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2025 Keynote Speakers

Manon Larocque: Driving Innovation in Hydrography: Canada’s Leadership and Vision
Manon Larocque was appointed as the Director General of the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) in September 2023. She brings over 24 years of experience as a civil servant within the Government of Canada. Prior to her current role, she was the Director General of the Aquatic Ecosystems sector at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, where she played a key role in organizing the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress. Her extensive leadership experience also includes 19 years at the Canadian Space Agency, where she led initiatives such as Canada’s national space strategy and Satellite-Based Earth Observation strategy.

In her new role at CHS, Larocque is focused on driving the organization’s digital transformation, with a commitment to implementing the S-100 standards and advancing innovative projects in hydrography. Her work with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) as Canada’s official delegate reflects her dedication to advancing hydrographic services both nationally and internationally.

Keith J. Masback: Shaping the Future of Geospatial Intelligence
With over 30 years of groundbreaking contributions to geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), Keith J. Masback is a globally recognized leader in the field. His tenure as CEO of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) saw him play a central role in uniting the GEOINT community across government, industry, and academia. Masback’s experience extends to high-level leadership at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and years of service in the U.S. Army, where he became a cornerstone in national security and defense intelligence. Today, Masback’s influence is felt through his advisory roles with key organizations like the Landsat Advisory Group and the National Geospatial Advisory Committee. His keynote at GeoIgnite 2025 will provide attendees with a unique perspective on how GEOINT continues to evolve and impact the global stage.

Nadine Alameh: Leading Innovation in Geospatial Science
Dr. Nadine Alameh stands at the forefront of geospatial science and technology. As the inaugural Executive Director of the Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI), her work focuses on harnessing geospatial data to address critical challenges in climate, health, and security. With an extensive career that includes her leadership as CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), Alameh’s transformative efforts have paved the way for a more collaborative and interoperable global geospatial infrastructure. She has also served in key advisory capacities with the U.S. government and international organizations, lending her expertise to initiatives that span across sectors. Alameh’s keynote at GeoIgnite 2025 promises to shed light on the cutting-edge innovations driving the geospatial field forward, with a focus on solving global-scale problems.

Alexander Verbeek: Bridging Climate Change and Global Security
Alexander Verbeek is a seasoned diplomat and environmentalist, whose career spans over three decades in the fields of climate change, security, and geopolitical risk. As the founder of the Planetary Security Initiative, he has played an instrumental role in convening global leaders to address the security implications of climate change. Currently serving as Policy Director at the Environment & Development Resource Centre in Brussels, Verbeek continues to advise governments, businesses, and NGOs on managing environmental crises. Known for his public speaking and thought leadership through his popular newsletter The Planet, Verbeek brings a dynamic approach to tackling planetary challenges like water security, food systems, and sustainable development. His keynote at GeoIgnite 2025 will highlight the critical intersection between environmental sustainability and global security in today’s rapidly changing world.

Eric Loubier: Shaping Canada’s Geomatics and Earth Observation Strategies for National Progress
For the last 20 years, Eric has worked for the federal government, as project manager, program manager, Director, and now Director General of the Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation. Eric has also worked as Director of the Science Policy and Partnership Division of the Science and Technology Branch of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC).

Before joining the public service, he worked for a consulting firm in the field of land management and as a sub-contractor for the Canadian Space Agency. As such, Eric has significant experience in providing corporate leadership in planning, developing and implementing complex national geomatics and earth observation programs and strategies.

Peter Rabley: Shaping the Future of Geospatial Technology Through Collaboration and Innovation
Peter Rabley, CEO of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC), is a key figure in advancing global geospatial standards and innovations. Under his leadership, OGC plays a vital role in shaping how geospatial data is shared and used across sectors, including government, industry, and academia. The OGC’s work is crucial for fostering collaboration and ensuring that geospatial technologies are interoperable, scalable, and accessible, which is increasingly important in addressing challenges like climate change, urban planning, and resource management. Peter’s keynote at GeoIgnite 2025 will offer valuable insights into the future of geospatial technology and its transformative potential across industries.

Denis Hains: Driving Global Collaboration in Hydrography and Ocean Mapping
Denis Hains is a leader in the global hydrographic community and is recognized for his substantial contributions, commitment and influencer role as the global instigator of the Hydrospatial Movement Club & Community (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12556091/) and his leadership in advancing ocean mapping networking, technologies and standards. He is the Canadian Hydrographic Association’s 2024 Sam Masry Award recipient.

After retiring as the Director General of the Canadian Hydrographic Service with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and as Hydrographer General of Canada; he founded H2i. He is also notable for being the US-Canada representative on the International Hydrographic Review (IHR) Editorial Board of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

Denis also holds the honor of being one of the five international members of The Nippon Foundation, General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO)-Seabed 2030 Strategic Advisory Group. He also shares his expertise and leadership as an affiliate research scientist at the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping in the USA; and as Co-chair of the WG4.4 for the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), Commission 4.

Advisory Committee

GeoIgnite Co-Chairs

David Gachuche

CEO
RiverCross Technologies

Ted MacKinnon

Senior Geomatics Technologist
Natural Resources Canada