Meet the Team

As Indiana’s Geographic Information Officer (GIO), Marianne ensures the state meets the GIS requirements outlined in IC 4-23-7.3 and works to enhance Indiana’s GIS infrastructure in support of state agencies, counties, and local governments.

Marianne brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Deputy GIO of Programs and Outreach at the IGIO, she led key IGIO initiatives, including the annual Data Harvest, State Imagery and Elevation Programs, and cross-government outreach efforts to strengthen public and private partnerships. She holds a B.A. in Geography from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Geographic and Cartographic Sciences from George Mason University, and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science from Indiana University. Her 20-year career in the private sector saw her applying GIS to government projects, utilities, airports, and defense sites. Prior to joining IGIO, she was the Director of Geoinformatics at the Polis Center at IUI. She has also played a key leadership role within the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC), serving as both a board member and president. Marianne is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and GIS Professional (GISP).

Sandeep has over 20 years of experience in the GIS field in local government. He was an integral part of the enterprise GIS vision and leadership for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, where he served as the enterprise GIS data custodian, GIS solutions architect, oversaw day to day operations and managed GIS custom applications portfolio. He built-on and fostered partnerships between utilities and surrounding county governments as the IndyGIS liaison, identified mutually beneficial data exchange needs and was the architect of Indy’s Open Data Platform. His most recent experience was working for the IGIO as an Enterprise GIS Architect.

In Sandeep’s new role as the Deputy GIO of Operations, he will be overseeing enterprise GIS Infrastructure and all aspects of the GIS technology, he will be applying his years of experience to establish strategies for data governance with a goal to move best practices to common practices, which will elevate the ability of the GIO to server and support critical Sate of Indiana GIS Operations.

Shaun Scholer is GIS Specialist for the Geographic Information Office of Indiana leading Indiana’s imagery and elevation programs. He received his bachelor's degree in aviation from Indiana State University (ISU) in 1993, and earned a master's degree in Geography with an emphasis on GIS and Remote sensing from ISU in 1995.

Shaun began his GIS career facilitating planimetric conversion projects at GRW in Lexington, KY., and was a project leader at The Polis Center (IUPUI) starting in the late 90s.  He led the GIS Interlocal within Wayne County Government and the City of Richmond for 18 years, beginning in 2002. During his career in Wayne County, he worked with each partner organization to identify needs, determine effective GIS policy-level decisions, and implement practical, effective GIS initiatives.

Shaun has served in multiple leadership roles within Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC).

Matt Evans is a GIS Data Harvest SME with the Indiana Geographic Information Office. Matt joined the IGIO in August 2022, after working in local government GIS with Wayne County and the City of Richmond in East Central Indiana. From August 2022 to March 2024, he was responsible for the data curation of much of the data on IndianaMap and collaborated with State Agencies and external partners to make their data available on the site. In his current role, Matt works to improve the quality of Indiana’s GIS data through the Data Harvest Program. Matt lives in Richmond with his wife Kristen and their pets, where he serves on various local government boards and commissions.

Caitlin received two bachelor's degrees in Meteorology and Geography from Virginia Tech and her Masters of Science in Geography from Ball State. Previously, she worked as a consulting GIS Analyst assisting the Navy and Marine Corps with risk management and utility infrastructure assessments. She also worked as a consulting GIS Analyst with multiple local governments in the Chicagoland area to improve workflows and bring GIS to all departments. In her current role, Caitlin supports the Enterprise GIS Operations of the state and maintains several of the IGIO’s hub sites

Steve Aldrich has been using geospatial technology to address scientific questions for more than 25 years. Steve comes to the Indiana GIO from Indiana State University, where he was a Professor of Geography for 14.5 years. At ISU, Steve supported GIS users across campus, taught 8 different courses on GIS/remote sensing/spatial statistics, and used GIS constantly in research projects in a variety of contexts Steve has experience using and teaching GIS and remote sensing data and methods in a variety of contexts, ranging from watershed-level land use planning in Massachusetts to economic change at continental scale in the Brazilian Amazon. Steve has a PhD in Geography and GISP and FAA Part 107 certifications. Being a prolific user of public GIS data in his career so far, Steve is excited to join the GIO team to support public GIS in Indiana.

