Joelle Boudreau
GIS Specialist @ OHM Advisors

Education: 

Graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a bachelor's in science- double majored in Geographic Information Systems and Biology Natural Resources.

Biography:

I am currently working as a GIS Specialist at OHM Advisors; however, my GIS career started at CMU, after graduating in 2019, I took a yearlong internship at Ducks Unlimited and from there, I went back to my college internship at Midland County Mosquito Control, but this time as their Office Manager, until I landed a position at OHM Advisors in early 2023.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

Serving on the CMPASS board will allow me to further grow my passion for GIS and inspire others in the community. I've valued building connections within the GIS network by attending MiCAMP and IMAGIN for years. I have seen how these organizations can positively impact an Indvidual's success. I believe CMPASS has potential and is exciting for Michigan's geospatial future. Having worked closely and alongside with other board members and previous presidents of MiCAMP , I understand the value and mentorship that leadership can bring to the community. I'm confident that my experience and natural drive will be valuable to advancing this organization.

Past Involvement:

I was a member of MiCAMP since 2019, thanks to working for Midland County and when I got hired at OHM I became a member of IMAGIN since 2023. I have gone to a few of the IMAGIN meet ups when I am available and I got to attend the first CMPASS merger conference. In the future I hope to present at the conference.

Chris Cantrell
Director of IT/GIS @ Midland County

Education: 
MS in Geospatial Sciences

Biography:
Chris Cantrell is a seasoned lea der in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and IT, with 20+ years in public service and tech innovation. A proud Central Michigan University alum (BS in Geography, GIS concentration), he also holds a Master’s in GIS from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Chris began his career in Wisconsin, rising to Director of GIS for Trempealeau County, then led Midland County’s GIS program and now serves as Director of IT/GIS. He’s a driving force in Michigan’s GIS community, having served as MiCAMP President and contributed to IMAGIN, Mi-GMIS, and key statewide committees. Recently elected to CMU’s Alumni Board, Chris champions student engagement and growth. His passion for technology, leadership, and community continues to shape Michigan’s GIS future.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I genuinely care about GIS in Michigan and would like to continue to be a leader in our field.

Past Involvement: 

Magda DiFranco (I)
GIS Specialist @ Charter Township of Clinton

Education: 
I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with Bachelor of Science in Geography and then from University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2012 with Master of Science in Cartography and GIS.

Biography:
I was born and raised in Poland. At 16 my family moved to the US and settled in SE Michigan. I was always interested in geography so a degree in the field seemed like a great fit. My sophomore year at WMU I took an Intro to GIS class and fell in love with it. After graduation I pursued a master's degree in Wisconsin. In 2012 I moved back to Michigan and worked as GIS Analyst for a consulting firm until I took a job as GIS Specialist for Clinton Township in 2015. As a one-woman GIS team, I provide mapping support for all the Township’s departments. I’m responsible for maintaining a variety of datasets, managing ArcGIS Online, and overseeing field collection activities. In 2021 I received the GISP certification. I have a husband, two kids, a dog and two parakeets. I like to hike, travel, bike, swim, garden, read and do puzzles in my free time. I love old maps and get teased on the amount of globes I own.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?
I’d like to continue serving on the CMPASS board to contribute to our geospatial community. CMPASS strives to provide great opportunities for professional development and networking, and I’d like to support that mission. In my three years on the board of IMAGIN, I have gained a new perspective and appreciation for our professional organization, and I got to meet and work with lots of great people in our industry.

Past Involvement: 

I’ve been an IMAGIN member since 2016, a board member since 2022 and now serving on the board of CMPASS. I have attended many conferences and events as well as presented multiple times. Currently I’m a Conference Co-Chair, part of the Professional Development Team, and a Meetup Coordinator for the Southeast region.

