Donald A. Hull, State Geologist of Oregon from 1979 to 1999, 1938 - 2024

Don Hull was born in Wallace, Idaho in 1938 and died on July 13, 2024. He obtained degrees in Geology from the University of Idaho, McGill University, and Mackay School of Mines. He worked in mineral exploration, and in 1974 he moved to Oregon to work on geothermal energy. In 1979 he was appointed State Geologist and Director of the State of Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Examples of his long and broad leadership were his role in the first natural gas production in the state, a regulatory regime for metal mining, oversight of potential offshore mining, and mapping of tsunami risk. He was AASG President in 93/94, and a member of the Executive Committee of American Geological Institute. For his long service to AASG, he received the AASG Distinguished Service Award. A service will be held at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 1535 NE 17th, Oct 5 2024 at 1. 

Bob Tipping, State Geologist of Minnesota

On October 7th, 2024, Bob Tipping will be State Geologist of Minnesota. He is originally from Illinois, and he holds a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College in MN. He first worked for the Minnesota Geological Survey in 1986, and started full time in 1988. He can list many MGS accomplishments in the subsequent years, and has taught in the Department, including its hydrogeology field school, and elsewhere. He completed Master’s and PhD degrees in hydrogeology at UMN. He is a former President of the Minnesota Ground Water Association. In 2019, Bob moved to the Minnesota Department of Health, and he now will return to MGS. Welcome Bob!

Will Jackson, State Geologist of Tennessee

In July 2024, Will Jackson was named State Geologist of Tennessee. Previously, he was at University of Memphis for four years, University of South Alabama for three years, and two years at Geological Survey of Alabama. Will holds a PhD from University of Alabama, an MS from University of Memphis, and a BS from University of Alabama. Will’s research has been on integration of sedimentology, stratigraphy, and structural geology with geochronology and thermochronology to understand sediment provenance and the relationships between deformation and deposition. Will is successor to Ron Zurawski, who held the position from 1996 to this past year. Welcome, Will!

Brian Yellen is the State Geologist of Massachusetts

Brian Yellen has been appointed State Geologist of Massachusetts, as successor to Steve Mabee. He has worked in private sector groundwater cleanup, teaching high school science, and academic research. Since 2012, he has taught professional development workshops to environmental consultants. His research has been on dam removals, sediment transport, coastal change, blue carbon, and fluvial erosion due to extreme floods. Since 2017, Brian has been a research assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Geographic and Climate Sciences at UMass Amherst. He holds a bachelor's degree in geology-biology from Brown University, a master's degree in education from the University of Hawaii Manoa, and a master's degree and Ph.D. in geosciences from UMass Amherst. Welcome, Brian!

David Wunsch is the 2024 Campbell Medalist

Dr. David R. Wunsch, State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, is the 2024 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences. From 2011 to the present, David has been State Geologist of Delaware. He was Director of Science & Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) in 2011. From 2000 to 2010, he was State Geologist of New Hampshire. At the Kentucky Geological Survey, beginning in 1982, he was Coordinator of the Coal-Field Hydrology Program. David was AGI President in 2021-2022, and AGI Executive Secretary in 2002-2004. He currently chairs the AGI Critical Needs Document Committee. He was an NGWA Division Director in 2002-2005, AASG President in 2009-2010, and AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow in 1998-1999. He has served on multiple high level panels, and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. Congratulations, David!

Michael McGlue, State Geologist of Kentucky

On August 1, 2024, Dr. Michael McGlue will be Director of the Kentucky Geological Survey and State Geologist of Kentucky. He received a B.S. in geology from Washington and Lee University in 2000, an M.S. in earth science from Syracuse University in 2004, and a geoscience Ph.D. in paleolimnology from the University of Arizona in 2011. He was a USGS Mendenhall postdoc fellow from 2011 to 2013. He became a University of Kentucky assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences in 2013. Welcome, Michael!

