New National Geospatial Program Director Announced

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The U.S. Geological Survey is pleased to announce the selection of Michael Tischler to the position of the Director, National Geospatial Program (NGP), starting Monday, April 6th.

Mike brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the USGS and NGP from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as the Associate Technical Director of the Engineering Research and Development Center.

“We are excited to have Mike to be part of the USGS mapping and geospatial community,” said Kevin Gallagher, Associate Director for Core Science Systems. “Mike has the background, insight, and energy to move the Program boldly into the future while still respecting the agency’s legacy for mapping excellence.”

Mike’s many accomplishments include managing the research for a $30 million broad-based research portfolio with both domestic and international applications.  He has held a breadth of positions, from a research scientist collecting, analyzing, and processing geospatial data, to Acting Technical Director, responsible for strategic planning and program implementation for a diverse portfolio of geospatial research projects. 

In his most recent role as Associate Technical Director, he defined cutting edge research projects that affect the direction of geospatial science and how geospatial data is used throughout the U.S. Army.

“Being selected to direct the National Geospatial Program is a tremendous honor, and I am both proud and humbled to join the USGS family in this role,” said Tischler. “The valuable services provided by this program are made possible by a dedicated team across the country, of which I am truly privileged to be part.”

“The NGP has the responsibility to provide accurate, accessible, available, and authoritative geospatial data to the public and key partners while continually leveraging and adapting to evolving technologies,” Tischler continued. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work toward these goals alongside the talented, devoted NGP team and its partners, while engaging with the mapping community to both lead and shape the future direction of the Program.”

Mike holds a Master of Science in Soil and Water Science and a Bachelor of Science in Soil Science and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences at George Mason University.

“I would also like to thank Pam Haverland for serving as the Acting Director for the National Geospatial Program,” Gallagher commented. “Over the past six months, Pam has provided caring and visionary leadership all while completing the SES Candidate Development Program and working in the USGS Budget Office as required, at the same time. She will be sorely missed!”   

The NGP is the largest single program within the CSS and provides leadership for USGS geospatial coordination, production and service activities. The Program engages partners to develop standards and produce consistent and accurate data through its National Map Liaisons. Operational support is provided by the National Geospatial Technical Operations Center. These and other Program activities that are essential to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) are managed as a unified portfolio that benefits geospatial information users throughout the Nation.