Erika Espeland (I)

GIS Director @ Berrien County

Education: 

Bachelor Degree in GIS & Anthropology- Central Michigan University (2007)

Study Abroad: University of Ghana (2005-2006)

Broken Mammoth Archaeological Field School: University of Alaska (2005)

Master’s degree in GIS - Central Michigan University (2009)

Biography:

Erika Espeland is a geospatial professional with nearly 2 decades of experience advancing GIS across government. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in GIS from CMU and has received numerous scholarships, grants, and awards for her leadership and contributions to the field. Erika began her career volunteering in West Africa before transitioning into county government, where she established Cass County’s first GIS Department. She now serves as the GIS Director for Berrien County, leading modernization and expansion efforts.

Erika has served as Vice President and Board Member of CMPASS and MiCAMP, played a key role in the initiative that united IMAGIN and MiCAMP, is an inaugural member of the State GIS Advisory Group, and contributes to the State Remote Sensing Group. She is a frequent conference speaker and advocates for stronger partnerships, accessible education, cost reduction, and sustainable GIS programs.

Erika lives in Baroda Michigan with her husband and three cats.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

Erika Espeland seeks to serve on the CMPASS Board to strengthen and expand Michigan’s geospatial community through accessibility, collaboration, and sustainability. She is passionate about exploring the potential of GIS through inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Her goals include increasing free networking opportunities, reducing costs and barriers to membership, and expanding educational resources that support professionals at all levels. Erika is especially focused on engaging more secondary GIS users, those who use geospatial tools in related disciplines by providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed. She aims to help establish an organizational retention policy to promote continuity and long-term stability while building stronger partnerships between academia, government, and the private sector. Erika is also dedicated to raising public awareness of the critical role GIS plays in improving safety, transparency, and decision-making across Michigan.

Past Involvement: 

Ashley Hiles (I)
GIS Coordinator @ Midland County Road Commission

Education: 
Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in Urban & Land Plan Use, Central Michigan University in 2014.

Biography:
Ashley is the GIS Coordinator at the Midland County Road Commission, supporting the engineering department and asset management initiatives. She began her career there in 2016 as a GIS Technician, after gaining experience with Midland County Mosquito Control and the Midland Area Transportation Study (MPO). Ashley holds an FAA UAS Remote Pilot License and is actively involved with her local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA).

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I would like to serve as a CMPASS Director because I value the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. I enjoy helping others and sharing knowledge. I’m always looking for best practices and ways others have successfully solved similar challenges, so we can work smarter together.

Past Involvement: 

Ashley has been an active MiCAMP member since 2015, joining the Board of Directors in 2021 and serving as Secretary since 2022. She currently serves as Secretary on the CMPASS Board, following the merger of MiCAMP and IMAGIN.

Nate Hollenbeck
GIS Specialist @ Wightman

Education: 

Associate of Arts, Grand Rapids Community College

Bachelor of Science in Geography, Grand Valley State University

Biography:

I am a GIS professional passionate about helping communities and organizations leverage geospatial technology to improve efficiency and decision-making. I joined Wightman in 2023, bringing six years of municipal GIS experience and focus on delivering accurate, web-based solutions with training to support client success.

Previously, I worked for Muskegon County, MI (2018–2023), managing municipal GIS systems and supporting public works, the county clerk, and other departments. I began my career with AmeriCorps (2017–2018), gaining a strong foundation in community service.

Since attending my first IMAGIN Conference in 2018, I’ve volunteered on projects including StoryMaps, Survey123, and ArcGIS Hub sites, helping strengthen connections and collaboration within Michigan’s GIS community.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I would like to serve as a CMPASS Director to give back to an organization that has supported my professional growth over the years. IMAGIN has provided opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solving real-world GIS challenges. These relationships have been invaluable in my career, and I’m eager to help foster that same sense of community and collaboration for others.

As CMPASS continues to grow and welcome more members and conference attendees than ever before, I believe it’s essential that we maintain a strong focus on providing a great member experience while continuing to improve our strategies. Serving as a Director would allow me to contribute to that mission and help ensure CMPASS remains a supportive, innovative, and forward-thinking organization for GIS professionals across the state.

Past Involvement: 

I attended my first IMAGIN Conference in 2018, shortly after entering the GIS profession following graduation. Since then, I’ve attended every conference and have actively volunteered to support IMAGIN through various technical contributions.

Some of my volunteer efforts include:

In addition to these projects, I’ve assisted with various other technical requests over the years to help strengthen IMAGIN’s online resources and conference experience.

