Dear GISMO Members,
GISMO announces a leadership transition with the resignation of President Jiin Wen and the appointment of a new Interim President Dara Mendeloff, effective November 1, 2024. Dara is moving on from her role as Board Member and is stepping into the role of Interim GISMO President to complete the 2023-2025 term in office.
Jiin has been on the board since 2019, and served as President from 2021-2024. As part of the transition, Jiin will return to her position as an At-Large Board Member. The Board extends their gratitude to Jiin for her years of dedicated service to the organization as GISMO President. Her leadership and contributions have been instrumental in the growth and success of GISMO over the past years.
Please see the letters below from Jiin and Dara for their personal messages.
GISMO also announces the appointment of Board Member Danielle Hartman as Secretary, and Board Member Alan Leidner as Treasurer, effective November 13th, 2024.
Sincerely,
2023-2025 GISMO Board of Directors
Interim President: Dara Mendeloff (effective 11/1/2024)
Board Members: Wendy Dorf, Danielle Hartman, Amy Jeu, Alan Leidner, Elia Machado, Jiin Wen, Noreen Whysel, Doug Williamson
Secretary: Danielle Hartman
Treasurer: Alan Leidner
Founder/President Emeritus: the late Jack Eichenbaum
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November 1, 2024
Dear GISMO members,
It’s been an incredible honor to serve as President of GISMO. Since our founding, GISMO—short for Geospatial Information Systems and Mapping Organization—has been a cornerstone of New York City’s geospatial community. Our story began with the visionary late Jack Eichenbaum, who laid the groundwork for our success, and was carried forward by our past president, Al Leidner, with wisdom and dedication.
Taking on this role in 2021, I’ve felt deeply grateful for the journey we’ve shared. Despite the challenges of recent years, especially during the pandemic, our community has stayed strong, remaining true to Jack’s vision. The TLC initiative—Technology, Leadership, and Community—has guided our mission, with projects like the “On Pointe” series, mentorship conversations, OGC studies on emergency preparedness and climate change, and our collaboration with Ella to develop the Rat App for NYC.
The passing of Jack last December was a significant loss, but it renewed our commitment to his legacy. With Al representing us at the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), GISMO continues to make strides on the international stage.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated Board of Directors: Wendy Dorf, Amy Jeu, Danielle Hartman, Al Leidner, Elia Machado, Dara Mendeloff, Noreen Whysel, Douglas Williamson, and our founder, Jack Eichenbaum. Special recognition also goes to past board members Camille Stewart, Raychell Velez, and Juliana Maanty for their valuable contributions.
After much reflection, I’ve decided to step down as president to focus on self-care. This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one for me. Dara will step in as interim president until the next election in fall 2025, and I will continue to support the work of GISMO and our community. I’m confident Dara will lead GISMO with the passion and dedication that define our organization.
Thank you all for your unwavering support. Serving as president has been an unforgettable honor, and I’m eager to see what lies ahead for GISMO NYC.
With gratitude,
Jiin Wen
GISMO President 2021-2024
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November 1, 2024
Dear GISMO members,
I, Dara Mendeloff, am honored to serve as GISMO Interim President and will continue to hold the torch for our organization and the NYC GIS community. Thanks and gratitude to all those who came before us. Jiin Wen, Alan Leidner, and Jack Eichenbaum thanks for all of your leadership and guidance. All of the board members, Wendy Dorf, Amy Jeu, Danielle Hartman, Elia Machado, Noreen Whysel, Douglas Williamson, thanks for your passion and continued efforts to support the GISMO mission.
This is my fourth term on the GISMO board of directors and I’m happy to step up my responsibilities to make sure that GISMO moves forward as a robust GIS community in NYC. GISMO has had a huge impact on my career since around 2006 when I attended some of the Lunch & Learns. It gave me an idea of what the GIS professionals landscape looked like and allowed me to network and socialize with like-minded folks.
I’ve teamed up with Danielle Hartman who will also be increasing her responsibilities and will support my leadership activities, including the creation of specific Committees. I look forward to working with you all and hope to see you at our GISMO holiday party on December 12th, where we can celebrate the past, present, and future of GISMO together!
By the way, GISMO is closing out this year strong!
- We’ve increased our membership and have a few more events coming up.
- Our in-person meeting on 10/24 was a success, thanks to Danielle for hosting and coordinating!
- We have also been improving our outreach materials, thanks to Alan and Amy for their efforts.
- 11/6 Elia and Amy are hosting the first Virtual Career Panel, a part of the Geospatial Career Series.
- 11/13 GISMO meets up with Mappy Hour.
- 11/14 We have an In-person meeting with a speaker and networking opportunities with a happy hour to follow.
- 11/20 Don’t forget it’s GIS Day, we’ll keep you posted on activities around the community.
- 12/12 Come celebrate with us at the GISMO Holiday party! (Wear your favorite map attire) Details coming soon!
- 12/16 GISMO Webinar: FGDC Director Josh Delmonico Presents the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Strategic Plan for 2025 – 2035.
Best,
Dara Mendeloff
GISMO Interim President