Ms. Barbara J. Ryan has stepped up as the executive director of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) from the beginning of 2021.
Established in 2018, the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) set out to define itself as a transformative industry association for geospatial matters.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar helmed the organisation in its formative years as CEO and secretary-general, shaped the committees and working groups and brought in prominent leaders at WGIC to lead various initiatives and programs, according to a statement.
WGIC President Ron Bisio said: “I want to personally thank Sanjay for his extraordinary leadership over the past three years in establishing and running WGIC, and making it a valuable organization for the geospatial industry. I would also like to thank Barbara for stepping up to lead WGIC into 2021 – a promising year.
“As we see an increasing relevance of geospatial technologies in addressing global challenges, having an experienced global leader like Barbara leading WGIC is very apt and timely. I welcome her on behalf of the Executive Board and look forward to her leadership.”
With leadership experience at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), Ms. Ryan will be responsible for the day-to-day management of WGIC, including its programs and strategic planning efforts in her role as executive director.
Welcoming Ms. Ryan into the role, Mr. Sanjay Kumar said: “Barbara brings decades of leadership experience and has served as Associate Director – USGS, Director of Space Programme at the World Meteorological Organisation, and the Secretariat Director of the Group on Earth Observations. She does contribute her time to serve on civil society organizations and is well known for her commitment to geospatial and earth observation evangelism. I welcome Barbara Ryan as Executive Director, and I am very sure that her leadership would provide the necessary momentum to our mission in 2021 and beyond.”
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