Ken Kaiser

GIS Manager @ TriMedia Environmental & Engineering

Education: 

BS, Earth Science, Northern Michigan University

Graduate Studies, Resource Analysis, St. Mary's University

Biography:

I currently serve as the GIS Manager for TriMedia Environmental & Engineering in Marquette Michigan. After graduating from Northern Michigan University in 1996, I expanded my GIS education at Saint Mary’s University in Winona Minnesota. I have worked in the GIS field since 1997, having worked in both the public sector at Marquette County, the City of Maquette and Ottawa County, and in the private sector at STS Consultants, AECOM and TriMedia Environmental & Engineering. While first joining IMAGIN in 1999, I served on the Board from 1999 -2005, again from 2018-2019, and also served as chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee from 1999-2005.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

It would be an honor to serve on the CMPASS Board of Directors! Through my 25+ years in the GIS field, I have always found the IMAGIN and MiCAMP organizations (CMPASS) to be innovators in providing educational opportunities, networking, and excellent conference opportunities for its members. I would welcome the opportunity to once again work with the Board of Directors.

Past Involvement: 

April Kibby (I)

GIS Analyst @ Wightman

Education:

2013 Graduate of Grand Valley State University Geography BS Minor in Studio Art and certificates in GIS and Urban and regional planning. Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society.

Biography:

I'm a Northwest Michigan native. I have lived in this state my whole life. I currently reside in Southwest Michigan with my husband, his two kids, and my two cats. I am a GIS Analyst for Wightman and engineering consulting firm; my home office is in Kalamazoo. I am the administrator of our GIS and clients' accounts. I mostly focus on database design for asset management projects, property site selection, and analysis. I love solving puzzles and coming up with new ways to tackle problems. I am very passionate about building communities and preserving our natural resources. I am a hobby baker and gardener. Simply, I love being outside and eating food. 

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I value my friendships that I have made since joining this organization. I have learned a lot about conference planning and working as a non-profit through the board. I would like to continue to build this new community of GIS professionals as a newly merged organization.

Past Involvement: 

I have been a member of MiCAMP since 2014, attending my first conference while a student at GVSU in 2013. I have been a member of IMAGIN since 2015. I volunteered to assist with planning conference social events until I got elected to the board in 2017. I have been on the board for 8 years supporting conference planning and working as the SWMI Meetup coordinator. I was the conference chair for two years and am co-chairing the 2026 Conference in Kalamazoo. I was also on the merger team to help bring our wonderful organization together again. 

Jonathon Merrick(I)

GIS Coordinator @ Eaton County

Education:

I received my bachelor’s of science degree from Central Michigan University with majors in Geographic Information Sciences and Meteorology and minors in Geography and Mathematics.

Biography:

I’m a native Michigander from the small city of Hastings in beautiful Barry County, where I live with my wife, two kids, and two cats. I’m passionate about the outdoors — whether it’s backpacking, kayaking, camping, or just exploring new trails. I also enjoy roasting and drinking coffee, gardening, playing guitar, rock hounding, traveling, and diving into board and video games (among many other interests).

Professionally, I’ve spent most of my career in municipal and county GIS, with a brief but valuable stint in environmental consulting. I currently serve as the GIS Coordinator for Eaton County, where I focus on implementing GIS solutions and technology to support county public safety and general operations, improve public services, and enhance decision-making.

I love Michigan, the people who call it home, and our tight-knit network of GIS professionals who make this community so rewarding to be part of.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

My interest in continuing to serve with CMPASS is simple: I believe there is a wealth of valuable GIS expertise across all sectors of our region’s economy. By fostering regular discussion, maintaining a strong professional community, and creating a hub for networking, professional development, and collaboration, we can all better achieve the goals of the organizations we serve while advancing our own careers.

A community like CMPASS allows us to realize the true benefits of shared experience and collective knowledge that comes through continuing education and networking at our annual conference, workshops, and events. It serves as the forum for discussion, the professional community, and the networking hub that connects us all. I would be honored to be elected to serve another term.

