NGAC News

July 8, 2024

The Department of the Interior and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) are seeking nominations to serve on the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). The NGAC provides advice and recommendations relating to the management of Federal and national geospatial programs, the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and implementation of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA), to the Secretary of the Interior through the FGDC. The NGAC provides a forum for views of non-Federal stakeholders in the geospatial community. The NGAC is a Federal Advisory Committee authorized through the GDA which operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).

Nominations to participate on this Committee must be received by August 7, 2024 and should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov. Nominations may come from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other geospatial organizations. Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership requirements of the Committee and permit DOI to contact a potential member.  Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from employers, associations, professional organizations, and/or other organizations that indicate the support by a meaningful constituency for the nominee. 

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to generally achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of the various stakeholders involved in national geospatial activities. NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms, and nominations received through this call for nominations may be used to fill vacancies on the NGAC that will become available in 2025 and 2026. Nominations will be reviewed by the FGDC and additional information may be requested from nominees. Final selection and appointment of NGAC members will be made by the Secretary of the Interior.

The NGAC meets approximately 3-4 times per year. NGAC members will serve without compensation, but travel and per diem costs will be provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. Committee meetings are open to the public. Notice of committee meetings are published in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the date of the meeting. The public will have an opportunity to provide input at these meetings.

The NGAC Charter includes additional information about the NGAC’s roles and responsibilities.

Resources

• FGDC Announcement
• Federal Register Notice 
• NGAC Nominations Webinar

Contact

For additional information or questions, please contact ngacnominations@fgdc.gov.

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has developed a new National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Strategic Plan (pdf). The plan, which covers the years 2021-2024, was approved by the FGDC Steering Committee in November 2020.  The NSDI strategic plan was developed with inputs from a variety of sources, including FGDC agencies, the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and geospatial partner organizations. The plan describes a broad national vision and mission for the NSDI, and includes goals and objectives for the continued sustainable development of the NSDI. The FGDC will work collaboratively with partners on implementation of the plan.  Additional information will be posted here regarding the implementation phase. 

April 11, 2019

The Department of the Interior has appointed 12 individuals to serve as members of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC). The NGAC provides advice and recommendations on national geospatial policy and management issues, the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), and the implementation of the Geospatial Data Act of 2018. The NSDI promotes geospatial data sharing across all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and the academic community.

Interior has also appointed a new NGAC Chair, Keith Masback, who currently serves on the board of directors and is the former Chief Executive Officer for the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Mr. Masback previously served as the NGAC Vice Chair. Interior appointed a new NGAC Vice-Chair, Mark Reichardt, who is the Director of Strategic Opportunities with the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC). Mr. Reichardt formerly served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the OGC.

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to achieve a balanced representation of the varied interests associated with geospatial programs and technology. NGAC members serve staggered three-year terms on the committee. The new appointees to the NGAC are:

• Frank Avila, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (reappointed to a second term)
• Sarah Battersby, Tableau Software (reappointed to a second term)
• Byron Bluehorse, University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Mike Hussey, State of Utah
• Xavier Irias, East Bay Municipal Utility District (reappointed to a second term)
• Sanjay Kumar, World Geospatial Industry Council
• Tony LaVoi, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Mark Reichardt, Open Geospatial Consortium
• Amber Reynolds, City of Lawrence, KS (reappointed to a second term)
• Christine Stinchcomb, Paulding County, GA
• Gary Thompson, State of North Carolina
• May Yuan, University of Texas – Dallas (reappointed to a second term)

The NGAC meets three to four times per year. The public is invited to comment and make suggestions at all committee meetings, which will be announced by publication in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the meeting date. The U.S. Geological Survey, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, provides support services for the NGAC.

The NGAC was authorized under the Geospatial Data Act of 2018. The NGAC operates under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, enacted by Congress in 1972 to ensure that advice rendered to the executive branch by advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions formed by Congress and the President, be objective and accessible to the public. The Act formalizes a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies.

Additional information about the NGAC, including a complete list of the committee members, is available at www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

A PDF version of this release is available here.

The National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC) has adopted a paper highlighting the critical role geospatial tools and information can play in supporting national infrastructure development initiatives.  The paper, “Geospatial Information: The Key to Smart Infrastructure Investments,” focuses on the unique ability of geospatial technology to enable smart infrastructure decisions and investments, and describes how geospatial tools can be used to plan, manage, and communicate the results of national infrastructure development initiatives. 

