NSGIC Strengthens Geospatial Coordination with New Executive Leadership

In June 2016, the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) announced the appointment of Molly Schar as its first executive director. Schar, a seasoned nonprofit leader recognized for expanding programs and strengthening revenue streams, officially assumed the role on June 20.

A Strategic Move to Enhance State Coordination

The decision to create and fill the executive director position followed nearly two years of strategic planning by the NSGIC Board. According to Board President Chris Diller—who also serves as GIS Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs—the organization is positioning itself for expanded engagement across all states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribal governments.

The leadership addition is intended to reinforce NSGIC’s long-standing mission of promoting coordinated geospatial policy and advancing implementation of a comprehensive National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). With centralized executive oversight, the organization aims to deepen collaboration and strengthen advocacy at both state and national levels.

Advancing a Unified Voice on Geospatial Policy

For more than 25 years, NSGIC has served as a collective state voice on geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data matters. Its members provide expertise and advisory input to decision-makers in both public and private sectors on issues affecting geospatial governance and infrastructure development nationwide.

The organization advocates for efficient government operations through strategic adoption and integration of geospatial technologies. By addressing priority initiatives that span local, state, and federal jurisdictions, NSGIC seeks to ensure that spatial data resources are developed and utilized in a coordinated and interoperable manner.

In addition to policy advocacy, NSGIC offers professional mentoring, peer networking, and structured exchanges of best practices related to mapping technologies and data management strategies.

Executive Perspective and Organizational Growth

Upon accepting the position, Schar highlighted the dedication of NSGIC’s membership and the broad impact of geographic information technologies. She emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation among governmental entities and private-sector partners to enhance coordination and shared data infrastructure efforts.

Her leadership is expected to facilitate stronger partnerships across jurisdictions and encourage sustained intergovernmental collaboration. By formalizing executive oversight, NSGIC aims to elevate its influence in national geospatial initiatives and accelerate progress toward a fully realized spatial data infrastructure framework.

Vision for Effective Government Through Geospatial Technology

NSGIC’s long-term vision centers on improving government efficiency and effectiveness through coordinated geospatial data development and use. By promoting statewide geospatial coordination and advocating for supportive national policy, the organization continues to work toward a unified and interoperable National Spatial Data Infrastructure that benefits all levels of government.