OUR TEAM
Although we are a technology company, we find that people are inspired by other people—not technology. We’re proud of our company, our team and our clients, and we’re intentional in how we work together!
MGP’s leadership team believes that people drive success. We are committed to building, coaching and developing the MGP team.
Tom Thomey
Founder & General Manager
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Robert Davis
Analyst Lead
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Brian Dieker
Client Account Manager
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Ralph Nikischer
Client Account Manager
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Tom Thomey
Founder & General Manager
Tom is the founder and General Manager of Municipal GIS Partners (MGP) Inc., which he founded in 1998 to help municipalities optimize GIS for better efficiencies, cost-savings and decision-making. His vision has been adopted by 34 communities in Illinois, known as the GIS Consortium. He offers almost thirty years of experience as a public servant, senior consultant, project manager, software engineer and business entrepreneur. From 1994 through 1997, he was GIS Manager for the City of Highland Park, overseeing data maintenance, software development, and program management. A little-known fact about Tom is that he was in Germany in 1989 when the Berlin Wall came down.
Robert Davis
Analyst Lead
Robert brings a wide range of expertise to the MGP team. He is a trained engineer, with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Marquette University. He also holds GIS Certification from the College of DuPage. Robert is an Analyst at in the MGP office where he assists Analysts on site with technical needs and project development. He also leads MGP’s Data Quality initiative, ensuring that the Consortium communities have the most optimal information to aid them in making the best decisions. Robert is also a brewing expert and brews his own beer, which he often shares with MGP staff.
Brian Dieker
Client Account Manager
In the Spring of 2018, Brian connected with the MGP team to continue his passion in leadership and client service. He began his professional career with Bartlett & West as a GIS Technician but quickly advanced into management as a Senior Group Manager for their GIS & Technology Service Group. His responsibility as a leader was multi-faceted with both an internal team of professionals and external clientele. His responsibilities and engagement with clients included project management, data quality assurance, technical and business process innovation, and business development. When he is not at work, he is trying new and exciting experiences. Most recently, Brian traveled overseas for the first time in 2017, indulging his love for travel, food, and history by exploring Italy.
Ralph Nikischer
Client Account Manager
Ralph joined MGP in the summer of 2018 as a Client Account Manager. Prior to working with MGP, Ralph worked as an Assistant Urban Forester for the City of Monterrey, CA and worked for the Village of Hinsdale, IL as a Public Service Superintendent and Horticulturist. Ralph began working in local government in 2007, his significant experience and knowledge in local government has allowed him to bring a new perspective to MGP. Outside of focusing on the health of our client programs, you can find Ralph reading about ecological restoration and permaculture. He has propagated thousands of native trees and plants that help restore local environments.
MGP team members, put relationships first in our consulting and project delivery. The more clients know we care, the more opportunity we have to make a difference and inspire them.
Eric Altergott
Analyst
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Kristin Bilar
Analyst
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Michael Cherry
Analyst
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Alejandro Di Prizio
Analyst
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Grant Dixon
Analyst
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Mike Falkofske
Analyst
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Jennifer Gandy
Analyst
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Louise Hahn
Analyst
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Lee Hartman
Analyst
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Alex Hurd
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Matt Huser
Analyst
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Elaine Kurr
Analyst
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Geoff Lloyd
Analyst
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Rachael Luzar
Analyst
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Kiko Mari
Analyst
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Alison Maulhardt
Analyst
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Richard Norwood
Analyst
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Caitlin Pennington
Analyst
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Leslie Pobee
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Alissa Pump
Analyst
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Randy Rymarcsuk
Analyst
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Martín Salmón
Analyst
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Joel Schoerner
Analyst
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Andrew Shuman
Analyst
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Bill SooHoo
Analyst
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Peter Szewczyk
Analyst
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Trey Taliaferro
Analyst
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Donna Thomey
Management Support Specialist
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Jan Teisinger
Analyst
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Seth Tribby
Analyst
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Krista Waski
Analyst
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Eric Altergott
Analyst
Eric began his career with MGP as a GIS Site Analyst in November 2018. He worked previously in the natural gas industry as a GIS Technician for Nicor Gas in Naperville, Illinois, and prior to that was a GIS intern in the real estate department at Commonwealth Edison in Oak Brook, Illinois. Eric attended Harper College, earning an Associate of Arts degree and then went on to Elmhurst College where he earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Geographic Information Systems and the other in Geography, with a minor in Urban Studies. Eric enjoys traveling and so far, has been to 16 countries on 4 different continents. Before working with GIS, Eric served in the Marine Corps for 5 years.
