Former Indiana GIO Receives David C Ford Award

The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) has recognized an outstanding leader in Indiana’s geospatial community, Megan Compton, former Indiana Geographic Information Officer (GIO), has been awarded the prestigious Senator David C. Ford Award at the 2025 Indiana GIS Conference.

This award is a testament to Megan’s lasting impact on Indiana’s GIS landscape. Throughout her seven year tenure as GIO, Megan championed data dissemination, outreach, and partnership-building. She strengthened geospatial coordination across the state and her dedication has paved the way for innovative mapping solutions which improved accessibility to critical geographic information.

A Legacy of Leadership

Megan empowered local governments, organizations, and professionals with tools, guidance, and collaboration opportunities that have helped shape the way Indiana uses GIS for decision-making and development. This award, Presented by current GIO, Marianne Cardwell, honors Megan’s extraordinary commitment to GIS and the positive changes she drove throughout her career.

Continuing Her Geospatial Journey

Though Megan has transitioned to a new role as Senior Advisor at the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, her contributions to Indiana’s GIS community will continue to inspire future professionals. The IGIO extends our deepest congratulations to Megan for this well-earned recognition.