Carley Fitzgerald, GISP & FAEM

Personal Details

Bio

Carley Fitzgerald is a seasoned Geographic Information Science (GIS) professional with over 15 years of experience spanning public and private sectors, including transportation, engineering, and various levels of government. As the GIS Manager for Highlands County, Florida, she oversees a county-wide enterprise GIS supporting more than 100 users, playing a pivotal role in emergency response operations. Her leadership has been instrumental during significant events such as Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Ian, Hurricane Nicole, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, her compassionate leadership during Hurricane Ian earned her the prestigious “Life Saver” Challenge Coin from the Highlands County Fire Department.

Carley's commitment to mindful data governance and operational excellence was recognized in 2023 when she was named Highlands County’s Employee of the Quarter. Her innovative approach to GIS has transformed emergency management practices, as highlighted in an Esri case study detailing how Highlands County leveraged GIS technology for real-time situational awareness during crises.

Beyond her technical expertise, Carley is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment in the professional world. She served on the board of Women in GIS (WiGIS), leading the professional development committee. In this role, she developed virtual events and a webinar series titled "Women in GIS Careers," addressing topics such as imposter syndrome and career advancement in male-dominated fields. Her dedication to fostering inclusive environments extends to her volunteer work, where she participates in career days, contributes to humanitarian mapping projects with OpenStreetMap, and collaborates with professional organizations to strengthen the geospatial community.

Carley’s holistic approach to GIS—combining technical proficiency, compassionate leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advocacy—makes her a compelling speaker for audiences ranging from GIS professionals and emergency managers to civic leaders and aspiring scientists.

Current position (1)

GIS Manager

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners

Degrees (1)

Bachelors of Science

Florida Atlantic University

2002 to 2006

Presentations

Presentations (5)

Beyond the Map: How GIS Builds Trust, Saves Lives, and Shapes Resilient Communities

In this powerful session, Carley Fitzgerald explores how GIS is more than just data on a map—it’s a decision-making tool that builds public trust, improves equity, and supports life-saving operations in real time. Drawing from her frontline experience during hurricanes and pandemics, Carley shares how compassion and clarity in GIS can change outcomes in moments that matter most.

Bridging the Gap: Translating Spatial Thinking for Emergency Managers

Emergency managers don’t need to be GIS experts to benefit from spatial thinking. This session demystifies geospatial tools and demonstrates how to integrate GIS into Incident Command, planning cycles, and public safety workflows. Ideal for EM professionals and decision-makers looking to build stronger partnerships with GIS teams.

Human-Centered GIS: Leading with Empathy in Tech-Heavy Roles

Technical expertise is essential—but it’s not the whole story. This session explores the human side of GIS: how emotional intelligence, empathy, and advocacy can elevate teams, empower communities, and drive cultural change in technical spaces. A perfect session for GIS professionals looking to lead with heart as well as skill.

Disaster Mapping 101: What Every Non-GIS Pro Should Know Before the Next Activation

When disaster strikes, everyone turns to maps—but not everyone speaks the same language. This crash course in GIS for emergency response covers the basics of map interpretation, data quality, and real-time dashboards for non-GIS professionals working in EOCs, planning, or public safety.

Breaking the Mold: Lessons from a GIS Leader Navigating a Male-Dominated World

Part personal journey, part call to action, this session shares the challenges and victories of a woman building a leadership path in tech and emergency management. Carley speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, leadership growth, and the importance of mentorship and advocacy for women in GIS and beyond.

Past talks (8)

Bridging the Gap - How GIS Turns Chaos into Clarity During Disasters

2025 Chatham County 2025 Hurricane Conference

Savannah, GA

Leveraging GIS for Enhanced Emergency Management

2025 Florida Governors Hurricane Conference

West Palm Beach, FL

From Paper to Pixels; Transforming NPDES Stormwater Inspections with Survey123 Connect

2024 South Florida GIS Expo

West Palm Beach, FL

GIS in Disaster Management; Prevention Through Recovery

2024 Florida Governors Hurricane Conference