Widseth is proud to announce that Mark Reineke, CMS, GISP, has received the prestigious Polaris Leadership Award from the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium. Named after Polaris (the North Star), the award recognizes professionals who serve as a guiding force for Minnesota’s geospatial community through leadership, innovation, and service.
As Widseth’s GIS department lead, Mark has spent decades advancing geospatial technology and collaboration across Minnesota. His contributions include leadership roles on statewide geospatial committees, service on the MN GIS/LIS Board of Directors, and active participation in GIS/LIS conferences since 1997.
Mark’s expertise has supported a wide range of projects, from cartographic work for educational, historical, and cultural institutions to innovative water resource initiatives. He played a key role in acquiring statewide second-generation lidar data, hydro-conditioning methodologies, culvert inventories, and AEC lidar practices.
Known for his creativity, technical insight, and enthusiasm, Mark has helped strengthen Minnesota’s reputation as a national leader in geospatial technologies. Being selected for the Polaris Leadership Award reflects the lasting impact he has made on the profession and the many people and organizations he has supported throughout his career.
