We have two candidates for the position of Vice chair of the California GIS Council. I’m excited that both are exceptionally well qualified. The online election form will be posted shortly following the GIS Council Meeting on 9/13.
Isaac Cabrera, GIS Administrator Contra Costa County
My name is Carlos Isaac Cabrera and I am the GIS Administrator for Contra Costa County. I am a native Californian and grew up in the countryside of Fresno County. When I’m not working, I’m be enjoying time with my family, cycling and playing with all types of gizmos at home.
I have been working in the GIS public sector for 17 years. My career started with Forest service where I assisted Forest Service scientists in the conversion and analysis of their collected data. Since 2006, I have been working in local government where I have worn many GIS hats (Technician, Specialist, Analyst, Coordinator, Manager and Administrator). The benefit of being involved at different levels of responsibility has shaped me as a GIS user and Administrator. Where this is most evident is in my ability to work with government departments at an intimate level and develop GIS solutions around their specific business practices.
I want to become involved with the CA GIS Council to make a difference at a state level. I’ve often found that in government we often are doing the same things at each entity (state, county, city, non-gov, private). I feel that a concerted effort to establish best practices and working models is critical to the proper growth of GIS throughout our state. The CA GIS Council affords me the opportunity to work with other passionate people in an effort to make a positive and long lasting difference.
Jason Schwenkler, Executive Director, North State Planning and Development Collective, California State University, Chico
Jason Schwenkler has been engaged in the California GIS community for over 20 years. During this period he has been involved with city, county, state government, and education assisting with best practices for Geospatial solutions. Jason has also provided leadership to professional GIS organizations and several northern region GIS collaborative groups. He feels the previous council leading into current efforts provided a solid base that with modernization will provide a sound platform for future growth. Jason would like to see further outreach with encouraged communication. With organized leadership, the council can provide the standards, structure, and set the goals the citizens of California desire.