Shari Forbes

Shari Forbes, GISP has a diverse work experience in the field of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Shari started their career in 1998 as an Environmental Scientist/GIS Specialist at Crespo Consulting Services, Inc. Shari then worked as a GIS Analyst/Environmental Specialist at CP&Y, Inc. from 2005 to 2007, and as an Environmental Planner/GIS Analyst at Halff Associates from 2007 to 2010.

In 2012, Shari joined the City of Plano, where they held multiple roles. Shari started as a Technical Administrative Assistant, where they updated procedures and initiated the use of ArcGIS for map creation. Shari then became a GIS Technician, updating infrastructure data and creating data dictionaries. Later, Shari was promoted to a Business Intelligence Analyst/GIS II, obtaining certification and developing an interactive map for citizen engagement. Shari'sfinal role at the City of Plano was a Businesses Intelligence/GIS Analyst III, where they automated workflows, developed GIS solutions, and wrangled data into usable datasets.

Currently, Shari is working as a Geographic Information Systems Analyst at the City of Richardson, Texas. Shari'sresponsibilities include familiarizing herself with the city's geodatabase data and workflows, verifying and updating data and map services for ESRI's Community Maps Program, and ensuring all map and feature services are pointing to the latest geodatabase.

Shari Forbes, GISP, holds a BA degree in English - Literature from the University of North Texas, which they obtained from 1989 to 1994. Shari then pursued a BS degree in Geography - GIS/Cartography from Texas State University, completing it from 1997 to 1998. Following this, Shari earned an MA degree in Geography - Environmental Studies from Texas State University between 1999 and 2001.

In terms of certifications, Shari obtained the "Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)" credential from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) in May 2007. Shari also holds the "Geographic Information Systems Professional" certification from the same institution. Additionally, they received the "ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Associate" certification from Esri in August 2018 and the "MTA: Security Fundamentals - Certified 2019" certification from Microsoft in March 2019.

Shari Forbes further enhanced their expertise through the "SMU Continuing and Professional Education Certificate Program" in Data Visualization & Communications, which they completed in 2020 at Southern Methodist University. Shari also acquired the "Fundamentals of Data Analysis for Government" certification in January 2018, although the institution providing this certification is not specified.