Partner with SAM to gather, process, and analyze the Geospatial data you need to advance your commercial business or government entity.
SAM is pleased to announce the recent expansion of the MGS™ Solutions (MGSS) business unit adding several accomplished industry experts to the team. SAM’s vision is to advance spatial data acquisition, improve analysis, and develop predictive analytics to redefine and transform how infrastructure assets are built and managed. Congratulations to those recently hired and promoted
Barry Howell is the newest member of SAM’s Managed Geospatial Services Solutions (MGSS) team. His role builds upon SAM’s 30-year history of industry-leading asset data acquisition, growing an advisory and system integration business line. As asset systems of truth converge, so asset systems of quality must then be envisioned, deployed, and governed. This requires trusted advisors who understand the complexities of asset data acquisition and can build specialized teams to curate that data at the point of need.
Barry has a degree in biology and chemistry and has spent much of his career monitoring and improving processes in organizations from nuclear, power generation, electric distribution, as well as sales and advisory consulting. He approaches digital consulting from an enterprise, top-down methodology, resulting in improved communication pathways which ultimately create and enable transformation.
Barry has spent most of his 25+ year career with investor-owned utilities in a variety of pivotal roles. These include pollution control chemistry, smart grid technology integration, enterprise interoperability, product ownership, and digital maturity consulting. Barry’s systematic and curated methodology cuts across his client’s Information, Operations, and Engineering Technology siloes (IT, OT, ET) driving them towards their CAPEX, OPEX, and Safety goals. He has seen and experienced firsthand that software upgrades (technology) are not in and of themselves, paths to digital maturity. Company enterprises are complex systems, and their challenges must therefore be approach holistically.
Barry’s favorite core value is Integrity & Ethics. This stems from the belief that trust is at the core of any great undertaking, which is why we never compromise on professional or ethical standards in our dealings—upholding the highest level of integrity. Barry lives in Lady Lake, Florida, with his wife and two children. He loves golfing, boating, fishing, and gardening.
Ethan Herbek joined SAM as a college intern in 2004, where he began as a Field Technician. Over the course of nearly 20 years in the Maryville, MO office, Ethan has developed industry-wide experience in GIS development and management practices. Beginning in the field, Ethan moved through roles of GIS Technician, GIS Lead, Project Manager, Sr. Project Manager, and is now GIS Operations Manager. Ethan’s primary experience revolves around GIS development for utilities and municipalities but also works with other departments within SAM to find the best solution for every client and project.
Ethan is a certified GIS Professional (GISP) and also has industry certifications with the North American Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) and OSHA, along with being involved with multiple state-level utility organizations. Professionally, Ethan has developed a unique knowledge of the utility industry and how GIS can be utilized for efficiencies tailored to the specific needs of any client.
SAM’s core value of Integrity and Ethics drives his vision of personal, professional and client relationships. Ethan believes that openness and honesty are at the root of all success stories. Ethan volunteers in his community on city boards, church groups and coaching his children’s youth sports. He enjoys the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. Ethan lives in Savannah, MO with his wife and two children.
Eric Herbert is a GIS Integrator with the MGS Solutions team. He has over 25+ years of Geographic Information Systems experience. Starting his career as an intern for the city of Omaha, Eric has worked within the public sector for multiple counties throughout the state. Prior to joining SAM, he managed all GIS-related operations for Sarpy County, the fastest-growing in Nebraska. As the GIS Manager, Eric oversaw the department’s integration of all spatial systems and solutions, established the GIS team’s standards and procedures for data development and maintenance, and led a team of high-level GIS professionals. He is an active member of the industry, has served as President of the Nebraska GIS/LIS Association, as well as board member for the NE GIS Council. He resides in Fort Calhoun.
Pete Buckingham has 25+ years of experience in the GIS industry. Throughout his career, he has created and managed GIS departments for multiple agencies in a variety of industries. Pete’s career has been a diverse series of collaborations with different decision makers, project managers and clients. He has developed solutions that solved problems for clients, improved workflows and increased efficiencies, utilizing evolving GIS and GPS technology.
Pete has extensive experience in GIS development within municipalities, consulting, and the Right-of-Way industry. He has managed numerous projects related to public works, electric utilities, renewable energy, and utility easements. His years as a leader with diverse industry experience helps him effectively communicate with both technical staff and non-technical clients alike. Pete has helped clients experience success and positive outcomes by finding the appropriate and scaled solutions that best suit their needs.
Pete lives in Iowa and has been a long-time member of several GIS organizations. In his personal time, Pete is a Beekeeper.
Partner with SAM to gather, process, and analyze the Geospatial data you need to advance your commercial business or government entity.
Land Surveying services in New York are conducted under our affiliated company, SAM-NY Geospatial, Inc.