OFFICE OF POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCES ALFREDO HERRERA AS CONNECTICUT’S FIRST GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OFFICER
(HARTFORD, CT) – The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) announces the selection of Alfredo Herrera to serve as the state’s first Geographic Information Officer (GIO). The GIO is a position created within OPM, through passage of Public Act 21-2 during the 2021 June Special Session establishing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Office and requiring the designation of a GIO in OPM.
“We welcome Alfredo to the OPM team to fill this essential role and provide our state with better information for analysis, planning, and delivery of key services,” said OPM Secretary Melissa McCaw. “GIS is used to make decisions and answer questions throughout government. It is used to route 911 calls and direct first responders, to plan roads and identify dangerous intersections, prevent and respond to disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy; and to manage property assets. It is the basis for all land and real estate development that drives our economy. The existence of high-quality GIS information at the state level has broad-ranging benefits beyond state governments. A wide-range of disciplines benefit from easy-to-access, high quality and updated maps and data from managing water, land and habitats to utilities, recreation and research, economic prosperity, marketing and business. The expansion of GIS through this office will enhance the state’s abilities and provide for better decision-making.”
Geographic Information Systems are mapping technology that combines geographic data, software and human skill to explore, measure, analyze, and share outputs via maps, dashboards and applications. The GIO will be the leader for development of high-quality GIS data for Connecticut and will work towards developing, implementing, and coordinating the operations and programs of the GIS Office.
“I am excited to work with Alfredo in his role as GIO,” Scott Gaul, Chief Data Officer at OPM said. “He will be a great leader for GIS in Connecticut, and a great partner to the many efforts and opportunities to use GIS to improve the lives of Connecticut residents.”
Mr. Herrera is an accomplished GIS professional and leader with experience solving unique geospatial problems in diverse and innovative ways. His work in New Haven increased adoption of GIS in city departments, with municipal employees and embedded GIS in regular meetings with city leadership. His work in New Haven and elsewhere has developed insights on real estate and economic development, quality of life issues, crime reduction, tree cover, traffic accidents, licensing and permitting, overdose incidents, the impact of COVID-19, health disparities, and locating homeless encampments. He has brought his skills as a mentor and trainer for staff and students and presents regularly to different audiences. He is a two-time award winner, from Esri, for Special Achievement in GIS, with an award in 2021 for implementation of GIS in the City Plan department and in 2019 for transformational change in how New Haven uses GIS.
“I am honored and excited to be stepping into the role of GIO,” said Alfredo Herrera, Geographic Information Officer. “I look forward to making GIS work more for everyone in Connecticut.”
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For Immediate Release: December 8, 2021
Contact: Chris McClure
Chris.McClure@ct.gov
925-457-7309 (cell)