The paper notes that all levels of government and private entities have a role to play in using geospatial technologies to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure renewal. The NGAC recommends that the Federal government’s role should include:

1. Supporting foundational data such as remotely sensed imagery, address data, and other National Geospatial Data Assets.
2. Promoting data sharing standards to reduce duplicated effort and enhance data sharing.
3. Utilizing geospatial data and tools, including the GeoPlatform (www.geoplatform.gov), to plan, manage, track, and communicate the results of a national infrastructure initiative.
4. Ensuring that infrastructure grant funds may be applied to geospatial data, systems, and services. Such investments are as important as investments in steel and concrete, but with a far greater return.
5. Modernizing governance of geospatial data and programs nationally to reduce duplication and capture increased efficiencies.

The NGAC is a Federal Advisory Committee that provides advice and recommendation on national geospatial policy issues to the member agencies of the Federal Geographic Data Committee.  The NGAC includes members from all levels of government, the private sector, non-profits, and academia.  Additional information about the NGAC is available at: www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

January 9, 2017

The Department of the Interior has appointed 14 individuals to serve as members of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), which provides advice and recommendations on federal geospatial policy and management issues and the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The NSDI promotes sharing of geospatial data across all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors, and the academic community.

The Department has also reappointed the Chair and Vice-Chair of the NGAC. Julie Sweetkind-Singer, the NGAC Chair, is the Assistant Director of Geospatial and Cartographic Services; and Head Librarian of the Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections at Stanford University.  Keith Masback, the NGAC Vice-Chair, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to achieve a balanced representation of the varied interests associated with geospatial programs and technology. NGAC members are appointed to serve staggered terms on the committee. The 2017 appointees to three-year terms on the NGAC are:

• Mr. Gar Clarke, State of New Mexico
• Mr. Garet Couch, National Tribal Geographic Information Support Center
• Ms. Patricia Cummens, ESRI (reappointed to a second term)
• Mr. Stuart Davis, State of Ohio
• Ms. Roberta Lenczowski, Roberta E. Lenczowski Consulting
• Mr. Keith Masback, U. S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (reappointed to a second term)
• Mr. Kevin Pomfret, Centre for Spatial Law and Policy (reappointed to a second term)
• Major General William N. Reddel III, New Hampshire National Guard (reappointed to a second term)
• Ms. Rebecca Somers, Somers-St. Claire GIS Management Consultants
• Mr. Cy Smith, State of Oregon
• Ms. Jennie Stapp, State of Montana
• Ms. Julie Sweetkind-Singer, Stanford University (reappointed to a second term)
• Dr. Harvey Thorleifson, State of Minnesota (reappointed to a second term)
• Mr. Jason Warzinik, Boone County, Missouri (reappointed to a second term)

The NGAC meets three to four times per year. The public is invited to comment and make suggestions at all committee meetings, which will be announced by publication in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the meeting date. The U.S. Geological Survey, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, provides support services for the NGAC. The NGAC functions solely as an advisory body.

The NGAC was created under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, enacted by Congress in 1972 to ensure that advice rendered to the executive branch by advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions formed by Congress and the President, be both objective and accessible to the public. The Act formalized a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies.

Additional information about the NGAC, including a complete list of the 28 committee members, is available at www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

Related Items

• FGDC Announcement - Department of the Interior Appoints 14 Members to National Geospatial Advisory Committee (pdf)

February 26, 2016

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell has appointed a new Chair and Vice Chair and 14 new and continuing members to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), which provides recommendations to the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), the interagency executive group responsible for providing leadership and direction in federal geospatial programs. 

Julie Sweetkind-Singer, the new NGAC Chair, is a leader in the geospatial library and information management community, serving as the Assistant Director of Geospatial, Cartographic and Scientific Data; and Head Librarian of the Branner Earth Sciences Library and Map Collections at Stanford University. Sweetkind-Singer has served as NGAC Vice-Chair for the past year.

Keith Masback, the new vice-chair, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Before serving in this role, he was an officer in the U.S. Army and a senior executive in the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. 

"We are honored to have these accomplished geospatial professionals as leaders and members of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee,” said Jennifer Gimbel, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, who serves as Chair of the FGDC Steering Committee. “The NGAC has been a valuable resource and an excellent partner for the Federal geospatial community, and has provided thoughtful advice and recommendations on a wide range of geospatial policy and management issues. Geospatial data and technology are essential for Federal agencies and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with this distinguished set of leaders.” 

