/board-directors