The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is pleased to announce that Ernest B. Brunson has been selected as Eastern Regional Geographer. This position is Mr. Brunson's first assignment as a member of the Senior Executive Service, a corps of executives selected for their leadership qualifications who serve in the key positions just below the Presidential appointees. Mr. Brunson, a native of Savannah, Georgia, is the son of Lucy and the late George Brunson.

His 26-year career with the USGS began in Reston, Virginia, with his assignment to the Branch of Design and Research. Prior to assuming his new duties, Mr. Brunson also served as Acting Chief, Mapping Applications Center in Reston, Virginia, and Acting Chief, Rocky Mountain Mapping Center in Denver, Colorado. He provided leadership in technology development as Chief, Systems Development and Integration, National Mapping Division, and as Program Manager for Modernization. During his time in the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, he was assigned to the Minerals Management Service as Acting Chief, Budget Branch and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as Senior Action Officer.

"I am challenged by my selection to the Senior Executive Service and my assignment to the position of Eastern Regional Geographer to bring together USGS scientists and stakeholders throughout the 26 States east of the Mississippi River that form the Eastern Region," said Mr. Brunson. "U.S. citizens enjoy the highest quality of life anywhere on earth. As the rapidly growing population in the eastern United States adds stress to requirements for water, mineral, energy, plant and animal resources, the USGS through expertise in geography can study ways to better monitor, protect and conserve these resources. I am pleased to guide a creative and dedicated group of people who conduct studies that are on the cutting edge and benefit society."

Mr. Brunson is the immediate past President, Board of Directors, Reston Interfaith, a social service organization providing child care, job counseling, housing and food programs for the greater Reston and Herndon (Virginia) community. Mr. Brunson and his wife, Leomia, reside in Herndon. Their two sons and their families live in the Northern Virginia area.

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial scientific information to resource managers, planners and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, to contribute to the conservation and the sound economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and to enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

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