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to achieve a balanced representation of the varied interests associated with geospatial programs and technology. NGAC members are appointed to serve staggered terms on the committee. The appointees to three-year terms on the NGAC are: 

• Mr. David Alexander, Department of Homeland Security 
• Mr. Frank Avila, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency 
• Dr. Sarah Battersby, Tableau Software 
• Mr. Talbot Brooks, Delta State University (reappointed to a second term)
• Mr. Matt Gentile, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services (reappointed to a second term) 
• Mr. Frank Harjo, Muscogee (Creek) Nation (reappointed to a second term) 
• Mr. Xavier Irias, East Bay Municipal Utility District
• Mr. Roger Mitchell, MDA Information Systems, Inc. (reappointed to a second term) 
• Ms. Rebecca Moore, Google, Inc. 
• Dr. Laxmi Ramasubramanian, Hunter College, City University of New York 
• Dr. Carl Reed, Carl Reed and Associates, LLC 
• Ms. Amber Reynolds, City of Topeka, Kansas 
• Dr. Douglas Richardson, American Association of Geographers (reappointed to a second term) 
• Dr. May Yuan, University of Texas – Dallas 

The NGAC meets three to four times per year. The public is invited to comment and make suggestions at all committee meetings, which will be announced by publication in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the meeting date. The U.S. Geological Survey, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, provides support services for the NGAC. The NGAC functions solely as an advisory body. 

The NGAC was created under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, enacted by Congress in 1972 to ensure that advice rendered to the executive branch by advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions formed by Congress and the President, be both objective and accessible to the public. The Act formalized a process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating these advisory bodies. 

Additional information about the NGAC, including a complete list of the committee members, is available at www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

Download the PDF version of the release.

June 8, 2015

The Department of Interior and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) announced on June 8 that they are seeking nominations for appointment to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC).  Nominations received through this call for nominations may be used to fill vacancies on the NGAC that will become available in 2015 and 2016.  

Nominations for appointment to the NGAC should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov by July 17, 2015. Nominations may come from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other geospatial organizations.  Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership requirements of the Committee and permit the Department of the Interior to contact a potential member.  Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from constituents, trade associations, alliances, and/or other organizations that indicate the support by a meaningful constituency for the nominee. 

The NGAC provides advice and recommendations on Federal geospatial policy and management issues and provides a forum to convey views representative of partners in the geospatial community.  The NGAC was established by the Department of the Interior on behalf of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).  

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to generally achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of the various types of entities involved in national geospatial activities, including all levels of government, nonprofits, academia and the private sector.  NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms.  Final decisions on appointments to the committee will be made by the Secretary of the Interior.  Individuals who are Federally registered lobbyists are ineligible to serve on all FACA and non-FACA boards, committees, or councils in an individual capacity. The term "individual capacity" refers to individuals who are appointed to exercise their own individual best judgment on behalf of the government, such as when they are designated Special Government Employees, rather than being appointed to represent a particular interest. 

The NGAC Charter includes additional information about the NGAC’s roles and responsibilities.

Resources

• FGDC Announcement (pdf)
• Federal Register Notice  (pdf)

NGAC Nominations Webinar

The FGDC held a webinar briefing on June 25, 2015 to provide information about the nomination and appointments process. The briefing presentation is posted here:

July 8, 2013

The Department of Interior and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) announced on July 8 that they are seeking nominations for appointment to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC).  

Nominations for appointment to the NGAC should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov  by August 12, 2013.  Nominations may come from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other geospatial organizations. Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make an informed decision regarding meeting the membership requirements of the Committee and permit the Department of the Interior to contact a potential member.  Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from constituents, trade associations, alliances, and/or other organizations that indicate the support by a meaningful constituency for the nominee. 

The NGAC provides advice and recommendations on Federal geospatial policy and management issues and provides a forum to convey views representative of partners in the geospatial community.  The NGAC was established by the Department of the Interior on behalf of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).  

The NGAC includes up to 30 members, selected to generally achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of the various types of entities involved in national geospatial activities, including all levels of government, nonprofits, academia and the private sector.  NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms, and approximately one-half of the positions on the committee will be appointed during this round of appointments.  Final decisions on appointments to the committee will be made by the Secretary of the Interior.  Individuals who are currently federally registered lobbyists are ineligible to serve on all FACA and non-FACA boards, committees or councils.

The NGAC Charter includes additional information about the NGAC’s roles and responsibilities.

Resources

• FGDC Announcement (pdf)
• Federal Register Notice (pdf)
• July 15, 2013 NGAC Nominations Webinar (pptx)

Contact

For additional information or questions, please contact John Mahoney (jmahoney [at] usgs.gov, 206-220-4621)