Des Plaines, IL (February 6, 2026) — The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is proud to announce that Shannon Doyle, PhD GISP, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 GISP of the Year Award, GISCI’s highest individual honor recognizing distinguished and sustained contributions to the geospatial profession and the public interest.
The GISP of the Year Award honors a certified GIS professional whose leadership, service, and ethical practice have had a lasting impact on the profession. Following a competitive nomination process, a three-member judging panel appointed by the GISCI Board of Directors selected Doyle from an exceptional pool of nominees, citing her sustained leadership across multiple high-impact GISCI initiatives.
“Shannon Doyle exemplifies the very best of what the GISP credential represents,” said Tony Spicci, Executive Director of GISCI. “Her leadership, integrity, and commitment to strengthening both the certification program and the broader geospatial community have helped shape the future of GISCI and support the next generation of GIS professionals.”
Doyle has made significant contributions to GISCI through her service on the Exam Development Committee, GISCI Board of Directors, Blueprint Revision Task Force, and PreGISP Committee. As a leader on the Exam Development Committee, she has played a key role in ensuring the rigor, fairness, and technical validity of the GISP exam, helping align it with the evolving skills required of today’s GIS workforce.
In her role on the GISCI Board of Directors, Doyle has brought a thoughtful and strategic voice to discussions on certification, governance, and professional development. Her ability to balance innovation with practical implementation has contributed to decisions that strengthen both the credibility and accessibility of the GISP credential.
Doyle also played a pivotal role in the GISCI Geospatial Core Technical Knowledge Exam®, helping align exam content with modern GIS practices while ensuring broad representation and inclusivity throughout the revision process. Her collaborative approach and focus on continuous improvement have had a lasting impact on the structure and relevance of the certification program.
Through her work on the PreGISP Committee, Doyle has demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and outreach, helping develop pathways for students and early-career professionals to engage with GISCI and prepare for future certification. Her advocacy for education and professional readiness has strengthened the pipeline of emerging GIS professionals.
Across all of these efforts, Shannon Doyle has consistently exemplified professionalism, leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing ethical and responsible geospatial practice. Her ability to foster collaboration, connect people, and lead with both vision and integrity embodies the spirit of the GISP of the Year Award.
As the recipient of the 2025 GISP of the Year Award, Doyle will receive formal recognition from GISCI, including a commemorative award item, in appreciation of her exceptional service and impact.
About GISCI
The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing professionalism, integrity, and public trust in the geospatial profession through certification, ethics, and professional standards.