Karl Benedict Candidate Statement

Professionally I have recently retired from the University of New Mexico where I worked as a Research Scientist and Center Director for the Earth Data Analysis Center (one of ESIP's founding organizations), and then as a faculty member in UNM's University Libraries where I directed the Library's Research Data Services and IT programs. I have been engaged with the ESIP community since my first ESIP meeting in the Summer of 2001 and over the past 24 years have served in many capacities including as Vice Chair and Chair of the (previously named) IT Committee, Type 3 Representative, Vice President, President, Board Member, Board Chair, PI for an IMLS-funded project to enhance ESIP's Data Management Training Clearinghouse, and most recently as a member of the Finance Committee. This combination of long experience across ESIP leadership roles, deep experience in acquiring and managing funds and associated budgets (over $70M in sponsored projects in which I have held a variety of leadership roles), and the recognition that current funding circumstances require detailed planning and management of limited funds, motivate me to take on the role of Treasurer for ESIP with a hoped for outcome of contributing to the financial sustainability and growth of ESIP in the years to come.