Ryan Gordon is the State Geologist of Maine

Ryan Gordon has been appointed acting State Geologist of Maine. He succeeds Steve Dickson, who held the post since 2021, upon the retirement of Bob Marvinney. Ryan's expertise is in hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, snow survey, and water wells. He has been with the Maine Geological Survey since 2015. He attended Williams College and Syracuse University. Welcome, Ryan!

Steve Dickson has completed his time as Maine State Geologist

Stephen M. Dickson has completed his time as State Geologist with the Maine Geological Survey. Steve joined the Maine survey in 1986 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. With MGS, he has served as State Marine Geologist (2000-2021), Marine Geologist (1990-1999), and Senior Geologist (1986-1989). He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Maine, an M.S. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University. Stephen co-chairs the Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council and co-authored the Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and Its Effects in Maine Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge chapter. He was appointed State Geologist in 2021 after Bob Marvinney ’s retirement. Thanks for your superb service, Steve!

Frye Award to Alabama

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 2024 Frye Award will be presented at GSA to Alabama authors, for their publication: Gregory M. Guthrie, Gary A. Hastert, and Mary Hastings Puckett, 2022, Geological Survey of Alabama Bulletin 192, “An Aquifer Recharge Potential Model for Alabama.”

Congratulations! https://gsa.state.al.us/Scripts/GSAOGB/gsa/groundwater/GSA_B192.pdf

Richard C. Hyde, State Geologist of Connecticut from 1989 to 1997

We recently learned of the passing of Richard Clark Hyde of Ashford CT, on June 14, 2016. He was born in 1941 in Norwalk CT, and he grew up in Westport, enjoying sports and camping with his brothers. After four years in the Navy, Richard enrolled at UConn, studied Geology, and did his Master’s in micropaleontology. After working with USGS, he joined the CT Geological Survey, and became Director and State Geologist in 1989. He is very well remembered, and he is missed.

https://www.courant.com/obituaries/richard-c-hyde-ashford-ct/

David Wunsch has received the Caulfield Medal for Water Policy

David Wunsch, State Geologist of Delaware, has received the Henry P. Caulfield, Jr., Medal for Exemplary Contributions to National Water Policy, presented by the American Water Resources Association. The award recognizes an individual who has achieved a status of eminence in shaping national water policy. Congratulations and thank-you, David!

Jessica Moore of West Virginia, 2024-2025 AASG President

Jessica Moore, Director and State Geologist at the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey since 2021, will be the 2024-2025 AASG President on July 1st. Jessica was AASG VP in 2022-2023 and President Elect in 2023-2024. Before being State Geologist, she had been Program Manager, Applied Oil and Gas at the West Virginia survey in Morgantown since 2011. Her prior service included over three years at North Carolina Geological Survey, and education mostly at West Virginia University, where she was a Chesapeake Energy Scholar. Thanks for your leadership, Jessica!

Matt Morgan of Colorado has been elected to AASG Executive

Matt Morgan, who has been State Geologist of Colorado since 2022, will be VP of AASG on July 1st. 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. The AASG Officers for 2024-2025 thus will be Past President John Metesh of MT, President Jessica Moore of WV, President Elect Clare Falcon of LA, Vice President Matt Morgan of CO, Treasurer Claudio Berti of ID, Secretary Harley Means of FL, Editor Casey Hanell of WA, Statistician Matthew Heller of VA, and Historian William Keach of UT. Thanks for your willingness, Matt!

AASG Presidential Award to David Wunsch

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Presidential Award to David Wunsch, State Geologist of Delaware. 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. David is now our longest serving State Geologist, with 13 years in NH and 11 in DE, he was AASG Statistician from 2002 to 2004, he served on AASG Executive from 2006 to 2011, and he was Annual Meeting Host in 2018. Recently, he has provided much leadership in AASG Planning and matters related to Water. Thank-you, David!

