The Spatial Connection

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Raquel Perez, and we explore how an internship led to her role at Esri as a Sr. Marketing Manager, and the founder and manager of Esri's Young Professionals Network.  Raquel tells of how the YPN program came about and her hopes for its future.  Young Professionals Network:YPN Home page - https://www.esri.com/en-us/about/ypn/overview To connect with Raquel, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-perez-9bb952a/Email: [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Dr. Stacey Brown, Chair of the Geography Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and we explore how she transitioned from wanting to attend a large university to becoming the chair of a geography department within one. We will also learn about what it takes to actually design and manage a program. SIUE Geography:Department home page - https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/index.shtmlFaculty and Staff - https://www.siue.edu/arts-and-sciences/geography/faculty-staff/To connect with Dr. Brown, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-brown-amilian-759610b3/Email: [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

Today’s Spatial Connection episode is a bit different. Join us in today’s episode as we dive into the process of mapping caves with Aaron Addison. Learn what it takes, how to get involved, and where to find more resources.Resources:National Speleological SocietyFind A Grotto - National Speleological Society Caving Clubs

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Steve Kasten, Vice President of Surveying and Photogrammetry at Bowman Consulting.Steve takes us on a journey through his career in cartography, photogrammetry, and surveying — from his first spark of interest in high school geography class, to working with the Defense Mapping Agency, to becoming a licensed land surveyor and Vice President at Surdex. Along the way, he shares stories of early mapping technology, government training programs, mentorship, and the evolution from analog tools to digital geospatial systems. It’s a fascinating look at the people, challenges, and innovations that helped shape modern geospatial science.Photogrammetry Resources:What is Photogrammetry - https://www.photogrammetry.com/The American Society for Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing - http://www.asprs.org/To connect with Steve, you can find him on LinkedIn or send her an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kasten-pls-psm-cp-11009814/Email: [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Spatial Connection, I talk with Tara Mott, an Account Manager at Esri, about her unexpected path into the geospatial industry. Starting out as a geological engineer in the energy sector, Tara’s career took several turns—including roles outside the geospatial world—before ultimately leading her to Esri. She shares insights on career pivots, the value of transferable skills, and how her diverse background helps her connect with clients and the GIS community. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or simply curious about different paths into GIS, Tara’s story offers practical advice and inspiration.To connect with Tara, you can find her on LinkedIn or send her an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taramott/Email: [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode, I talk with Andy Dearing, Executive Vice President and Regional Manager at Surdex.  Learn how his original interest led him into a career that he had never heard of, yet it allows him to combine his experience in the geospatial industry with that original interest.To connect with Andy, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andydearing/Email: [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode I talk with Aaron Addison, Executive Director at the World Geospatial Industry Council.  Learn how his geographic interest carried him into a career that takes him around the world to talk about the value of geospatial technology. To connect with Aaron, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email. LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-addison/ Email Aaron at [email protected] connect with Kelly, you can find him on LinkedIn or send him an email.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with Brendan Wesdock and learn about his GIS journey, how he became the President of GeoDecision, and where he is now.How to find Brendan:Website: https://www.whistleradvisory.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjwesdock/How to find Kelly:Website: https://www.spatialconnections.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygmcgee/Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with Kingsley Allan and learn about his GIS journey and how he became the GIS Manager at the Illinois State Water Survey. You can find Kingsley on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsleyallan

Introducing The Spatial Connection Podcast Hear from influential leaders in the geospatial industry. Learn how experienced professionals use geospatial technology. Discover new ideas.