Kristin Bilar
Analyst
Kristin began her career with MGP in December 2018. She worked previously in the Village of Schaumburg as an Engineering Project Technician and as the GIS Technician for the Village of South Barrington. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Southern IL University, Carbondale and has continued her education at College of DuPage and Harper College taking courses in ecology, horticulture, and earning her GIS Certification. Kristin is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and at the peak of her natural resource management career was burning 300-400 acres per year. Currently, she enjoys volunteering her chainsaw skills with Lutheran Early Response Team (L.E.R.T.) after natural disasters.
Michael Cherry
Analyst
Michael joined the MGP team as a Site Analyst in November 2021. He attended Utah State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Geographic Information Science. While attending Utah State, Michael interned with the Utah Climate Center as a GIS meteorologist and front-end web developer. Following graduation, he worked as a field biologist in Southern Utah, Wyoming, and Western Colorado performing a variety of surveys for endangered species. Michael started skiing a month before his third birthday and can undoubtedly say it is his favorite pastime. While living in Utah he became accustomed to the ease of access, the vast amount of area to play in, and the thrill of powder days. Michael plans on flying back to see his family in Park City at least 3 times each winter to get his ski days in!
Alejandro Di Prizio
Analyst
Alejandro joined MGP in March of 2022 as a GIS Analyst. Prior to working with MGP, he worked as a GIS Associate with SB Freidman Development Advisors, working on TIF projections for the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, comprehensive plans, as well as market and real estate analysis for affordable housing, retail, hotel, office, and industrial developments across the country. Alejandro also worked for the department of Resource Management of the Cook County Forest Preserves. Outside of work, Alejandro writes songs and plays drums in a band.
Grant Dixon
Analyst
Grant began his career with MGP in August 2018. He worked previously in 911 dispatch as a GIS Intern with QuadCom 911, producing emergency service analyses and data visualizations. Grant attended the University of Southern California, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Interdisciplinary Archaeology and Religion. He earned his Master of Arts in Archaeology from the University College London, and is finishing a Master of Science degree in Geographic Information Science and Technology at USC. Grant is an avid history buff and traveler. He has visited 27 states and 10 countries and once visited 9 castles in 3 days.
Mike Falkofske
Analyst
Mike has been with MGP for most of the company’s history. He has been a GIS Specialist since 2000. He currently manages the GIS programs in Mundelein and Lake Forest and routinely participates in the training and mentoring of many of MGP’s employees. Prior to MGP, he worked as a Project Manager for Geocode Inc. in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Mike has a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Geography from the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. Mike has always had a strong interest in local government, which prompted him to become an active member with the Kenosha Unified School Board in April 2015. Although Mike has quite the sweet tooth, he absolutely despises Lemon Meringue Pie!
Jennifer Gandy
Analyst
Jennifer began her career with MGP as an Analyst in June 2019. Prior to MGP, Jennifer was the GIS Coordinator for the Village of Niles and for the City of Battle Creek, MI. Jennifer attended The University of Northern Iowa majoring in Geography with a Minor in Earth Science and then attended Northern Illinois University to receive her Master’s of Science in Geography. Jennifer has climbed to the top of Wind River Peak in Wyoming and completed a Half Ironman. She loves to do anything that involves the outdoors.
Louise Hahn
Analyst
Louise Hahn has been with MGP since March 2015 and is currently an Analyst in Northbrook, Oak Park, and Glencoe. Louise graduated Magna Cum Laude from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Geography. Louise has worked various positions outside the GIS field after graduating. One of her unique experiences in life includes spending a summer working on a small, organic farm!