AASG Presidential Award to Kevin Gallagher

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of MT presented the AASG Presidential Award to Kevin Gallagher, who has been a great friend of AASG, and who retired earlier this year following 39 years of public service, most recently as USGS Associate Director for the Core Science Systems Mission Area. Kevin was appointed to this role in 2010, in which he directed USGS programs in geologic mapping, data preservation, geospatial, biological Information, informatics, and the immense USGS library. From 2002-2010, he was USGS Chief Information officer and Chief Technology Officer. Before joining USGS, Kevin held roles with the Coast Guard and the Navy.  He holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from Syracuse University, a Chief Information Officer Certificate from National Defense University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from James Madison University. He has completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University. Thanks for your superb leadership, Kevin!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki Cowart

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki Cowart of Colorado. The DSA goes to particularly deserving, living, retired or retiring AASG people other than current officers who deserve to be recognized for the excellence of their efforts over the long term, in particular through AASG. Vicki was State Geologist of CO from 1992-2003; AASG President, 2001-2002; President Elect, 2000-2001; Vice President, 1999-2000; Treasurer, 1999-2000; Annual Meeting Host, 1997; and Statistician, 1996-1999. Thanks, Vicki!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Nelia Dunbar

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Nelia Dunbar of New Mexico, who was State Geologist of New Mexico, 2016 – 2024, and AASG Secretary, 2018 – 2023. Thanks, Nelia!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Rich Ortt

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Richard Ortt of Maryland, who was State Geologist of MD, 2013-2023; AASG Past President, 2020-2021; President, 2019-2020; President Elect, 2018-2019; Vice President, 2017-2018. Thanks, Rich!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Harvey Thorleifson

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Harvey Thorleifson of Minnesota, who was State Geologist of MN, 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; and Statistician, 2006-2009. Thanks, Harvey!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Scott Tinker

At the 2024 AASG Annual Meeting in Utah, AASG President John Metesh of Montana presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Scott Tinker of Texas, who was State Geologist of TX, 2000-2023; AASG Annual Meeting Host, 2012; Past President, 2007-2008; President, 2006-2007; President Elect, 2005-2006; and Vice President, 2004-2005. Thanks, Scott!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys is rising sharply

The 2024 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Heller of VA indicates that FY23 revenue to state geological surveys was $310M, with total staff of 2064 FTE; current estimates for FY24 are $336M and 2067 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. FY23 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 $75M in FY24. 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 33%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

Sara Pearson, next Director of the Michigan Geological Survey

On July 1, 2024, Sara Verbrugge Pearson will be Director of the Michigan Geological Survey at Western Michigan University, as successor to John Yellich who held the position for 11 years. Since 2021, Sara has been Source Water Unit Supervisor at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and before that, she worked in environmental consulting. Concurrently, she has been a member of the Western Michigan University Geosciences Advisory Board Member, since 2012. The Michigan Geological Survey recently has been bolstered by major new funding. Sara obtained a BS from Aquinas College - Grand Rapids in 1992, and an MS from Western Michigan University in 1994. Welcome, Sara!

Release of the 2023 AASG Journal

The AASG Journal has been produced since 1930, to document the work of state geological surveys, and of AASG, twice per year until 1970, and once per year thereafter. The 2023 AASG Journal was edited and produced by the Washington Geological Survey, under the lead of AASG Editor and Washington State Geologist Casey Hanell. The Publication Editors were Jessica Czajkowski, Joel Gombiner, Nikolas Midttun, and Susan Schnur. The front cover photo shows the Bear Den Member of the Golden Valley Formation (Paleocene) in North Dakota, courtesy of the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. The current Journal is linked from the AASG web site under About. Great job!

AASG 2024 Annual Meeting in Utah

The 116th annual meeting of the Association of American State Geologists—hosted by the Utah Geological Survey—will be held June 1–6, 2024, in Park City, Utah. The meeting is open to AASG Members, Associates, Honorary Members, and invited guests, as well as respected colleagues from partner government and scientific agencies. Maybe see you there!

DMT will be in Illinois this year

Since 1997, the annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshops (“DMT”) have brought together geological mapping professionals, from across the USA and beyond, with an emphasis on GIS and other aspects of information science. 

