24 Young Geospatial Professionals to Watch in 2024

Company: Central Arkansas Water
Current position: GIS manager
Age: 38
Education: BS in spatial information system with GIS option, University of Arkansas at Monticello

Harper has been at the forefront of transforming how we perceive and interact with spatial data. His journey into the world of GIS began in high school when he submitted a poster to the Intergraph Geomedia Conference K-12 poster competition and won. This early recognition ignited a passion that would shape the trajectory of his career.

Shortly after graduating, Harper joined the Pulaski Area Geographic Information System (PAgis) as a GIS technician in 2007. His dedication and proficiency propelled him forward, and by 2008 he assumed the role of GIS database coordinator at Central Arkansas Water (CAW). Over the years, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing GIS capabilities, playing a pivotal role in the integration of technology and data management at both PAgis and CAW.

In 2018, Harper became GIS manager, leading a dynamic team of 13 GIS professionals across CAW and PAgis. He oversees the day-to-day operations and spearheads initiatives to acquire, maintain, and distribute GIS-related data within Pulaski County, Arkansas.

UA at Monticello recognized Harper as a Young Alumni Rising Star in 2020, acknowledging his significant impact on the field. Esri, the Arkansas GIS Users Forum, AT&T, GovTech, and URISA have all bestowed honors on Harper and his teams for excellence and innovation.

Harper’s story is not just one of personal success but also a narrative of the transformative power of GIS. His passion has evolved into a career marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to leveraging geospatial technology for the betterment of communities.