As an IT Project Manager and Communication Coordinator for the Indiana Geographic Information Office (IGIO), Pamela is dedicated to leveraging technology for the betterment of Indiana’s public services.

With a background rooted in public service, Pamela earned her B.S. in Political Science in Washington DC and joined the US Peace Corps. As a volunteer in sub-Saharan Africa, her role focused on environmental sustainability and food security. This experience equipped her with essential skills in project coordination and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, Pamela earned an A.S. in Informatics which helped to transition into her role with the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT).

Pamela specializes in overseeing projects that utilize GIS to enhance government functions and promote transparency. As a Communication Coordinator, she ensures the impact of these projects is effectively communicated to the public by showcasing the value added to the state through innovative technology solutions.

After graduating, Rick delved into historic preservation, dedicating over five years working in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky on various archaeological surveys and investigations. During this time, he discovered an affinity for Survey and GPS equipment, becoming adept at utilizing GIS software to process and analyze data.

In 2004, Rick moved to Missouri and joined the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as a Historic Preservation Specialist. There, he became a point person for GIS software in the department. Alongside his work, he pursued further education at Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Master's in Geographic Information Science in 2014. In 2015, longing to be closer to friends and family, Rick returned home to Indiana to take on the role of GIS Manager in Bargersville. Working with a modest GIS program, he aimed to contribute meaningfully. Over time, the GIS program became a crucial tool for the town.

Beyond the professional realm, you'll often find Rick exploring Indiana state parks and relishing the beauty of nature through hiking. He enjoys attending sporting events with friends and family. The occasional road trips, whether on a motorcycle or with friends in a vehicle, search for fun and adventure across the Midwest.

Karen joined the IGIO team as a GIS Project Coordinator. Karen earned a Master of Science in Data Science from Ball State University, a Bachelor of General Studies, and a Certificate in Geographic Information Science from Indiana-Purdue University Indianapolis.

In Karen’s previous roles at the Indiana Department of Transportation, she managed transportation projects, led program delivery efforts, managed contract administration, and fostered collaboration with internal and external partners.

Prior to joining the State of Indiana Karen worked as a CAD Technician and GIS Specialist in the private sector and spent over 9 years working for Montgomery County, Indiana in the Mapping Department, and the County Surveyor office.

Outside of the office Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoys visiting state parks both in Indiana and when traveling to other states.

Derek joined the IGIO team as a GIS Specialist. Derek has a Master of Science in Engineering, and a Bachelor Science in Land Surveying Engineering, both from Purdue University. Derek is a licensed Professional Land Surveyor in three states including Indiana. Derek coordinates between the IGIO and other State Agencies to implement ESRI’s ArcGIS Indoors.

Before joining the IGIO, Derek worked for the Indiana Department of Transportation for over 16 years. While there Derek served in several capacities, including CAD Support, Land Survey Program Coordinator, GIS Analyst, e-Construction Specialist, Geospatial Manager, and Field Technology Team Manager. In those roles, Derek gained an extensive knowledge of GIS and CAD.

In his spare time, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife, walking their dog, playing golf, strength training, and running.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Indiana University Bloomington and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science from Oregon State University. Prior to joining the IGIO, Ben worked in the DNR Division of Water's Technical Services section for just under 5 years.

Ben joined the team as a GIS Analyst, focusing on managing the IndianaMap website and open data hub. Outside of work, Ben enjoys exercise, video/board games, music, and spending time with his fiancée and friends.

Dan serves as a Geographic Information Outreach Coordinator covering Northern Indiana. He graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science in Geography, with concentrations in GIS and Human Geography. After graduating from Ball State and interning with Porter County GIS, Dan moved to Toronto, Canada, to pursue a Master in Spatial Analysis from Toronto Metropolitan University, where he focused on business applications of GIS and economic geography.

After spending 3 years in Canada studying and working at Environics Analytics, a company known for geodemographic analysis and segmentation for marketing purposes, Dan decided to move back to his hometown to be closer to family.

Outside of the office, Dan enjoys traveling, video games, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family.