NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug 8, 2016) – Matthew Davis, a Geospatial Information Systems specialist, assigned to Engineering Construction Division's Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month for June 2016.
Davis is commended for his significant contributions demonstrated while collecting and developing geospatial data for the Nashville District Story Maps project. He developed, planned, scanned documents, incorporated key data and used program guidance to connect key maps of GIS data of District property.
The collaborative information has key data and specific location points which allows the district’s website easier access for public use.
According to Lt. Col. Stephen Murphy F. Murphy, Nashville District commander, Davis supports the Operations, Engineering and Construction, and PPMD Branches with geospatial data collection efforts and program guidance for the successful mapping of District property and assets, and the Nashville District Projects Story Maps he developed are now available on our website for public use.
“This is exceptional work and it is very user friendly,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Murphy F. Murphy, Nashville District commander. “He has used the websites to provide a service that literally puts the district on the Geospatial Information Systems support internet map.”
Bobby Sells, Enterprise Geospatial Engineering Systems Coordinator and Davis’ supervisor said Davis is a great person to work with, a great team player, and has transitioned to his current position in the H&H branch seven months ago but continued to provide GIS support to the Real Estate Division's real property initiative and the Real Estate map viewer he developed is now being used by several other districts in the Great Lakes and Ohio Division..
“He is a great addition to our office and we are extremely glad that he is a member of our team,” said Sells.
The Nashville District website links photos to data and maps which according to Davis is great for new employees to understand how the Corps works, understand current projects, and allows stake holders or the public, who might be looking for statistics information on work projects completed by the Corps.
“It was a tough and tedious project but it was worth it,” said Davis. “I wanted to provide people with a good visual overview of projects, allow them to access the information and give them a better insight to our district. It was fun because I really enjoy helping people, sharing information that makes their job easier and that feedback allows me to grow professionally.”
Sells said Davis readily shares his expertise and knowledge with others, and is the district’s go-to guy for GIS information, questions and reference. He said Davis is a hard worker, friendly, smart, and professional who always stays with the plan, and makes the project better.
“I think one of his best qualities is that he is cool under pressure, always looks to help others and improve his work,” said Sells. He always has a smile and plays a big role in our success in the district to improve the GIS process.”
Sells said since Davis’ arrival he has jumped right in and learned all of the systems that support the district. He is not afraid to try new processes and is dedicated to helping and exceeding the needs of his coworkers and those he serves around the district.
“Matt is an eager learner and seizes every opportunity to take on responsibility,” said Sells. “He is a key member in getting the Geospatial models web ready and creating the enterprise database that makes these models enduring.”
After a brief stint working for private contractor, Davis began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2013 and is a graduate of University of Central Arkansas and Fort Hays State University. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for 8 years as a Topographical specialist and believes in self-improvement and tries to learn something new about his job every day.
“I hope the public gains a better overview of what we do, why we from our website that they have a better understanding of why we do certain projects, the work that is done and how it is done,” said Davis.
“He is most deserving (for this recognition) because of the extra effort he puts forth in his job, in all cases exceeding the requirements of his position,” said Sells.
He voluntarily made a presentation to an audience of 300 at the national Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) GIS conference attended by local, State, and Federal entities. While the effect of Matt's efforts have been felt at the regional and national level within the Corps, his technical expertise and attention to detail continue to make him an invaluable asset to the Nashville District.
Murphy said Davis’ can-do spirit and helpful attitude make even tedious tasks pleasant.
“I enjoy coming to work every day 100 percent because I’m surrounded by great people that have passion for their jobs and care about what they do which makes it a whole lot easier,” said Davis.
Davis said that one of the keys to his success was being able to readily adapt to changes in new systems, being patient and staying consistent.
Murphy said while the effect of Matt's efforts have been felt at the regional and national level within the Corps, his technical expertise and attention to detail continue to make him an invaluable asset to the Nashville District.
“His outstanding performance and work ethic along with his ‘team player’ outlook significantly contributes to the success and ultimately the mission of the district,” said Murphy.
Davis and his wife Melissa have two children, Alex, 15, and Will, 12. He loves reading books, spending time with family and friends watching Alabama football.
David said he was surprised by the employee of the month announcement and is grateful to receive the award.
(For more news, updates and information please follow the Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can view photos from the Nashville District on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/nashvillecorps and videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/armyenginrsnashville.)