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2019 IMAGIN Conference
Keynote Speakers

Each day of the IMAGIN Conference, we start with a keynote speaker.  Our keynote speakers feature innovative or inspiring topics that help you to focus and motivate you.

Monday June 10
Adam Carnow, Community Evangelist (Esri)
The Underutilization of GIS and How To Cure It

When most non-GIS professionals hear "G-I-S", they think "M-A-P". Now that GIS is a location intelligence platform, the underutilization of it is critical and career-limiting. As a GIS professional, your purpose is to do more than make maps. It is vitally important that you proactively evangelize and market all of the GIS capabilities. This presentation will provide strategies on how to spread the understanding and full value of GIS across your organization.

Adam Carnow is a Community Evangelist at Esri, the global market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He is a keynote speaker, thought leader and technology evangelist, helping organizations get the most out of their GIS investment, and make a difference in their communities. He inspires customers to maximize their return on investment in the ArcGIS platform. He works closely with the Esri teams and Partners to assure customer success. He helps these organizations use the ArcGIS platform to transform from mapmakers into solution providers, through the application of location intelligence, to deliver spatial insight. He strives to assist customers in creating and reaching their vision, and gaining professional recognition for their efforts, like awards, presentations, articles and videos.

Mr. Carnow has over 25 years of experience as a GIS practitioner in the public and private sectors, as well as academia. He holds a BA in Geography, and a MA in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida, and has achieved certification as an Urban Planner (AICP) and GIS Professional (GISP).

Monday Lunch Guest Speaker

Ismael Chivite, ArcGIS Apps Senior Product Manager Lead (Esri)

In this presentation, “Field Operations with ArcGIS.”, learn how organizations leverage the power of geography to optimize field operations and the latest trends and applications in mobile GIS technology.

Ismael Chivite works as a Senior Product Manager at Esri. With over 20 years of GIS experience, Chivite is passionate about building ArcGIS products that help organizations use geography to improve the way they work.

Tuesday June 11

Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs (GVMC)
Matt Chapman, Director & Project Coordinator (Grand Rapids Whitewater)
Grand River Restoration Project

Grand Rapids Whitewater is an innovative, local nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization of the Grand River through Grand Rapids and restoration of the city’s historic namesake rapids. The goals of this project are to expand recreational uses, improve aquatic habitats, enhance environmental quality of the community, and boost tourism, business growth and employment opportunities along the riverfront in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. Grand Rapids Whitewater, in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations, including the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Valley Metro Council, has been studying the project since 2009. This presentation will illustrate historical uses of the Grand River, showcase the complexities of the project, provide a current project update, and explore the environmental, economic, and social benefits associated with a revitalized Grand River system.

Wendy Ogilvie joined the Grand Valley Metro Council in 2013 as the Director of Environmental Programs. GVMC is an alliance of governmental units in West Michigan committed to collaboration and coordination of governmental services. Wendy came to GVMC to create its Environmental Programs Department, bringing her expertise of over 25 years in watershed and storm water management and also her passion for convening and developing partnerships to build capacity in addressing environmental issues. Originally from Maryland, Wendy came to Michigan to earn a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Resource Development from Michigan State University. She spent 13 years working for an engineering consulting firm focusing on water resource management projects.

At GVMC, her programs include the facilitation of 23 NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permits in Kent and Ottawa Counties, implementing the strategic plan for the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW), and assisting the project team in bringing back the rapids and restoring connectivity and habitat in the Grand River, working with Grand Rapids Whitewater and its many partners. Wendy also serves on the board of the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, connecting businesses with their watersheds and minimizing their impact on the natural resources.