DHS Addresses use of Geospatial Intelligence during USGIF Speaker Series

June 30, 2006

Herndon, Va. — The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) continued its distinguished Speaker Series with a luncheon featuring Mr. Robert Zitz, deputy undersecretary of preparedness within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

A senior government official with more than 26 years of intelligence community experience, Zitz is widely known and respected by the most senior leaders in U.S. intelligence. Currently, he is responsible for the planning, programming, analysis and ultimately the mission performance of all DHS preparedness activities. His efforts span the full spectrum of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural and manmade disasters, including acts of terrorism.

A visionary with the knowledge, passion and leadership qualities needed during transformation, he has been at the forefront of many of the people, process and technology changes in military and civilian intelligence during the last two decades.

Speaking to a room of almost 100 geospatial intelligence stakeholders from across industry, academia and government, Zitz discussed how DHS’ Preparedness Directorate is making strides in its use of geospatial intelligence, but conceded there is still a long road ahead. He recognized DHS needs to begin to put a higher priority on geospatial intelligence and take ownership of products and services in order to utilize best practices.

The USGIF Speaker Series, now in its third year, provides USGIF members and others within the geospatial intelligence community with a valuable forum to network, learn and gain additional insight into issues affecting the community. The series presenting a intimate setting for compelling speakers to address budgetary, technical, operational and other facets of intelligence from the user’s perspective.

Past speakers have included Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., chair of the Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence; Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; Air Force Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; Mike Swetnam, CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies; and Army Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander, the director of the National Security Agency.

The next installment of the USGIF Speaker Series will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2006, at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. The event is limited to USGIF members and invited guests.

The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation is a Virginia-based nonstock, not-for-profit 501©(3) corporation. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger community of interest between government, industry, academia, professional organizations and individuals who share a mission focus around the development and application of geospatial intelligence data and geo-processing resources to address national security objectives. For more information, please visit www.usgif.org.

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