The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) announced Penman R. Gilliam as the recipient of the 2012 Arthur C. Lundahl Lifetime Achievement Award. Gilliam was presented the award on the main stage during the last day of the GEOINT 2012 Symposium.

Gilliam is a highly recognized leader who laid the foundation for the digital innovations that drive the GEO INT tradecraft today. He served the geospatial industry, both in government and industry, for 50 years.

“Penman was an exceptionally strong leader who cultivated a true understanding of customers’ needs and fundamentally changed the way we support them,” said K. Stuart Shea, chairman, USGIF.

Gilliam is recognized for his sustained leadership and excellence throughout his career with the Defense Mapping Agency (OMA), a predecessor of the NGA. He served as the Director of the Special Programs Office for Exploitation Modernization (SPOEM) from 1982 to 1987. He retired in 1991 as the agency’s deputy director.

Leading the DMA’s transition into the digital world, Gilliam’s efforts fundamentally changed the mapping and charting business, advancing the DMA’s ability to satisfy the growing needs of national and military customers.

He began his career as a cartographer with U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center in 1958. He received numerous awards including the DMA:s Distinguished Executive Rank Award, Executive Service Rank Award, and the DoD Distinguished Civilian Service Award.

“I am very humbled and deeply honored to receive the Lundahl Award, which was totally unexpected,” said Gilliam. “It’s very excited to be recognized by USGIF and see where the tradecraft is going these days in terms of innovations.”

The USGIF Board of Directors presents the Arthur C. Lundahl Lifetime Achievement Award, upon selection, to an influential member of the community who has demonstrated dedication to the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and whose actions serve as an example to others. Ari Lundahl is recognized as the father of imagery analysis. He dedicated his life to the tradecraft, enabling him to gain the confidence of four U.S. presidents and significantly contribute to the GEOINT tradecraft and security of the United States. His immense contribution to the pioneering of the tradecraft is why the USGIF Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Arthur C. Lundahl Lifetime Achievement Award.

Past Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients include:

2011 – LTG® Paul E. Menoher
2010 – Mr. Jack Dangermond
2009 – The Honorable Charles E. Allen
2008 – Mr. R. Evans Hineman
2007 – The Honorable James R. Clapper Jr.
2006 – The Honorable Jeffrey J. Harris
2005 – Mr. William R. Allder Jr.