Esri Water GIS Heroes

Multiple portraits of Water GIS Heroes with a navy blue map in the background

Esri water GIS heroes inspire

Each month, the Esri water team will highlight a GIS hero from the Esri water community. These heroes are leaders within the GIS community and true GIS champions. As proven problem solvers, they have gained deep respect from colleagues. Their genuine love of GIS inspires others to imagine how GIS can help them achieve their own ambitious goals. Join us in celebrating these industry leaders who are making a difference every day.

John Nolte | Denver Water

GIS manager John Nolte oversaw an effort to inventory service lines throughout Denver Water’s service area. The project helped streamline the utility’s Lead Reduction Program, which will replace more than 64,000 lead service lines throughout the Denver metro area over the next 15 years. His team has worked on additional projects for emergency management, sustainability, water resources, and environmental compliance. John has spent his entire 25-year career in the GIS field and volunteers by educating and training other GIS professionals.

John Nolte smiling and wearing a suit and tie overlaid on a blue and purple graphic background
John’s vision and passion for GIS are infectious. Through his leadership, his team has demonstrated the versatility of GIS apps, including the ability to quickly create dashboards and sites to help with COVID-19 response, wildfires, watershed health, sustainability, and our Lead Reduction Program. John is also an excellent collaborator, reaching out to peers inside and outside the organization to create partnerships that add tremendous value to our employees and customers.
Brian Good
Chief Administrative Officer, Denver Water

Sean Quarnstrom | Henry Miller Reclamation District

Senior engineer Sean Quarnstrom manages the district’s information technology (IT) infrastructure, which includes various SQL databases, SCADA systems, and ArcGIS Enterprise. With his vision and leadership, ArcGIS Enterprise sits at the center of the district’s electronic data management system, which enables users to visually interact with and explore spatial and nonspatial data in real time. Sean’s leadership has prompted the district to transition from paper workflows to innovative digital workflows.

Sean Quarnstrom smiling and wearing a jacket overlaid on a blue and purple graphic background
Sean’s leadership and GIS capabilities have been the driving forces in our district’s success in carrying out our strategic vision for electronic data management. Under Sean’s guidance, we have developed and implemented a variety of new GIS workflows, saving staff hours while reducing waste and inefficiency. Sean has also brought GIS to our asset management program, revolutionizing the way we do business.
John Wiersma
General Manager, Henry Miller Reclamation District

Past GIS Heroes

  • Josh Rhamy smiling and wearing a suit and tie overlaid on a blue and purple graphic background
    GIS HERO SPRING 2023

    Josh Rhamy | American States Utility Services

    GIS Manager

    Josh is the driving force behind advancing the enterprise geospatial program at American States Utility Services.
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Who's the next Esri water GIS hero?

Tell us about someone you know who uses GIS to create innovative solutions and inspire others.

Nominate a water GIS hero