Texas GIS Forum

Criteria

Nominees for the Luminary Award should be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Inspiration & Motivation: Has the nominee significantly inspired or motivated the Texas GIS Community?
• Commitment & Perseverance: Have they demonstrated unwavering dedication and resilience in advancing GIS initiatives?
• Leadership & Impact: Have they shown strong leadership that has driven meaningful change and strengthened the community?
• Problem-Solving & Innovation: Have they navigated challenges, introduced new ideas, and ensured progress in GIS efforts?
• Community Engagement: Have they fostered collaboration, mentorship, or support within the GIS network?

Nomination Guidelines

To ensure a fair and thorough selection process, nominations for the Luminary Award should follow these guidelines:

1. Eligibility: Nominees must be members of the Texas GIS Community, worked in public or non-profit organizations, and contributed significantly to GIS initiatives within the last 5 years.
2. Nomination Submission: Nominations must be submitted through an official form, including the nominee’s name, role, and a detailed explanation of their contributions.
3. Supporting Evidence: Submissions should include specific examples of leadership, impact, perseverance, and commitment (e.g., projects, testimonials, or measurable achievements).
4. Endorsements: Nominations may require one or more letters of support from colleagues, community members, or organizations familiar with the nominee’s contributions.
5. Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by the designated deadline to be considered for evaluation.
6. Selection Process: A committee will review nominations based on the predefined award criteria and select the recipient who best exemplifies the spirit of the Luminary Award.

Selection Review

Once nominations are submitted, the Luminary Award selection process unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Review: The selection committee verifies nomination eligibility and completeness, ensuring all required information is included.
2. Evaluation Process: The committee carefully assesses each nominee against the established award criteria, considering leadership, commitment, and impact.
3. Deliberation & Selection: After discussion, the committee selects the individual whose contributions best embody the spirit of the Luminary Award.
4. Recipient Notification: The chosen nominee is informed of their selection and given details about the award presentation.
5. Award Presentation: The honoree will be recognized and presented with the 2025 Luminary Award at the Texas GIS Forum on Friday, November 7, 2025 as part of the 4th Quarter Texas GIS Community Meeting.