JEFFERSON CITY — Vicki Voigt, geologic mapping unit chief with the Missouri Department of Natural Re-sources’ Division of Missouri Geological Survey, has been selected the State of Missouri and department Team Member of the Month for November 2022. Voigt was selected for her service to the department and her efforts coordinating the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 Digital Mapping Techniques Conference held in Rolla.
As part of her usual duties, Voigt regularly demonstrates the leadership necessary to keep a large team on track and moving forward together. She leads the yearly compilation of key information presented to the Missouri State Mapping Advisory Committee and oversees grants that help fund her unit’s work. Her efforts have led to increased funding for geologic mapping and growth in the size of her team and leadership responsibilities.
In 2019, Voigt agreed to undertake planning and coordinating the USGS Digital Mapping Techniques Conference. The conference brings together scientists, cartographers and experts in geologic information systems from federal and state agencies, and is a highly regarded workshop that contributes to the development and evolution of digital mapping techniques, standards and guidelines, both nationally and globally.
Originally planned as an in-person event, the 2020 and 2021 USGS Digital Mapping Techniques conferences were held virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though this year’s conference in May was held in person. Changes in the conference’s format required Voigt to continue planning efforts over several years, including coordinating the budget, lodging, catering and tours associated with the event, among other tasks. Much of the success of this year’s conference was due to Voigt dedicating a significant amount of extra time and effort beyond her usual duties.
“Vicki was persistent in her efforts to ensure the event was well planned and that the participants left the workshop with a positive image of both Rolla and the Missouri Geological Survey,” said Amber Steele, director of the division’s Geological Survey Program. “After planning it twice, the third time was the charm.
“Her dedication to her team and their particular mission of providing accurate and efficient geoscience mapping and information to our customers was apparent as they worked together to make this a successful event.”
Voigt joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in November 2008 and resides in Rolla.