Geological Society of America Announces 2021–2022 Officers and Councilors

Boulder, Colo., USA: Barbara L. Dutrow, Gerald Cire and Lena Grand Williams Alumni Professor, Dept. of Geology & Geophysics, Louisiana State University–Baton Rouge, takes over the role of president of The Geological Society of America as of 1 July 2021. The incoming president-elect is Mark G. Little, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Rounding out the new executive committee are immediate past president J. Douglas Walker, University of Kansas; returning treasurer Richard C. Berg, Illinois State Geological Survey; and Council member-at-large, Wendy Bohrson, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado.

Dutrow brings to her new role a wealth of non-profit experience across a range of disciplines, a long service record with GSA, and proven leadership skills.

“GSA is well positioned to provide and enhance opportunities for future generations of geoscientists, in part through our mentorship programs, our outstanding meetings and publications, and our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and representation. I welcome the opportunity to further these goals,” said Dutrow. “I am honored by the opportunity to serve my geoscience colleagues and excited to continue the efforts of our past presidents to ensure future generations have a strong society home at GSA. As members continue to share their groundbreaking research, we are committed to providing solutions to today’s most pressing problems.”

Dutrow will deliver her presidential address during GSA’s Connects 2021 meeting on Sunday, 10 October, in Portland, Oregon. She will speak on, “Minerals Matter: Science, Technology, and Society.” The event will be open to all meeting attendees, and members of the media are invited to attend.

Along with confirmation of ballot results at its May meeting, GSA Council approved new members and Fellows, the GSA medalists and awardees, the FY22 budgets, and set forth its priorities for the coming year and beyond. Among other actions:

• Council accepted new recommendations from its Diversity Working Group to address short- and long-term remedies for ensuring greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the society.

• A plan from the ad hoc Committee on Fellowships was approved for making systemic changes for awarding of GSA fellowships to remove bias and enhance representation.

Newly-elected Councilors serving four-year terms from 1 July 2021–30 June 2025 are:
J. Wright Horton , U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia
Jean C. C. Hsieh, Sedimentary Geology Consultants, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Donna M. Jurdy
, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois

Information about the full GSA Council is online .

GSA Executive Director Vicki S. McConnell welcomed the new Officers and Councilors, saying, “I am excited to commence work with this talented and dedicated group of GSA Officers and extend a hearty welcome to our new Councilors. I know they will add depth and knowledge to the GSA Council.”

The Geological Society of America (GSA) ( https://www.geosociety.org) unites a diverse community of geoscientists in a common purpose to study the mysteries of our planet (and beyond), and share scientific findings. Members and friends around the world, from academia, government, and industry, participate in GSA meetings, publications, and programs at all career levels, to foster professional excellence. GSA values and supports inclusion through cooperative research, public dialogue on earth issues, science education, and the application of geoscience in the service of humankind.

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For Immediate Release
6 July 2021
GSA Release No. 21-41

Contact:
Christa Stratton
+1-303-357-1093

Barb Dutrow
Barbara L. Dutrow