Past Involvement: 

I have had the pleasure of serving on the IMAGIN Board of Directors since 2016. During this time, I have helped establish IMAGIN Meetups, plan and implement IMAGIN Workshops (including presenting at two), and assist with conference social planning and the silent auction, which helps fund our annual education scholarship. I have also presented at the annual conference on multiple occasions.

I currently serve on both the Conference and Communications teams, am the co–vice president of CMPASS, and am a founding member of the State of Michigan GIS Advisory Board—formerly representing IMAGIN, and now CMPASS.

Nathan Miller (I)

GIS Coordinator @ Midland County

Education:

BS in Biology and Natural Resources

Graduate Certificate in GIS for Urban and Regional Planners

Biography:

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University during the summer of 2010. Before he could go through the graduation ceremony in December, he took a job in Alaska as a Biologist on commercial fishing boats that were working next to the Deadliest Catch boats. From there he worked as a Fisheries Biologist for Alaska Department of Fish and Game where he spent his summers living in a tent out in the wilds of Alaska for 3-5 months at a time. Five years later he moved to the opposite corner of the country where he was a Marine Biologist for Florida Fish and Wildlife for 6 years. Living in Midland again, he’s working as the GIS Coordinator for Midland County where he has an opportunity to give back to the city that raised him. He enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, hunting or just playing outside with his two boys.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

Having started as a MiCAMP board member and being a part of the merge with IMAGIN to become CMPASS, I have enjoyed helping bring these two organizations together to become one that is able to reach out to everyone that uses GIS in Michigan. I would like to continue to shape this new organization in a way that benefits every member in some way and helps progress the GIS Community further. 

Past Involvement: 

Mariah Modson (I)

Senior GIS Specialist @ Giffels Webster

Education:

I went to Grand Valley State University where I obtained a Bachelors of Science, majoring in Natural Resources Management and minoring in Biology.

Biography:

I grew up with a passion for the environment - wading through the creek at my parents house, taking walks through the woods, and always wanting a reason to visit Lake Michigan. When I went to Grand Valley, I fell in love with the idea of studying environmental science. This program included GIS classes and that's when I knew what I wanted to do. I'm a visual learner so being able to find a field where I get to make maps of our surroundings to provide that resource to others, to aid decision making, has been very rewarding.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I would like to continue serving on the board of directors because I want to continue giving back to Michigan's geospatial community. I believe in the potential this combined organization has, and wish to continue to see it make a difference.

Past Involvement: 

I have been on the IMAGIN Board since June 2024. I have been involved in the conference, communications, and logo teams.

Keith Rikli

Asset Systems Administrator @ Canton Township

Education:

• B.Sc. in Geography (emphasis on GIS/Remote Sensing) from Western Michigan University

•GISP Certified

•Additional Professional education in Asset Management, UAV Operations, Terrestrial Scanning, Survey techniques

• Biography:

Over the length of his career, Keith has been lucky enough to get a well rounded exposure to many geospatial facets. Having worked both in the private and public sectors, Keith has worked on projects for public utilities, asset management, GIS application development, UAV Operations/management and imagery/LiDAR processing, and surveying field/office work. If asked what his favorite has been so far, he would say "anything that helps me learn something new and solve cool/unique problems".

Keith currently is working as the Asset Systems Administrator for Canton Township, where he ensures seamless integration of GIS utility information with the OpenGov Asset Management System.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

Over the last decade of being a member of then IMAGIN, I've been humbled by how important the mission of this organization is. Between gatherings, workshops, and the conference, our state gets to connect with colleagues and share ideas, trials, and solutions to issues that impact our communities. I want to help facilitate making that feeling accessible to as many of our coworkers and colleagues as possible!

Past Involvement: 

I previously served on the board for IMAGIN from 2018-2020, and was part of the map gallery and awards teams. I have also served as moderator and presenter for multiple conferences, and have spoken at IMAGIN workshops on UAV topics.

Brent Thelen (I)

GIS Manager @ Calhoun County

Education:

Grand Valley State University (2008) - Bachelor of Science in Geography (Concentration: Geographic Methods, Minor: Applied Statics)

Western Michigan University (2010) - Master of Geography (All but Thesis, coursework complete) Emphasis in Geographic Techniques and Geographic Information Systems.

