(Des Plaines, IL) November 23, 2009 - After a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce the hiring of its first full-time executive director, Sheila Wilson (GISP), effective December 1, 2009. 

This selection was made after a careful review of a great number of highly-qualified candidates. GISCI Board President Ed Arabas reflected, "Our organization is now at a critical juncture regarding future direction, and having an Executive Director that will dedicate her full-time energy to the issues surrounding the certification of GIS professionals will support the growth and maturity of members of the GIS industry."

 Wilson has an extensive background in GIS and association management. Most recently, she has served as the Executive Director for the PODS (Pipeline Open Data Standard) Association, based in Sand Springs, OK.  Her work there over the past three years focused on: the propagation of the pipeline data standard, support for the PODS Board and its committees, and strategic management of PODS resources. Prior to joining PODS, Sheila worked as a GIS Analyst in the petroleum industry. She has a PhD in Geology from the University of Tulsa, and has taught as an adjunct professor there since 2002.

 For more information about the GIS Certification Institute, visit www.gisci.org.