We're excited to launch a new ILGISA Board Spotlight series, designed to introduce you to the dedicated members of our Board of Directors. Each installment will highlight a different board member, offering a glimpse into their professional background, current role, and passion for GIS. Through this series, we hope to foster stronger connections within our community and celebrate the individuals guiding our organization. 

Lauren Lee, GISP, Outreach Committee Chair

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in GIS?

I attended Northern Illinois University, majoring in Meteorology.  Meteorology, being housed in the Department of Geography, was where I was introduced to GIS and so I ended up with a Minor in Geography and an undergraduate GIS Certificate. I again attended NIU as a graduate student and received my Masters in Geography. While at school, I had GIS internships with the City of DeKalb and at the Advanced Geospatial Laboratory at NIU.

What is your current role, and how does GIS play a part in your work?

I am currently the GIS Coordinator for Whiteside County, IL and have been with the county for 18 years. I provide GIS services to any county department that requires it and have several public facing-maps and applications. My main work is with parcels in the ESRI Parcel Fabric and E911 layers, but I have several projects and layers with other departments.

How long have you been involved with ILGISA?

I believe I have been a part of ILGISA for about 15 years, but I honestly don't recall. I’ve attended all the annual conferences since I’ve been a member except one.

What motivated you to join the ILGISA board?

I had been a member of a couple of different committees over the years, Membership and Outreach. When I was asked to run for the board, I felt it was time to offer my service to help the organization.

What are some key initiatives or projects you've been involved in as a board member?

As chair of the Outreach committee this year, I have set out to keep the membership up to date by increasing our posts to LinkedIn, keeping the website current, and sending out emails regarding our events.

What’s one achievement or milestone you’re particularly proud of during your time on the board?

I hope these Board Spotlight posts offer insight into the organization and those running things behind the scenes.

What challenges do GIS professionals face today, and how can organizations like ours help?

Being a one-woman show for my first 16 years at the county, I have always appreciated the networking opportunities I've been a part of through ILGISA. The people I have connected with at conferences or regional meetings, having discussions on our GIS work, and receiving others' ideas and opinions have been invaluable.

What’s your favorite GIS-related project you’ve worked on?

I am very proud of the Elections Hub site along with the Election focused maps and apps I built for Whiteside County. I was lucky enough to receive a SAG award from ESRI for that work in 2020.

Do you have a favorite map or GIS application that has inspired you?

I always feel that my peers who present their work at ILGISA's events inspire me to incorporate their ideas into my work at the county.

Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests you would like to share?

I really enjoy musical performance. I play the piano and sing with various community choirs and at my church. I also love to travel. I have had the privilege of visiting parts of Canada, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands in the past few years. My picture is from the shores of Lake Como, Italy.

What’s one fun fact about you that people might not know?

I could share about a dozen random things, but I will stick to one: The farm I grew up on in Central Illinois had a small herd of Bison and they were located right in my backyard! It was always a little harrowing fetching frisbees and baseballs from their pasture. But they always enjoyed eating the ears of corn we would sometimes hand-feed them through the fence.

What goals do you have for the organization moving forward?

I would like to see ILGISA continue to increase its membership and events. I hope to continue growing Outreach opportunities.

How can members of the GIS community get more involved in ILGISA?

Participate! Attend an event, attend our webinars, join a committee, share our LinkedIn posts, share our events with others in your organization! We can only continue if our membership participates and helps us grow.