BETHESDA, Md., January 6, 2014 -- ASPRS announces the appointment of Dr. Michael Hauck as the incoming ASPRS Executive Director. Outgoing Executive Director, James Plasker, announced his retirement from ASPRS, effective January 10, 2014. Hauck becomes only the fourth Executive Director in the past 47 years of the organization’s history. Both incoming and outgoing Executive Directors look forward to working together to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Hauck has over 20 years of experience in the creation and application of remote sensing and geospatial information technologies. Reflecting the diverse membership of ASPRS, he has practiced in academic, government, Fortune 500, and start-up settings; and in industries that include transportation, energy, telecommunications, and defense. In addition to technical breadth, he is a versatile, collaborative, and adaptive leader with over a decade of general management experience that includes both board and executive positions in not-for-profit organizations. His volunteer work includes service on local, State, and National boards, e.g. the Venture West Network of entrepreneurs, the State of Wyoming Telecommunications Council, and the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies. His key scientific accomplishment has been the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of the first-ever deep seismic reflection profiles through the Himalayas, which were part of his PhD dissertation in Geological Sciences at Cornell University. Beyond training in science and engineering, Hauck is also a student of science and technology communications, and a graduate of the Leadership Wyoming trustee leadership development program.
In accepting his appointment, Dr. Hauck said in part, “I am excited about the opportunity to join you, the other officers and directors, councils, advisory groups, members, and external stakeholders as we collectively advance the goals of ASPRS. The women and men of ASPRS have immense technical depth across a broad range of disciplines that few professional societies can match. The work of ASPRS members is integrated into so many aspects of modern life that it is easy to take their work for granted. From the internal workings of GPS to the imagery embedded in the daily weather forecast, ASPRS members are behind the scenes making it all work for the betterment of humankind. Whether they serve in academia, government, or industry, I want to help members tell their stories, maintain their skills, grow in their profession, inspire others to join us, and build the future in an ethical way that honors the public support that ASPRS receives. I am honored to be asked to join this winning team.”
Speaking on behalf of ASPRS, President Steve DeGloria expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the appointment of Dr. Hauck as an effective leader of our professional society and geospatial community, “All of us welcome Michael and look forward to working with him, headquarters staff, and our volunteer members to build and sustain ASPRS as a professional organization and to advance imaging and geospatial science and technology for all of society in the coming years.”
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Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies. For additional information about ASPRS, visit our web site at www.asprs.org.