People On The Move: Susan Shingledecker

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Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP), a global community steward for Earth science data professionals, has appointed a new ESIP executive director, Susan Shingledecker of Severna Park. As executive director, Shingledecker will also serve as ESIP chief executive officer and perform a critical leadership position for the ESIP staff and organization as a steward for the global Earth science data professional community.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead the talented team at ESIP and grow the ESIP community,” Shingledecker said. “The challenges facing our world today are so great, so urgent and so complex — it is essential that we bring together our greatest Earth science minds working to steward and curate scientifically sound Earth science data and information to develop coordinated, collaborative solutions. The power and diversity of partners within the ESIP community — from federal agencies, to academic institutions and private sector data science leaders — provides the right environment to foster true partnership and collaboration.”

ESIP President Tamara Ledley pointed to Shingledecker’s expertise, network and passion as assets.

“Susan was a clear choice for all of us because she has a genuine interest in assuring that Earth science data and knowledge are integrally considered in societal decision-making processes, which is clearly aligned with the ESIP mission,” Ledley said. “In addition, Susan has strong nonprofit management and leadership experience, as well as an expansive professional network through her extensive work forging partnerships with the private sector, nonprofit organizations, state and federal governments.”

Erin Robinson, outgoing ESIP executive director, said Shingledecker possesses the unusual mix of skills, care and capabilities that are required in the role.

“ESIP needs a leader who recognizes the importance of Earth and environmental data and the people who work with it and has strong nonprofit management experience,” Robinson said. “I believe Susan will be an ally to and champion for the community, and I am excited to see how she will implement the ESIP vision as it moves into its third decade.”

Shingledecker brings to ESIP over a decade of nonprofit management experience with both national and regional organizations and a diverse 20-year career in the environmental field spanning international consulting, federal and state public policy, state government, outdoor recreation and conservation. She most recently served as vice president and director of programs for Chesapeake Conservancy, a regional conservation organization based in Annapolis, dedicated to restoring the health of the nation’s largest estuary and connecting people to the bay. Prior to that, she spent over a decade with BoatU.S. Foundation, serving in a number of roles including as vice president where she oversaw day-to-day operations and led environmental efforts.

She holds a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from American University. In her free time, Shingledecker loves getting out on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and two boys on their family sailboat or fleet of kayaks.

“On behalf of ESIP, I would like to sincerely thank our outgoing executive director, Erin Robinson” Ledley said. “Over the past six years under Erin’s leadership, ESIP has expanded its partnerships and international reach, grown its staff and, as a result, valuable services to the community, and developed a secure organizational structure and financial foundation. We owe Erin a large debt of gratitude for her dedication to and stewardship of the ESIP community.” 

During August and September, Shingledecker will overlap full-time with Robinson to ensure a smooth handoff. Shingledecker will officially assume the executive director role from Robinson on October 1.

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