The DMT’24 workshop will be held May 13 – 16, 2024 in Normal, Illinois at Illinois State University. DMT’24 is an in-person event, organized by staff of the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Illinois State University Department of Geography/Geology, and the National Geologic Map Database.

Since the beginning, Dave Soller of USGS has done a superb and appreciated job on organizing DMT, with colleagues. Hope to see you in Illinois!

Charles E. Chapin, New Mexico State Geologist from 1991 to 1999

Chuck Chapin, who was the New Mexico State Geologist and directed the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources from 1991–1999, passed away peacefully at his home in Albuquerque on March 14, 2024. He was 91. Chuck, who grew up in Washington State and trained at Colorado School of Mines, began his career at New Mexico Tech in 1965. He joined the Bureau of Geology from the NMT Geoscience Department in 1970. He was a visionary, creative, and insightful geoscientist who shaped our thinking about Laramide tectonics, Cenozoic volcanism, and the Rio Grande rift in New Mexico. Chuck was a strong mentor and, during his career, provided valuable instruction and encouragement to many graduate students and staff members at the Bureau of Geology. He was a kind person with a good sense of humor who was unafraid to speak his mind. He is missed.

2024 Pick and Gavel Awards to Senators Daines and Tester of Montana

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 2024 recipients are Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester of Montana.

A fifth-generation Montanan, Steve Daines has 28 years of private-sector business experience. He is working on issues of critical importance to growing good-paying Montana jobs, developing the state’s energy resources, managing and protecting our public lands and supporting the needs of Montana’s veterans and tribes. He serves on the Senate Committees on Finance, Banking Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, and Indian Affairs. Steve has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 37 years. They have four children and six grandchildren. They are involved in their church and community volunteer organizations and enjoy backpacking, hunting, skiing, and fishing.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester is a third-generation Montana farmer, a proud grandfather, and a former schoolteacher. He is the Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. He also serves on the Banking Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Committee on Indian Affairs. Jon and his wife Sharla still farm the same land near the town of Big Sandy, Montana that was homesteaded by Jon’s grandparents in 1912.

Thank-you for your superb service, Senators!

https://www.daines.senate.gov/

https://www.tester.senate.gov/

Edward Rooks, State Geologist of Georgia

Edward Rooks has been named State Geologist of Georgia. He has thirty years of experience as a contractor, consultant, manufacturer, and regulator. Since 2006, he has been a Program Manager in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, specializing in agricultural permitting and compliance, including ground and/or surface water withdrawal permits for the state. Before that, he was an Environmental Manager with Alcoa, and a project geologist beginning in 1990. He obtained his BS in geology from Emory in 1988, and a Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management from University of South Carolina in 1994. Welcome, Edward!

The Geologic Mapping Forum (GMF) facilitates discussion among geologic map authors, program managers, and allied professionals, in the US and more broadly. The focus is on geological mapping science, rather than funding or GIS which are better covered in other meetings. 

The US Congress and States have accelerated needed systematic mapping, leading to important applications and exciting research outcomes. The series is coordinated by University of Minnesota Professor Harvey Thorleifson, and by NCGMP Coordinator Chris Swezey of the US Geological Survey. 

In-person meetings were held in 2018 and 2019, and monthly online meetings have been held since onset of the pandemic in 2020. This year, we are meeting on Thursdays for 2 hours at Noon Central on Oct 5, Nov 2, Nov 30, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 21, & Ap 18; we have added February 8.

Abstracts for the 20-minute invited talks again are requested. Additional regional and topical workshops will be arranged separately by NCGMP as needed. Here are past GMF abstracts: 2018, 2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023; and the 2018 meeting summary.

Videos will be available unless speakers request otherwise. Resources are here, for those who are able to use Dropbox either on a work machine, or a personal device. For information, or to request to attend, please email thorleif@umn.edu

Jim Faulds to complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada

Jim Faulds has indicated that he will soon complete his time as State Geologist of Nevada. He was 2022-2023 AASG President, and 2022 Annual Meeting Host. James E. Faulds was appointed Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno in 2012. 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. Well done, Jim!