Lee Hartman
Analyst
Lee joined MGP in 2016 as a GIS Specialist. He kicked off his GIS career with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as a GIS Analyst, where he mapped the geomorphology of northeast Florida for the National Park Service. His diverse experience also includes work as a GIS Coordinator for Mobilitie and a GIS Specialist with Nicor Gas. His academic accreditations include a B.S. in Geography and a Masters in Geographic Information Systems from Florida State University. Outside of work, Lee is a board game enthusiast who appreciates good competition!
Alex Hurd
Alex began her career with MGP in April 2022. She worked previously for the Lee County Property Appraiser’s office in Florida as a GIS Analyst where she utilized ESRI’s Parcel Fabric to maintain the tax map. Alex holds two Bachelor of Science degrees from Florida State University in Geography and Sociology, and a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems through the University of Denver. Alex is a music lover and has attended over ten music festivals. She also enjoys spending much of her free time with her rescue dog Scout.
Matt Huser
Analyst
Matt Huser joined MGP in 2013 as a GIS Specialist. He has a B.S. in Geography from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After graduation, Matt worked for Garmin International. Formerly a Specialist, Matt now works in the MGP office as an Analyst providing project and technical assistance to Analysts on site. Matt also leads the innovation and development of Community Portal, a portal aimed at giving residents the most pertinent information about their property. In addition to his passion for working with local governments, Matt and his family own and operate a hamburger stand that was started by his great-grandfather in 1909.
Elaine Kurr
Analyst
Elaine began her career as a GIS Analyst with MGP in August 2019. She attended the University of Tampa, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science-Biology and attended Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, receiving a Master of Science in Coastal and Marine System Science. Elaine previously utilized GIS to complete research projects investigating the effects of freshwater inflow on estuary production and fish populations. Elaine spent much of her life working at her family’s carwash. She also has a passion for aquatic life and hopes to one day have a pet shark.
Geoff Lloyd
Analyst
Geoff has been with MGP since 2013, where he currently manages the GIS Programs in Skokie and Morton Grove. Prior to working with MGP, Geoff worked as an Outreach Assistant for Alliance for the Great Lakes, as an intern for Friends of the Parks, and contributed to the H+T Index as an Intern for the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Geoff holds a master’s Degree in Urban Policy and Planning, and a certificate in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a B.A. from Ripon College. Beyond these, Geoff is an avid fan of The Office, and can quote every episode.
Rachael Luzar
Analyst
Rachael joined MGP in the fall of 2017. Rachael graduated from State University of New York at Geneseo with a Bachelor of Arts, where she was the Vice President of the National Honor Society for Earth Sciences. She achieved a Master of Science in Geospatial Science from Missouri State University in August of 2017. Throughout her studies she was a teaching and research assistant with geological science and planetary science focuses. A one-of-a-kind experience Rachael had while visiting New York City, was witnessing the epic snowball fight scene in the Christmas movie Elf!
Kiko Mari
Analyst
Kiko began his career with MGP as a GIS Analyst in October 2020. He worked previously in local government as a Graduate Intern for the City of Elgin’s City Manager’s Office, Community Development Department, and GIS Team. Kiko attended Elmhurst University in undergrad, earning degrees in International Business and Spanish and is now completing a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago with a specialization in spatial planning. Kiko played baseball at Elmhurst University and his favorite place in the world is his family’s neighborhood in Valencia, Spain.
Alison Maulhardt
Analyst
Alison Maulhardt is a Site Analyst serving the villages of Northbrook and Skokie. Previously Alison was a Senior Planner at GCR in the Community Planning and Resilience division. Prior to this, Alison worked at the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission as the Brownfield Program Manager, and Sustainability/Transportation Planner. Alison worked at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board as a Senior Planner in the Environmental Affairs Storm Water Section. She has a BA in Physical Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA and a Masters in Urban/Regional Planning from University of New Orleans. Alison served in the Peace Corps in Benin, West-Africa.
