GPN Alberta Webinar – GIS Leadership and Certification – October 29 at Noon (MST)

Join us for an engaging webinar presented by Frédéric Blouin-Michaud from Esri Canada and Tony Spicci from the GIS Certification Institute, where Frédéric will share key findings from the recent GIS Leadership Forums held in Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. These discussion-focused forums highlighted the growing need for professional recognition within the GIS community, as well as the importance of participating in associations and user groups to foster collaboration and advancement. The session will also explore how professional certifications such as the GISP empower GIS professionals to implement industry best practices within their organizations and gain acknowledgment for their expertise. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can elevate your career and contribute to the GIS profession in Canada.

Speaker: Frédéric Blouin-Michaud, Program Manager, GIS Community Development, ESRI Canada

Biography: Frédéric Blouin-Michaud started his career as an Inside Sales Representative at Esri Canada in 2015, where he developed strong sales and customer relationship skills. Following this role Frédéric spent two years working with the City of Montréal economic development organization, where he honed his skills in community development by fostering collaborative engagements between university research programs and local businesses in Montréal. In 2021, he took on the role of Account Manager for the Community Map of Canada program at Esri Canada, helping to significantly expand participation by communities across Québec. In 2022, Frederic became Account Manager, focusing on the telecommunications and utilities sectors, serving key customers in Canada.

In his new role as manager of the GIS Professional Community development program, he is collaborating with Canadian organizations to develop programs that build awareness and competency among Canada’s GIS professionals, emphasizing geospatial thinking, the geographic approach, industry best practices, and standards. Frederic holds a master’s degree in land planning from Laval University.

 

Speaker: Tony Spicci, GISP CGMP, Executive Director at GIS Certification Institute

Biography: Tony Spicci is a seasoned geospatial professional with over 35 years of experience. He began his career in 1992 at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), where he led teams in geospatial sciences, technology, biometrics, and social science. After retiring from MDC, he became Executive Director of the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI), advancing the GIS profession through its GISP® and GISP-E certifications.  Tony is active in the geospatial community, serving on multiple committees and boards, including the Missouri GIS Advisory Committee and the National States Geographic Information Council. He played a key role in founding the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO).  Tony volunteers with Missouri Task Force 1, a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, and the Boone County Fire Protection District. He also works the sidelines of high school, collegiate, and professional football games, including for the Mizzou Tigers and Kansas City Chiefs.

 

 

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Date: October 29, 2025
Time: Noon
Venue: Zoom