ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to recognize Dr. Vicki S. McConnell, former Executive Director of The Geological Society of America (GSA) and current GSA Executive Director Emerita, as the 2023 recipient of the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

Leading GSA since 2015, Dr. McConnell ensured GSA's vibrancy through the pandemic, engaged early-career scientists and students to participate in GSA leadership and secured a National Science Foundation grant for GSA to effect positive cultural changes in the geosciences. She implemented GSA CARES grants to aid students in need and increased international student scholarship opportunities.

Dr. McConnell previously was Oregon State Geologist and Director of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, where she led a team of scientists and engineers focused on mitigating natural hazards and identifying energy and mineral resources. She also has served on 19 committees, boards, and councils across the geosciences and science policy, including the Executive Committee of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), where she served as the AASG President in 2011-2012. As an organizational leader in a variety of settings, Dr. McConnell has spearheaded efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion; establish standards for ethical, respectful work environments and geoscience professionals; and address geologic hazards and geoscience public policy.

She earned her Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, specializing in volcanology, geologic hazards, and geothermal energy resources. Dr. McConnell's achievements have been recognized with honors including the AASG 2022 Distinguished Service Award, the GSA 2020 E.B. Burwell Jr. Memorial Award in Recognition of Distinguished Contribution to Engineering Geology, an American Association for the Advancement of Science 2019 Fellowship, and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists 2017 Publications Award.

"Ian Campbell's multidimensional career shone a bright light on the profession of geology and the geosciences," said Dr. McConnell. "I am truly delighted and humbled to be honored with this award bearing his legacy and to be included in the august group of Campbell Medal awardees, many of whom have mentored me during my career. I hope to continue to do the same for the next generation of geoscientists."

"Dr. McConnell's passion and contributions to the geoscience enterprise have made a positive and lasting impact that underscore how deserving she is of this honor," noted AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur.

The Campbell Medal is given in recognition of singular performance in and contributions to the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences. Dr. McConnell is being recognized at the Geological Society of America's Award Ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 15, 2023.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
____________
Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org