Steven Domber, State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Steven Domber was appointed Director of the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, having served in the Department since the year 2000. He had been serving as Section Chief for Water Resource Management. As State Geologist, Steve follows Jeffrey L. Hoffman who served from 2015 to 2023, Karl W. Muessig who had the role from 1999 to 2015, and Haig F. Kasabach who filled the role from 1983 to 1999. The history of the Survey goes back to 1835. Steven obtained his Master’s degree in geology and geophysics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 2000, and he holds qualifications as a certified public manager from Rutgers. His undergrad in geology was from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 1994. Congratulations and best of luck, Steve!

Jeffrey Hoffman has completed his time as State Geologist of New Jersey

In December 2023, Jeffrey L. Hoffman retired from his position as State Geologist of New Jersey after over 42 years of service to the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey. Jeff was appointed Director in 2015, as successor to Karl W. Muessig, who had taken over from Haig F. Kasabach in 1999. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Penn State, and a Master’s in hydrogeology from Princeton. Congratulations, and thanks for your superb service, Jeff!

Carl J. Smith, State Geologist of West Virginia, 1944 – 2023

Carl James Smith, former State Geologist of West Virginia, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born on September 25, 1944, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Carl served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Commodore during Desert Storm. He served the State of West Virginia for over 30 years. He became State Geologist and Director of the West Virginia Geologic and Economic Survey from 2002 to 2005. He followed Larry Woodfork as State Geologist, and preceded Michael Hohn. He led the agency into the development of digital publications. During his time, the Survey became part of the Department of Commerce and began new studies in carbon sequestration and oil fields. Carl was a captivating storyteller and a source of joy to those around him. He was preceded in death by his late wife of 36 years, Trudy DiSabella Smith. He will be missed.

https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/01/04/carl-smith-3/

https://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/allabout/allabout.htm#History

Mark Shuster, State Geologist of Texas

Effective January 3^rd, 2024, Mark Shuster is the acting State Geologist of Texas. Previously, Mark was responsible for managing the Bureau's energy-related research. He joined the Bureau in September, 2016. Prior to joining the Bureau, Mark worked for Shell and affiliates for 30 years in upstream oil and gas roles around the world. Mark began his professional career as a Research Geologist working on projects on the Permian Basin, Atlantic margin basins and southeast Asia. Subsequently, Mark worked on exploration and appraisal projects in Venezuela, Australia, Middle East, Gulf of Mexico and most recently, Alaska. Mark received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of the Pacific and his PhD in Geology from the University of Wyoming. 

Source: https://www.beg.utexas.edu/people/directorate

 

Jim Kennedy has retired as State Geologist of Georgia

Jim Kennedy retired as State Geologist of Georgia in 2022. The position remains vacant. The Geological Survey of Georgia and/or a State Geologist was first established from 1836 to 1840, then from 1874 to 1881. From 1890 to 2005, nine State Geologists served the state, and upon the retirement of Bill McLemore in 2005, Jim Kennedy was appointed. He holds a doctorate in geology, with a specialty in hydrogeology from Texas A&M University. He brought to the position 25 years experience consulting in the hydrogeology. He had previously served as a senior scientist for MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc. in Kennesaw.

https://www.georgiasfossils.com/24-needed-the-georgia-geologic-survey.html

 

John Yellich to complete his time as State Geologist of Michigan

John Yellich has announced his pending retirement as Director of the Michigan Geological Survey. John, who was appointed in 2013, is to be commended for rebuilding the survey, after its transfer in 2011 from state government to Western Michigan University as a one-person survey. The budget is now at 3M/y, along with 5M for five years of aggregate mapping. For AASG, John served as 2018-2019 VP, 2019-2020 President Elect, 2020-2021 President, and 2021-2022 Past President. Previously, John accumulated decades of accomplishments in mineral exploration and consulting, in over thirty states and around the world. John holds BA and MS degrees in geology from Western Michigan University. Thanks for your superb service, John!