AASG Distinguished Service Award to Dick Berg

At the 2025 AASG Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG President Jessica Moore of WV presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Dick Berg of IL. 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. Dick was State Geologist of IL from 2014-2025. He served as AASG Editor from 2019 to 2021, and has been a Committee Chair. As an example of his diverse and highly admirable service, for many years, he has been a leader of the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition. Recently, he co-led the Economic Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of Geological Mapping in the United States of America from 1994 to 2019. Thanks for your service, Dick!

New AASG Officers elected

At the 2025 Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG Members elected their 2025-2026 Officers who will take office on July 1st. The Past President will be Jessica Moore of WV, and Matt Morgan of CO will move up from Vice President to President. Ruarri Day-Stirrat of OR – pictured here – will be President Elect, and Nick Hayman of OK will be Vice President. Returning junior Executive are Treasurer Claudio Berti of ID and Secretary Harley Means of FL. The non-Executive Officers will be Casey Hanell of WA returning as Editor, Matthew Heller of VA returning as Statistician, and Scott Howard of SC coming in as Historian. Thanks to all for your willingness to lead!

AASG Presidential Award to Matt Morgan

At the 2025 AASG Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG President Jessica Moore of WV presented the AASG Presidential Award to Matt Morgan, State Geologist of Colorado. 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. Thank-you for your service, Matt!

Matt Morgan of Colorado, 2025-2026 AASG President

Matt Morgan, State Geologist and Director at the Colorado Geological Survey since 2022, will be the 2025-2026 AASG President on July 1st. Matt was AASG VP in 2024-2025, and 2023 Annual Meeting Host. 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. Thanks for your leadership, Matt!

Funding to state geological surveys continues positive trend

The 2025 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Heller of VA indicates that FY24 revenue to state geological surveys was $327.7M, up from $307.7M in FY23, with total staff of 2069 FTE; current estimates for FY25 are $327M and 2139 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. FY24 funding was half state-derived, and 23.5% 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 $76M in FY25. However, several states have seen an even stronger surge in state funding. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 34%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online. The final report may be slightly revised at the end of June. The survey predates very recent federal developments.

Hugo F. Thomas, State Geologist of Connecticut from 1974 to 1989

Hugo Thomas passed away on January 27, 2025 at age 89. He was an associate professor at the University of Connecticut prior to his appointment in 1974 as the Director of a renewed Connecticut Geological Survey which had previously been based at Wesleyan University. He worked closely with USGS, established the Natural Resource Center, and was a leader in GIS. He hosted the 1985 AASG annual meeting in Mystic, CT. Hugo received the USGS John Wesley Powell Award in 1988, and the citation noted his leadership in the use of a comprehensive water resources information system. He was elected an AASG Honorary Member in 1990. He will be missed.

Bradford James Avy, Former State Geologist of Oregon, 1955-2024

Brad Avy passed away in September 2024. He was State Geologist of Oregon from 2015 to 2021. Before that he was with the Washington Agriculture department in commodity inspection, a senior research analyst with the Washington House of Representatives, and also with Washington State Departments of Health, and also Ecology. He began his career in geotechnical field studies as an engineering geologist in Alaska, co-founded the Eureka Drilling Company, and worked as a hydrogeologist in Washington on toxic site cleanup investigations. His bachelor's degree in geology was from the University of Washington, and his master's in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He will be missed.

David Wunsch to complete his time as Delaware State Geologist

Dr. David R. Wunsch will retire this year as State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2011. He was Director of Science & Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) in 2010/2011. From 2000 to 2010, he was State Geologist of New Hampshire. He received his PhD from Kentucky in 1992. At the Kentucky Geological Survey, beginning in 1982, he was Coordinator of the Coal-Field Hydrology Program. Before that, he was instructor of geology at Central Michigan University. David was AGI President in 2021-2022, and AGI Executive Secretary in 2002-2004. 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, including being 2024 Campbell Medalist. Thank-you for your superb service, David!

Lee Gerhard, 1938-2025

Dr. Lee C. Gerhard died on April 12, 2025. He was born in New York State, received his BS in geology from Syracuse in 1958, and his PhD from Kansas in 1964. He served in the military, and worked in academia and consulting. He was State Geologist of North Dakota from 1978 to 1982 and State Geologist of Kansas from 1986 to 1999. He will be missed.

