Daren Jones,  President

Vince DiNoto, President Elect

Kabita Paudel, Secretary, is a Research Associate with the Geospatial and Environmental Science Research Team at Kentucky State University, where she also assists in teaching GIS and Remote Sensing. She earned her M.S. in Environmental Studies from KSU and a B.S. in Agriculture from Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. Her work applies GIS, remote sensing, AI and photogrammetry to study land cover change, soil health, and ecosystem restoration in Kentucky.

A KAMP member since 2021, Kabita has contributed by presenting research at KAMP conferences and encouraging student involvement. As a nominee for Secretary, she hopes to apply her organizational and communication skills to ensure accurate record-keeping, strengthen professional collaboration, and expand opportunities for students and early-career professionals across Kentucky.

Christopher McNees, Treasurer, earned an Associate of Science & Arts in Environmental Science Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, and a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Geographic Information Systems from Eastern Kentucky University. After graduating in 2014, Christopher began his career at GRW, Inc. as a GIS Technician and later became a GIS Analyst at Copperhead Environmental Consulting in 2016. He was promoted to Senior GIS Specialist.

With experience in ArcGIS and data science, Christopher has integrated new workflows, technologies, and tools into his professional practice. He oversees and develops data operations for Copperhead's multiple service lines while continuing to lead their geospatial department. His responsibilities include mobile field data collection procedures, data design, spatial analysis, maintaining field equipment, and using his Part 107 UAS certification for drone operations. Christopher's work with clients across various industries has supported the implementation of new technologies and workflows, contributing to his professional development.

Christopher has been involved with KAMP for over ten years, beginning as a student at EKU. He has taken part in workshops, quarterly meetings, leadership summits, conferences, and other activities that have contributed to his professional and personal development. His responsibilities as a board member and now treasurer include assisting new professionals and promoting GIS in Kentucky.

Charles Altendorf,  Director

Charles Altendorf, Director, has been working full time in the GIS community for 14 years. Charles started in regional government then progressed to oil/natural gas and fiber before landing in the water industry. Charles has served a term as a KAMP director as well as won the 2019 KAMP Exemplary systems award. Charles has also been published in GIS Longue. Charles has been with American Water since November of 2019 and is an alumnus of the University of Kentucky Geography Department. Charles once again became a student of the UK Geo Department when he enrolled in the New Maps Plus program in fall of 2022.

Ray Rush, Director, works with Stantec Consulting Services in client focused role, leading teams to design and implement digital solutions for complex problems. His work is focused in the water and environmental fields. He serves as a trusted advisor, working with clients to understand their needs, clearly define the work, and deliver. These solutions often involve GIS as a component. For over 25 years, he has enjoyed the variety of work from serving as a consultant. Ray’s background includes engineering, geographic information systems, system integration, and application development. He is both a licensed Professional Engineer and certified GIS Professional. He has been a member of KAMP for over 10 years and has presented at several annual conferences. When he’s not in the office, Ray enjoys spending time with family and friends. When weather is good, he likes getting outside to run, bike, paddle, or hike. Although recently Ray has been picking up the guitar, don’t look for him on a stage anytime soon.

Laura Krauser, Director

Jerad Wright, Director

During his time in the Air Force, Jerad supported combatant commanders and troops across the world using GIS. His work encompassed a range of operations, from combat to humanitarian missions, and involved close collaboration with high-level officials such as the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the President of the United States. He gained extensive experience working with several Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft and satellite platforms, as well as multiple sensor systems including Multi-spectral, IR, EO, and Optical Bar Camera technologies.

In his current role, Jerad supports an eight-county region with various mapping systems, including those related to water and wastewater, roads, and disaster recovery. He is presently assisting the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority in transitioning the Water Resource Information System from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (AGOL).

Although Jerad has not been a KAMP member as long as some others, he is deeply passionate about the organization and is committed to advancing its mission to the best of his ability. As a board member, he aims to leverage his natural leadership skills and deep technical knowledge to strengthen KAMP’s public image and enhance appreciation for the GIS community.

Jerad hopes to bring greater visibility to KAMP by showcasing the vital work of the mapping community. He also plans to develop outreach programs for middle and high school students, recognizing that they represent the foundation of GIS’s future. By combining public engagement and educational outreach, Jerad believes KAMP can grow its community, enrich the world around it, and help plan for a brighter future.

Jessica Lott, Director

Jessica Lott, Director, is a passionate GIS professional with over a decade of experience in geospatial technology and spatial problem-solving. She has been an active member of KAMP since 2017, serving in several leadership roles including Communications Chair, Secretary, and now as a board member. Her involvement reflects a deep commitment to fostering community, collaboration, and innovation within Kentucky’s mapping community.

Jessica currently serves as the Director of Technical Solutions at dymaptic, where she leads teams in delivering custom GIS applications and strategic geospatial solutions for clients across the country. Based in Paducah, KY, she brings energy, creativity, and a strong technical background to every project as well as to her ongoing work with KAMP.

Elizabeth Winlock, GISP, MSES, MPA, Director