Biography:

As the GIS Manager of Calhoun County, Brent has over 15 years of experience using geospatial technology to support local government. He enjoys turning data into tools that help communities make informed decisions and is passionate about advancing the use of GIS technology to solve real-world challenges and supporting professional growth within the geospatial community.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

As a former Director of one of Michigan’s two GIS organizations, he remains committed to supporting and advancing the state’s geospatial community. He sees the newly consolidated organization as an opportunity to unify efforts, foster collaboration, and extend the reach of GIS initiatives to a broader, more diverse audience across Michigan.

Past Involvement: 

Brent has been a member of MiCAMP since 2010. He started serving on the Board of Directors in 2014, becoming the Treasurer in 2016, and was elected as President in November of 2021. He has sporadically attended IMAGIN Conferences since 2011 and was part of the team put together by both boards that worked to combine the two organizations into CMPASS.

Ariana Toth (I)

GIS Manager @ Giffels Webster

Education: 
MA, Geography, Western Michigan University; BA, Political Science, Oakland University

Biography:

I live in semi-rural northern Oakland County with my husband and three cats. My previous career was in organizing political campaigns and I got to travel the country interacting with voters and learning how different environments shape people’s political views. When I was ready to settle down with a permanent address and stable benefits, I decided to go back to school for GIS.

I am currently the GIS Manager at Giffels Webster and have worked there since 2014 when I started my career in GIS. My primary experience is working with sewer & water utilities and municipal planning projects, but I have also worked with fire, assessing, and building departments as well as some private development projects. I don’t mind what sort of data I’m working with as long as I get to play with databases and experiment with cartographic presentations.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

I have had a great time getting to know everyone involved in CMPASS and I enjoy giving back to the geospatial community and helping others build the type of meaningful relationships that I have gained through this organization. I wish that being smart and talented was all you needed to succeed but it really does matter who you know. I enjoy fostering relationships and building connections to help people reach their potential.

Past Involvement: 
Ariana has served three and a half two-year terms as a director of IMAGIN and served as Secretary for four years. She was president of IMAGIN for one year leading up to the merger with MiCAMP and is currently co-president of CMPASS. She was the primary editor of IMAGIN’s quarterly newsletter prior to the pandemic and has presented at conferences and workshops. She served as a volunteer instructor for the Pro for Pros webinar series for two years. She helped lead the team that put together the Fall 2025 AGO/Portal Workshop and presented there. She has also been a leader in the creation of a new GIS landscape survey to discover more about the GIS job market within the state.

Thomas Van Bruggen (I)
GIS Administrator @ Muskegon County

Education: 

Biography:

I am the GIS Administrator for Muskegon County, Michigan. I am a 1997 graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Cartography, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I started my GIS his career with Muskegon County in 1998 and has been responsible for the establishment of GIS for Muskegon County, where we are a full enterprise GIS environment serving 200+ named users and hosting applications for the County as well as many municipalities.

Under my direction, the program is now a fully implemented enterprise system serving all County departments, local municipalities, and the public by providing cartographic products, in-house mapping systems and online mapping applications, including mobile-specific applications.

I have served on the IMAGIN and CMPASS Board since 2008, with 4 years as Secretary and 10 years as President, and is currently serving as a Director.

Why Would You Like to Serve (Continue) on the Board of CMPASS?

The direction of GIS and the professional organization that serves us in Michigan has been extremely important to me for the majority o fmy career. I have fostered many relationships between IMAGIN, MiCAMP and the State as well as with Esri representatives and many of the supporting vendors. With the merger of IMAGIN and MiCAMP, and us now as CMPASS, there are a lot of foundational aspects of the new organization that I want to see established well so that CMPASS can serve the GIS community in Michigan for many decades to come.

Past Involvement: 

I have been a member of IMAGIN and MiCAMP since 1998/1999 and have been serving on the board of IMAGIN and now CMPASS since 2008. I was the Secretary of IMAGIN for 3 years and then President for 10+ Years. I currently serve on the Board as a Director.