Darlene Batatian, State Geologist of Utah

Darlene Batatian has been named Utah State Geologist and director of the Utah Geological Survey, as successor to Bill Keach who held the position since 2019. She had been serving as Deputy Director since last year. She began her career working for USGS and has been in consulting, as well as Salt Lake County Geologist from 1998 to 2006. She received her geology undergrad from UC Santa Cruz, and a master’s from Idaho State. Welcome, Darlene!

Dick Berg to complete his time as Illinois State Geologist

On April 30th, Dick Berg will retire as State Geologist of Illinois, a position he has held since 2014. Deputy Director Steve Brown will step in as Interim Director. Dick holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State, a Master’s from Eastern Michigan, and a Ph.D. from Illinois in 1979. He joined Illinois State Geological Survey in 1974. He has received many honors, such as co-Recipient of the Frye Award in 1991, and numerous honors since, and he has served extensively in AASG, and GSA, for example. Dick served as AASG Editor from 2019 to 2021, for example, and as AASG Committee Chair. His contributions to fields related to geological mapping, and to addressing the needs of society, have been immense. He played major roles, for example, in the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition. Dick, we thank you for your tremendous contributions so far, and we look forward to your ongoing influential and highly constructive roles.

2025 AASG Annual Meeting

The 117th AASG Annual Meeting will be hosted by Louisiana Geological Survey on May 31 - June 5, 2025 at Cook Hotel and Conference Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scenic and informative field trips are being planned to Avery Island, home of Tabasco® Sauce, and to the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Center for River Studies, to explore a large-scale model of the Lower Mississippi River and other engaging exhibits. AASG Members, Associates, Honorary Members, and guests, as well as representatives from partner agencies are welcome to register. See you in Baton Rouge!

https://www.lsu.edu/lgs/conferences/aasg2025/index.php

Importance of State Geological Surveys

This interview with Dr. Jon Kim and Dr. Ben Dejong from the Vermont State Geological Survey showcases the important work state geological surveys do, how it is done, & highlights an exciting upcoming session they are hosting for the Northeastern/Northcentral Geological Society of America Sectional Meeting this March 2025! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXoHABOfsBs

Charles G. Groat, 1940-2025

Chip Groat, who was born in New York State, passed away on March 14th. Charles G. Groat held degrees from Rochester, U Mass Amherst, and UT Austin. He was associate professor and acting director of the Bureau of Economic Geology between 1968 and 1978. He was State Geologist of Louisiana from 1978-1990, in 1992, and 2017-2021. He was executive director for AGI (1990-1992), and executive director (1992–1995) for the LSU Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources. In 1995 he moved to UT at El Paso. He was Director of the USGS from 1998 to 2005, and Campbell Medalist in 1998. In 2005, he returned to UT Austin as program and center director and Interim Dean. In 2012, he again moved to Louisiana to lead the Water Institute of the Gulf, and then from 2017-2021, he was acting Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey, before retiring from public service in 2021. He has been an AASG Honorary Member since 1993. He was AASG President in 1987–88. He will be missed. 

Bob Jordan, Delaware State Geologist

Robert R. Jordan, Delaware State Geologist from 1969 to 2003, recently passed away at the age of 87. Bob received an A.B. from Hunter College, and both M.A. and Ph.D. in geology from Bryn Mawr College. He joined the Delaware Geological Survey in 1958. Bob was AASG President in 1983-84, he received the Ian Campbell Award in 1996, and the AASG Distinguished Service Award in 2007. He will be missed.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, AASG Pick and Gavel Award 2025 recipient

The 2025 AASG Pick and Gavel Award has been presented to WV Senator Shelley Moore Capito by AASG President and West Virginia State Geologist Jessica Moore. The Senator was given a brooch made of silicified Lithostrotionella, a fossil coral that is the WV state gemstone. The award honors people who have made significant contributions to advancing the role of geoscience in public policy and who have supported AASG’s goals in government affairs. Thank-you for your service, Senator!

Lorena Moscardelli, State Geologist of Texas

Dr. Lorena Moscardelli has been named State Geologist of Texas, as successor to Scott Tinker who held the position from 2000 to 2024; Mark Shuster was acting State Geologist for several months. She joined the bureau in 2003 as a doctoral student, and was there for a decade before joining Equinor. She returned in 2021 to lead the STARR program on efficient production and profitability of energy and natural resources in Texas. Moscardelli holds a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from Central University of Venezuela, a doctoral degree in geology from UT, and executive education at the Wharton. Welcome to AASG, Lorena.

