Michael Byrne Closes the Conference

How fitting that the 2009 URISA International Annual Conference & Exhibition, “Providing Solutions to Challenges,” was in Anaheim this year, as the state of California just announced its first-ever Geographic Information Officer (GIO). Michael Byrne has been involved in California geographic information
systems (GIS) issues since the early 1990’s. He has worked on a number of content areas with a focus on positively impacting policy through geographic analysis. As GIO, Michael now has an enterprise role to set statewide policy and coordinate GIS resources across the state.

Michael’s GIO priorities reflect Geospatial Information Systems Task Force recommendations of 1.) supporting Homeland Security and other state agencies with geospatial data services, 2.) developing geospatial policies, procedures and standards and 3.) aligning geospatial approaches with
business investor needs. The full suite of state resources, such as education, health care delivery, emergency response, planning, etc. are leveraging geographic analyses for better managed government.

As the distinguished Closing speaker, Michael shared with friends and members of URISA International his vision as California GIO and Board member of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC).

Michael Byrne's Presentation

_{State-to-State: Cy Smith, Oregon's State GIS Coordinator, thanks Michael Byrne.}

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