District employee named Geospatial Professional of the Year

Published June 10, 2020

Paul Deatrick, Louisville District Geographic Information Systems coordinator, was recently announced as the 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Geospatial Professional of the Year. 


“Deatrick has demonstrated technical expertise and leadership on district, regional and national level initiatives,” said Nancy Blyler, geospatial community of practice lead for USACE.


As the Engineering GIS team lead, Deatrick has served as the geospatial lead for the district’s most high profile civil works projects, including two supplemental flood reduction, one dam safety, and four operations master plans projects. Deatrick is also the district’s Enterprise Geospatial Engineering System coordinator efficiently managing Louisville District’s funding account supporting district-wide geospatial efforts. Regionally, Deatrick serves as a key member of the Ohio River Geospatial team working with and sharing geospatial data and resources for projects throughout the Ohio River Basin. As a member of the national Site Information Model and Data Management Solution Project Delivery team, he regularly provides senior expertise to resolve program issues and to advise model builders across USACE. 


“What an outstanding honor and most deserving for Paul to receive this award,” said John Bock, Louisville District Engineering Division chief. 


Deatrick regularly mentors new employees and co-led the publication of a career development plan for geographers/GIS professionals in the Louisville District. Deatrick is a long-term member of the Kentucky Area Mapping Professionals and volunteers for activities associated with the Kentucky Waterways Alliance.


“I’m truly humbled that I was selected for this national recognition,” Deatrick said. “I also realize that in my position many of my successes are tied to the hard work and talent of my teammates, and without their dedicated professionalism I would not be able to be in the position I am today.  I’ve been so fortunate to have a great team and their support.”