Richard Norwood
Analyst
Richard started at MGP as a Site Analyst in April 2022. His experience spans from working with local and state government to transportation to utilities infrastructure. He is fascinated by the many aspects that make a city unique. Richard graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning. He then went on to work at Atlanta City Council, where he specialized in Zoning, Community Development, and Transportation legislation, as well as community outreach. He then worked as a Traffic Engineer with Arcadis and consulted on a variety of transportation related projects in Georgia involving traffic signal timing, design, mapping, analytics, and inventory management. Richard is an outdoors enthusiast with an affinity for hiking, skiing, biking, and urban exploration. Richard is also an avid sports fan, and one of his proudest moments was touring the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. He has also been (and immediately regretted) skydiving.
Caitlin Pennington
Analyst
In the summer of 2018 the MGP team excitedly welcomed Caitlin. She brings knowledge and skills from her past experiences to the team such as leadership through collaborating with a team of experts and data analysis and interpretation of technical field data. Caitlin received two Bachelor degrees focusing on Meteorology and Geography and also received her Master of Science in Geography. Prior to working for MGP she worked for a consulting company as a GIS Analyst assisting the Navy and Marine Corps with risk management and utility infrastructure assessments. When Caitlin is not in the office and there is a good storm brewing in the Midwest, you will likely find her storm chasing! She has been several times and is excited to be living in a region where the setup is ideal.
Leslie Pobee
Leslie joined the MGP team as a Site Analyst in February 2022. Since 2007, he has worked as a GIS specialist in agriculture, environmental management, and housing. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Ghana, a Master of Science in Geo-information Science from a Consortium of three universities in Europe, and a Master of Arts in International Development Administration from Western Michigan University. Outside of work, Leslie is a worship leader, writer, and musician. He has visited over 10 countries on 4 continents.
Alissa Pump
Analyst
Alissa began her career with MGP in March 2014 as a GIS Specialist. She manages the GIS Programs in La Grange, Schiller Park, and Oak Park. Alissa received a B.S. in Physical Geography from the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Systems at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she conducted research to raise awareness of hazardous materials obstructing waterways. After graduation, she had a GIS internship at the Field Museum in the Conservation and Environment Department. Her passion for cartography does not stop with her career, as she has an impressive collection of map inserts from National Geographic magazines between the 1950s to early 2000s!
Randy Rymarcsuk
Analyst
Randy joined the MGP Team as a GIS Analyst in 2021. He has over 25 years of experience in GIS and data management and has held positions with Motorola, HERE Technologies and Allstate. He also held roles in Data Quality Analyst and as a Scrum Master. He earned his Bachelors in Geography from Northern Illinois University in 1994. Since his college days, Randy has been updating a wall map of the US that shows every major road he has traveled. Randy has extensive backpacking experience with trips logged in The Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho and Montana.
Martín Salmón
Analyst
Martín worked as an urban planner for the City of Takoma Park and the Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission. He spent a brief period working in New Orleans helping communities map blighted properties after Hurricane Katrina. For the past 9 years, Martín worked as a GIS analyst at the Center for Research and teaching of Economics (CIDE- in Spanish) located in Mexico. There, he worked in various federal projects that studied environmental issues. He also worked with historians and digital humanists creating visualizations of historical data.Martín holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Loyola University, New Orleans. He earned a Master of Arts in Community Planning and a Master’s degree in GIS from the University of Maryland, College Park. Martín loves road trips and traveled throughout Mexico, Bolivia, parts of the US and India. His first major trip was at the age of 6. He and his family drove from La Paz, Bolivia, into the Amazon Forest (crossing into Brazil) where they encountered leopards, wild pigs (peccaries), and Chiman natives.
Joel Schoerner
Analyst
Joel joined MGP as a Site Analyst in November 2020. He has over 23 years of experience in GIS, map production, and database management, the last 19 of which were with the Content Operations and Sourcing groups at TomTom. He has supported in a variety of roles focused on Map and Data Specifications, Process Development, and Database Quality Analysis. Joel attended University of Illinois where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography. Despite only attending a few live sports events each year, Joel was fortunate to see Mark Buehrle pitch a perfect game for the White Sox in 2009.
