Governor appoints 14 members to newly-formed Kansas
Geographic Information Systems Policy Board

As part of an effort to improve coordination with local governments in the area of geographic information systems (GIS), Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed an executive order in August creating the Kansas Geographic Information Systems Policy Board.

Today, Sebelius named the 14 members of the board, which will establish a strategic plan for improving service delivery and data sharing between state, local and federal governments.

“The individuals I’m appointing bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the table,” Sebelius said. “Their input will help ensure government operates effectively at all levels and that information is shared efficiently.”

Joseph Arri, Leawood, graduated from Park University in 1978 and has worked in communication planning and engineering at AT&T/Southwestern Bell.  Arri will serve a four-year term.   

Linda Buttron, Nortonville, will represent the county clerk’s association on the board and brings her experience as information technology director of Jefferson County. Buttron will serve a two-year term.

Deborah Divine, Salina, graduated from Bucknell University in 1965 and went on to receive a master’s degree in civil engineering from University of Florida, which she’s used in her work helping communities develop strategic plans.  Divine will serve a two-year term.

Dr. J.M. Hutchinson, Manhattan, is an assistant professor of geography at Kansas State University.  Dr. Hutchinson is considered an expert in the field of GIS technology and GIS education.  Hutchinson will serve a two-year term.

Gary Middleton, Berryton, through his work in the emergency management field will offer perspective on how GIS coordination between units of government can be used in emergency situations. Middleton will serve a two-year term.

Richard Miller, Lawrence, holds a master’s degree in geography from the University of Kansas. He has experience using GIS for the Census Bureau and tenure as director of GIS for Douglas County.  Miller will serve a two-year term.

Gregg Noland, Topeka, is the technical manager at Westar Energy where he is responsible for GIS activities, including the on-going conversion from a departmental GIS environment to an enterprise-wide GIS.  Noland will serve a two-year term.

Murray Rhodes, Kansas City, is a registered land surveyor and serves as the executive director of the Wyandotte County Base Mapping Program. Rhodes brings more than four decades’ worth of cartographic experience to the board and will serve a four-year term.  

John Rogers, Wichita, will contribute his knowledge and experience serving local governments. Rogers will serve a four-year term.

Mark Runge, Emporia, is the director of facilities and architect for Emporia State University where he has gained experience in budget management and development of information materials for large-scale projects.  Runge will serve a two-year term.   

Thomas Schafer, Wamego, is an associate professor at Fort Hays State University where he teaches courses on GIS and geography.  Schafer will serve a two-year term.

Kyle Tjelmeland, Topeka, has more than 15 years experience working with GIS, with an emphasis on its use with public utilities.  Tjelmeland will serve a three-year term.

Robert Waller, Topeka, is the chief administrator for Emergency Medical Services. Previously, he was the senior fiscal analyst at Kansas Legislative Services and holds a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in finance. Waller will serve a three-year term.

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