FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2013
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DIRECTOR NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
~Association of American State Geologists elect Dr. Jonathan Arthur to executive office~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Geological Survey Director Dr. Jonathan Arthur was chosen as president-elect of the Association of American State Geologists on Wednesday. The election took place at the association’s 105th annual meeting in South Dakota.
“Under the leadership of Dr. Arthur, the Florida Geological Survey has provided the Department and state’s water management districts with an exceptional understanding of Florida’s complex geology through extensive research,” said DEP Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs Jeff Littlejohn. “This honor is a testament of his commitment to contributing research that helps the Department better protect Florida’s environment.”
Arthur joined the association as Florida’s state geologist in 2009 and served as the association’s vice president for the 2012 term. The association’s members voted based on the nominating committee’s recommendation of Arthur, who will take office July 1. In his new role as president-elect, Arthur will be responsible for coordinating two national strategic meetings that will serve as a platform for liaisons of federal and state agencies to discuss the growing natural challenges society faces and develop strategies to efficiently combine research efforts and resources to provide solutions.
Arthur has dedicated his time and knowledge to the Department for more than 30 years, beginning his tenure at the Florida Geological Survey as a research assistant in 1984. Now as director, Arthur is responsible for the oversight and direction of the state’s premier institution specializing in geosciences research and assessments. As state geologist, Arthur represents Florida regarding geological issues at a local, state and national level. In March, Arthur participated in a national sinkhole briefing for the House of Natural Resources Committee in Washington, DC.
In addition to his role within the Department, Arthur is also a member of the Florida Board of Professional Geologists, a fellow of the Geological Society of America and served as past president of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists.
"The Association of American State Geologists Foundation supports the mission of the Association especially with regard to education and outreach activities," said president of the Association of American State Geologists Foundation David Wunsch. "Jon is nationally recognized for his outreach skills as demonstrated by his activities related to sinkholes, so I look forward to developing programs to educate the public and policy makers with regard to natural hazards."
The Association of American State Geologists was founded in 1908 for the purpose of advancing the science and practical application of geology in the United States. The objectives of the association are to improve the work of State Geological Surveys, improve methods of assembling data and disseminating the results and to achieve effective coordination of work with federal and state agencies. The association is made up of the chief executives of each state’s geological survey who meet annually to discuss issues and share resources.
For more information on the Association of American State Geologist’s activities and research, please visit http://www.stategeologists.org/index.php.
For a photo of Dr. Jonathan Arthur, please visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/news/2013/06/JonArthur.JPG.
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