Des Plaines, IL – (June 25, 2026) The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is pleased to announce that Captain Amilynn E. Adams, GISP®, has been elected as the second GISP®-Elected Director on the GISCI Board of Directors.
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Captain Adams currently serves as Senior Marine Transportation System Analyst and Geospatial Data Lead for the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center in Alexandria, Virginia, where she supports national maritime navigation and geospatial initiatives. She earned her GISP® certification in 2025 and brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning maritime science, geospatial operations, public service, and nonprofit governance.
Her professional background includes service as a commissioned officer in the NOAA Commissioned Corps, leadership roles within the U.S. Coast Guard, and work advancing maritime geospatial standards and interoperability. She is also the Founder and Principal Analyst of Maritime Spatial Solutions, LLC.
“Amilynn brings an exceptional blend of operational leadership, technical geospatial expertise, and governance experience to the GISCI Board,” said Tony Spicci, GISP®, Executive Director of GISCI. “Her commitment to professional standards, public service, and mentoring the next generation of geospatial professionals will be an asset to the Institute and the broader GISP® community.”
Throughout her career, Adams has contributed to high-profile and mission-critical efforts, including leading geospatial support during the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster response to assist in reopening the Port of Baltimore. She also serves as a U.S. delegate and technical expert to international maritime organizations, helping shape standards for safe and precise marine navigation.
As a GISP®-Elected Director, Adams will represent the interests of GISP®-certified professionals and help guide GISCI’s mission of strengthening the geospatial profession through certification, ethics, and professional development.
“I am honored by the confidence placed in me by the GISP® community,” said Adams. “I look forward to supporting GISCI’s continued efforts to ensure the GISP® credential remains credible, accessible, and representative of the full breadth of the geospatial profession.”
GISCI congratulates Captain Adams and thanks all candidates who participated in the election process and demonstrated a commitment to serving the geospatial profession.
Adams’ three-year term on the GISCI Board will begin in June 2026.
About GISCI
The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 to support and advance excellence in the geospatial profession. Through our internationally recognized certification programs—GISP® (Certified GIS Professional) and GISP-E (Emerging GIS Professional)—we set and uphold high standards of competency, integrity, and service in the GIS field