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News Release 396
MISSOURI STATE GEOLOGIST ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Joseph A. Gillman is named successor
Volume 36-396 |
Contact: Hylan Beydler |
(For immediate release) |
573-368-2118 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 3, 2008 -- Mimi Garstang, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Geology and Land Survey and state geologist has announced her retirement, effective August 1.
One of a few women in the United States to hold the position of state geologist, Garstang began her career with the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey in 1979 and has served as Missouri State Geologist and division director since June 2000. Prior to joining the department, she worked as an environmental geologist for the White Consulting Engineering company in Memphis. Mimi's career touches some of Missouri's biggest environmental challenges, including the Times Beach dioxin sites, interstate river issues, the Weldon Spring site in St. Charles County and evaluating earthquake risk in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southeast Missouri.
"Having worked with the Division of Geology and Land Survey for more than 27 years, I feel very fortunate that I have loved every job that I have had with the department," said Garstang. "The last eight years truly have been my privilege to serve as state geologist and division director and to represent our staff in Jefferson City and around the state. The importance of the application of geologic data cannot be understated in the protection and development of our natural resources and in making sound engineering and economic decisions."
"Mimi is a superb example of a leader. She has focused division goals on assisting Missouri's residents with a better understanding of Missouri geology and land surveying," said Doyle Childers, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. She has been an advocate of the application of geologic knowledge and principles to real world problems allowing us to make better environmental and economic decisions in Missouri. I have great admiration and respect for Mimi, and I wish her well in retirement and know that she is especially looking forward to being able to spend more time enjoying her family."
Garstang has served on numerous national and state geologic and environmental related committees and task forces regarding issues that have significant impact on the health, safety and welfare of Missourians. She has represented the state regarding issues such as the development of new energy resources including coalbed methane and tar sands and the investigation of potential underground reservoirs for long-term storage of carbon dioxide. She has served on the following boards: the Industrial Minerals Advisory Council, the Missouri Well Installation Board, the Missouri Land Reclamation Board and the Missouri Geologist Registration Board and was the department's representative to the Central United States Earthquake Consortium. Garstang was recently was honored by First Lady Melanie Blunt during the inaugural First Lady Awards ceremony in Jefferson City. In 2003, Garstang established the James Hadley Williams Public Service Award, named for retired State Geologist James Hadley Williams, who served the citizens for nearly 40 years with enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and unselfish devotion to meeting the needs of all Missourians. The award is presented on an annual basis to a division staff member who best embodies the qualities of a selfless public servant.
Childers appointed Joseph A. Gillman to the position of director for the Division of Geology and Land Survey Director and state geologist, effective August 1. Also a registered geologist, Gillman graduated from Missouri State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. "Joe is well-equipped to take the helm. He joined the department in 1995 and has served as the department's Geological Survey Program Director for two years, Childers said. Prior to that, he spent six years as chief of the environmental assistance unit, where he managed a team of geologists evaluating geologic and hydrologic conditions at both liquid and solid waste disposal areas in Missouri."
"I am honored by having been given the opportunity to serve as division director and state geologist," said Gillman. The division has a long history of providing geology and surveying expertise to the citizens of Missouri. I am confident that we will continue to protect our environment, provide accurate land boundaries and develop sound geologic information. It is important that we meet these responsibilities and challenges and I look forward to working with our exceptional staff to continue these efforts and further our mission."
The department's Division of Geology and Land Survey offers fact sheets, maps, trading cards and a wide variety of publications on topics such as rocks, minerals and fossils. Visitors are welcome to tour the Ed Clark Museum of Geology, which is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The publications desk in Rolla can be reached by calling 573-368-2125 or 800-361-4827 or visit on the Web at www.dnr.mo.gov/geology.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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Editor: Photo is available at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel/mimigarstang.jpg.
Cutline: Mimi Garstang, Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Geology and Land Survey director and state geologist announces retirement, effective Aug. 1.
