The GISCI is pleased to announce Highlands County, Florida as an organization designated as a GISCI Endorsing Employer. Located in South Central Florida, Highlands County, population 106,000, is a predominately rural county with three municipalities (Avon Park, Lake Placid, and the county seat of Sebring. As a small rural county, Highlands also has a small but fast-growing GIS service run by a two-person GIS Team consisting of Carley Fitzgerald, GISP – GIS Manager and John Miley – GIS Tech 2. Highlands County has a unique set of demographic circumstances with almost 40% of the population over the age of 65. Having GIS staff that is well versed in their field and aware of best practices has been beneficial numerous times. Most notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic when GIS was integral to providing information to emergency managers and administration for vulnerable populations in our community. When asked why the GISCI Endorsing Employer designation was important, Carley said: “The Employer Endorsement Program highlights our commitment to professional development and enables our future growth.”  She went on to say: “This is an amazing development for Highlands County Board of County Commissioners as well as the citizens and visitors of our County. As an employer we are excited to welcome new opportunities and partnerships in the GIS space and as a member of the community we serve – we are reassured that the County is dedicated to upholding best practices and continual professional development.”

The GISCI is pleased to announce Highlands County as the first government organization to receive the GISCI Endorsing Employer designation.