Chickasaw Nation GSI Director John Ellis (center) with MAGIC Consortium Chair Jim Langtry (left) and MAGIC Symposium Chair Amber Reynolds (right)
Ellis received the 2010 GIS Coordination Award from MidAmerica GIS Consortium (MAGIC) in the organization's biennial Symposium Tuesday, April 20 at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.
He was recognized for technical innovation and regional consensus building in the mid-continent region, where he has assisted various agencies and organizations in the effective use of GIS technologies as well as built a consortium of GIS users.
Ellis accepted the award "on behalf of the Chickasaw Nation, the Division of Housing and Tribal Development and the GeoSpatial Information Department."
"Without the support of the administration as well as hard work and dedication of the GSI staff, this award would not be possible," he said. "That's what I love about working for the Chickasaw Nation - you have the opportunity, tools and resources to succeed in today's world and make a positive difference in the community."
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said Mr. Ellis is "very deserving" of the award.
"John and his team provide information and services which help improve the efficiency of our emergency services personnel and enhance the effectiveness of our economic development efforts," said Gov. Anoatubby. "They also develop maps and other information which helps us better preserve our history and heritage."
Ellis began working for the tribe in 1991. After graduating college in 1996, he became involved with GIS. At the time, he was the only GIS employee. He later became the director of the new GSI department, when it was formed in October 2007. The department has grown over the years and now employs a GIS manager, a GIS systems administrator, a web developer, a GIS analyst, two GIS specialists, two GIS technicians, three interns and an administrative assistant.
GIS captures, manages, analyzes and displays geographic information in the form of maps, globes, reports, charts, databases and websites. This in-depth and up-to-date information is then used to make important decisions regarding the efficient delivery of the services to the citizens.
Within the tribe, Ellis and his GIS team create, maintain and enhance databases, maps and internal mapping websites for various departments and divisions such as Commerce, History and Culture, Realty, Housing, Environmental Services, the Lighthorse Police and others.
Ellis has also led his team in various projects beneficial not only to the Chickasaw Nation but also to the surrounding community. This includes preparing maps and information for some of the area's city, county, state and federal agencies. The department also has an active internship program with the Department of Cartography and Geography at East Central University and helps students become confident and successful within the GIS community.
The department was also recognized at the 2009 ESRI Users conference with a Special Achievement in GIS Award for its vision, leadership and innovative use of GIS technology.
For more information about the Chickasaw Nation GeoSpatial Information Department, contact John Ellis at (580) 272-5402 or (580) 272-5469 or email John.ellis@chickasaw.net.
About MAGIC:
MAGIC is a nonprofit educational organization established to foster the applications of GIS and related spatial technologies in the mid-continent region. In 1998, MAGIC initiated a series of awards to recognize and honor public agencies, firms, organizations and individuals that have made noteworthy contributions to advancing the state-of-the-art and application of geographic information technologies in the region.
Other individuals honored by MAGIC at the event were: Chris Bader, Rod Bassler and Paul Moen of the North Dakota State Water Commission (GIS Innovation) and Jim Giglierano of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (GIS Service). Linda Sibert and Judy Palenske of Saline County, Kan. won the Best Poster while Kathryn Prinslow of Fort Hays State University, Kan. won the Best Student Poster.