Ned Mamula, USGS Director nominee

Ned Mamula has been nominated to be USGS Director. Recently, Ned has been Chief Geologist at GreenMet. He was with DOE as Critical Minerals Program Director from 2019-23, Cato Institute from 2015-19, the DOI Presidential Transition Team in 2016-17, CIA from 2009-15, USGS in Reston from 2003-09, Anadarko in Houston from 1997-03, DOE in Tulsa from 1993-97, and USGS in Reston as Resource Geologist from 1977-87. He is author of Groundbreaking! America’s New Quest for Mineral Independence. Dr. Mamula holds geology degrees from Slippery Rock, Penn State, and Texas A&M University, and a Master’s in Strategic and Resource Policy, from Johns Hopkins. Great to be working with you yet again, Ned!

Andrea Travnicek, DOI Assistant Secretary for Water and Science nominee

Dr. Andrea Travnicek (Trav-nick) has been nominated to be DOI Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. Since 2021, she has been Director of North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and before that, she was head of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. She previously held senior leadership positions with DOI in the late 2010s. Andrea holds a 2008 Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management/Communication from North Dakota State University, and she is an accomplished soccer player. Good to be working with you again, Andrea!

Doug Burgum, DOI Secretary

On January 31st, Doug Burgum was sworn in as the Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Burgum was first elected North Dakota Governor in 2016. Before that, the company he led was acquired by Microsoft, and he was in real estate. He was born in North Dakota, and he holds degrees from North Dakota State University and Stanford University. Best of luck, Secretary Burgum!

Bill Keach to complete his time as Utah State Geologist

In April 2025, Bill Keach will retire as Director of the Utah Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2019. He holds a B.S. in Geology from BYU and an M.S. in geophysics from Cornell. He worked in the Gulf of Mexico offshore and with California Division of Oil and Gas. He worked on 3D visualization for Landmark Graphics, now Halliburton, for 17 years. In 2006, he returned to Utah to take on roles in seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling at the Energy and Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah and BYU. Thanks for your tremendous contributions so far, Bill!

Dwain Veach is State Geologist of North Carolina

Dwain Veach has been appointed State Geologist at the North Carolina Geological Survey, where he has been employed for five years. Previously, he was with Devon Energy and Chaparral Energy in Oklahoma. He has a Masters degree in geology from University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s in geology and physics from Southern Utah University. He has specialized in organic chemistry and sedimentary basin characterization. Welcome Dwain!

Simon Jowitt, State Geologist of Nevada

On February 1st, 2025, Dr. Simon Jowitt was appointed State Geologist of Nevada, as successor to Jim Faulds, and Bill Hammond who had been interim Director. He has been with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology since 2023. He has applied his expertise in geochemistry to mineral systems, igneous petrology, and tectonics. He has undertaken extensive research on mineral economics and supply. Simon also studies the environmental impact of mining and the potential uses of mining and other wastes for metal production and CO2 sequestration. He was awarded the SEG Waldemar Lindgren Award in 2014. He has degrees from the University of Edinburgh, the Camborne School of Mines, and the University of Leicester, all in the UK. For eight years, he was at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia before seven years on the faculty University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Welcome, Simon!

Bill Hammond is interim State Geologist of Nevada

Bill Hammond has been named interim Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at University of Nevada Reno, as successor to Jim Faulds. Bill had been Associate Director of the Survey since 2022. He is a Professor of Geodesy and Geophysics in the Nevada Geodetic Laboratory. His research has been on use of space geodetic techniques to study topics such as crustal deformation and groundwater. Bill did a postdoc with USGS and has been with UNR since 2004. He holds a PhD in geology form Oregon and a BA in applied mathematics from UC Berkeley. Welcome Bill!

Mankin Award to Oklahoma

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 2024 AASG Mankin Award has been presented to “Woodford Shale (Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian): From Hydrocarbon Source   Rock to Reservoir” by Brian Cardott   and John Comer, published as Oklahoma  Geological Survey Bulletin 152 in 2021. Congratulations to Brian and John!

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!