Andrew Shuman
Analyst
Andrew began his career with MGP in 2013. Prior to joining MGP, Andrew worked for the Sequoia Riverlands Trust in Visalia California. He has a Bachelor of Science with a dual major in Forestry and Biological Conservation and a certificate in Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Masters in Geographical Information Science from the University of Denver. A fun fact about Andrew is that he has dressed up as Smokey the Bear on more than one occasion. Ask him about it!
Bill SooHoo
Analyst
Bill began his career with MGP as an Analyst in July 2019. He worked previously for Cherokee Nation Technologies as a GIS Specialist in support of the USGS. Bill received his BA in Geology and History from Calvin College and his MS in Geography from the University of South Carolina. In his free time, Bill likes to play Ultimate Frisbee for the club team Black Market. His ability to go above and beyond for his clients is what makes him the ULTIMATE Analyst
Peter Szewczyk
Analyst
Peter brings a variety of skills to the MGP team. He graduated from DePaul University in 2014 with a degree in Business, and joined MGP in September 2016. His professional experience includes two years as a GIS Analyst at the Village of Arlington Heights and as an AutoCAD Technician in the private sector in Schiller Park. Peter is proficient in Python, VBA,HTML, and in SQL. Peter currently manages the GIS programs in Norridge and Tinley Park. He is also fluent in Polish. One of his foremost, favorite hobbies is building and driving his racecar.
Trey Taliaferro
Analyst
Trey began his career with MGP as a GIS Analyst in March 2022. Trey attended Eastern Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a Minor in Geographic Information Science. After college, he worked as a GIS Technician for Apple in Austin, working on the Apple Maps team managing and visualizing data for use in the mobile application. For the last four years, he has been working as a GIS Specialist consulting and executing projects for local governments all around Michigan. If you find yourself taking a Train in Ireland or a Ferry anywhere in Scandinavia, there’s a good chance you’ll see Trey’s work, as he digitized and designed a large quantity of the GIS assets that you will find in Apple Maps. He is also an active player, coach, and advocate of Ultimate Frisbee, so look for him chasing a plastic disc on a field near you!
Donna Thomey
Management Support Specialist
Donna Thomey joined MGP in 2003, and is currently the Management Support Specialist. Donna started her professional career in an Administrative capacity with Jim Beam Brands and then moved into Office Management with MCG, a deferred compensation company. Following MCG, Donna went into Human Resources/Personnel with OneSource and Lake Forest High School. Donna has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business from Western Illinois University in Macomb. Donna keeps the MGP “ship” afloat, making sure that all aspects of the company are in great shape!
Jan Teisinger
Analyst
Jan has been a long time, loyal component of MGP since 2004. He serves as an Analyst for the company. Prior to MGP, his GIS experience derives from a GIS Analyst role with the Village of Arlington Heights, an Application Development Technician for the Earth Data Analysis Center, and a Map Reference Assistant with the Map and Geographic Information Center also in Albuquerque. Jan has a B.A. in Geography from the University of New Mexico and holds several Microsoft™ certifications. He has a knack for traveling and has visited all contiguous U.S. States and 32 countries!
Seth Tribby
Analyst
Seth Tribby began his career in GIS in 2016, and has a degree in Urban, Regional, and Global Geography with a minor degree in Geographic Information Science from The Ohio State University. Seth is an avid photographer and artist and you can find his work at www.DeepDreamsGallery.com and his favorite topics are history and philosophy.
Krista Waski
Analyst
Krista began her career at MGP as a GIS Analyst in November 2021. Previously, she worked in the communications infrastructure and services industry as a fiber support specialist for Extenet located in Lisle, IL responsible for digitizing fiber network as-builts while maintaining a high level of data quality. Krista holds a BA from Simpson College in Indianola, IA in Computer Information Systems as well as a MS from Elmhurst University in Geographic Information Systems. Krista began her quest to join the Premier Hockey Federation in 2013 by equipping herself with a bike helmet, figure skates, and a used hockey stick. She has since purchased proper equipment and joined a women’s rec league and can be found at the ice rink most weekends in the winter. One day she hopes to skate as fast as Kendall Coyne.