JEFF SOPEL
Having explored the Appalachian Trail, the wild lands of Patagonia, and the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies, I would describe myself as an adventurer at heart. Discovery and innovation is what defines who I am and what drives me personally and professionally.
My professional journey started by serving in the US Army as a Supplies Specialist where I learned to appreciate the critical necessity of planning and the importance of systems and organization particularly as it relates to information and resources. After the Army, I served as a community planner for a small town in North Carolina. In this capacity, I was able to work on a wide variety of initiatives focused on building resilient communities and leveraging geographic information system (GIS) technologies to improve community planning and operational activities such as code enforcement and community policing.
In 1999, I took a job with Esri, a leading GIS software company, where I led educational campaigns on the "art of the possible" for GIS technology application across a broad spectrum of Department of Defense agencies, programs and initiatives. In 2004, I participated in establishing the Esri Homeland Security Team whose purpose was/is to integrate geospatial technologies and solutions to assist the Nation in protecting the Homeland.
Over the course of my career I've have had the distinct privilege of working on a broad spectrum of critical information sharing projects and being a mission advocate and vision caretaker for Emergency Management and Public safety initiatives on multiple projects, such as: Commonwealth of Virginia's VIPER system; the Charlotte UASI's COBRA platform; Project Seahawk; Miami-Dade's County Office of Emergency Management's FLIPPER system; South Carolina's Law Enforcement Division Buffer Zone Protection Plan; the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Joint Operations Center for the 2009 Governor's Conference and HSIN outreach; and the Georgia's GODAWGs Situational Awareness System.
Throughout my experiences and travels I have had the good fortune of meeting and working with some very special and talented people, seeing amazing natural wonders and participating in some very unique initiatives and projects. The most fulfilling part of this journey has been the friendships and partnerships built along the way, which I know will be the foundation for even greater achievements. For it is the teaming and partnering that help make any goal achievable.
