Esri Water GIS Heroes

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

Esri water GIS heroes inspire

Each quarter, 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.

Gavin Runyon | Helix Water District

In nearly 10 years at Helix, Gavin developed an essential enterprise GIS. He led the migration from a legacy system to ArcGIS Enterprise and deployed ArcGIS Utility Network. 

Gavin created apps that modernize workflows for outage management, pavement repair, and more. He supported key projects, including lead and copper rules and asbestos-cement pipe replacement. His leadership is vital to Helix's upcoming enterprise asset management transformation.

Gavin Runyon wearing a black collared shirt and smiling overlaid on a turquoise and purple background
Having had the privilege of working with Gavin for the past seven years, I have witnessed his passion, exceptional expertise, and innovative spirit. Gavin's drive to use GIS to solve complex problems in the water distribution world is truly inspiring. Recognizing him as a GIS hero is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication as a public servant.
Oliver Malkin
Operations Manager | Helix Water District

Past GIS heroes

  • Pilar Yager wearing a white blouse and smiling overlaid on a turquoise and purple background
    GIS hero fall 2024

    Pilar Yager | Santa Margarita Water District

    GIS Specialist

    Pilar has played a key role in streamlining GIS-CAD integration, enhancing field reporting, and supporting essential projects.
  • Portrait of Carl Von Stetten smiling in glasses and a blue button-down shirt against a purple and blue background
    GIS hero fall 2024

    Carl Von Stetten | Central San

    GIS Analyst

    Carl designs and implements GIS systems and integrations between ArcGIS Enterprise and other business systems.
  • Portrait of Clint Dickerson smiling and wearing a plaid dress shirt overlaid on a purple and blue background
    GIS Hero Summer 2024

    Clint Dickerson | Mustang Special Utility District

    GIS Specialist

    Clint led Mustang’s digitization and upload of as-built infrastructure plans to a GIS, enabling instant field access for staff.
  • Portrait of Emily McBroom smiling and wearing a striped blouse and a beige blazer overlaid on a purple and blue background
    GIS Hero Summer 2024

    Emily McBroom | Mustang Special Utility District

    GIS Manager

    Emily transitioned Mustang from paper to digital maps, creating GIS tools that streamline operations and track infrastructure projects.
  • Mark Rees smiling and wearing a gray collared shirt overlaid on a purple and blue background
    GIS Hero Spring 2024

    Mark Rees | City of Wentzville

    GIS Analyst

    Mark leads Wentzville's Water Division mapping team, where he uses ArcGIS and Python to boost efficiency and get real-time data updates.
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  • Thomas Matich wearing business attire and smiling overlaid on a blue and purple background
    GIS Hero Winter 2023

    Thomas Matich | Delaware Rural Water Association

    Training Specialist

    Thomas advised organizations on how to integrate GIS into their operational processes to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  • John Nolte smiling and wearing a suit and tie overlaid on a blue and purple graphic background
    GIS hero Fall 2023

    John Nolte | Denver Water

    GIS Manager

    John oversaw an effort to inventory service lines throughout Denver Water’s service area, which streamlined the utility’s Lead Reduction Program.
  • Sean Quarnstrom smiling and wearing a jacket overlaid on a blue and purple graphic background
    GIS hero Fall 2023

    Sean Quarnstrom | HMRD

    Senior Engineer

    Under Sean’s guidance, Henry Miller Reclamation District (HMRD) developed and implemented a variety of GIS workflows that saved valuable time.
  • 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