Last month, AURIN and the Geospatial Council of Australia had the honour of presenting the Peter Woodgate Award to Glenn Cockerton.
The Peter Woodgate Award was created in memory of Dr Peter Woodgate, who served as Chair of AURIN’s board as well as President of the Geospatial Council. It recognises an Australian-based individual or team for their contributions to the geospatial industry, with a special focus on those characteristics valued and embodied by Peter: collaboration, mentorship, leadership and innovation.
This year’s recipient, Glenn Cockerton, recently stepped down as CEO of Spatial Vision after 24 years in the role. He has also held a number of senior positions with industry associations and committees, including multiple terms as a board member of the Spatial Industries Business Association, and as chair during 2015 and 2016. Throughout this time, Glenn has been an essential leader, making invaluable contributions to the sector.
“I am very honoured to have been recognised by AURIN and GCA for my contributions which of course could not have happened without the support of Spatial Vision,” says Glenn.
Spatial Vision is a geospatial and application development company providing geospatial services to help State and Local government agencies, private organisations and NFPs overcome spatial, social and environmental challenges.
From his time as CEO, Glenn is particularly proud of his work expanding the organisation, delivering critical mapping products to the CFA/Emergency Management Victoria, and building critical partnerships with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and Land Use Victoria while delivering the adjustment phase of the Digital Cadastre Modernisation project for the Victorian Government.
He is passionate about broader industry engagement and giving back to the sector, which led to a number of important partnerships and initiatives with universities and peak industry bodies. He is also particularly focused on values and building strong teams, with the introduction of the Spatial Vision graduate program a highlight of his time as CEO. Glenn sees learning, taking responsibility and listening to staff as critical elements of leadership and management.
Of how he sees his leadership style, Glenn says, “I believe some things have remained relatively consistent: always striving for consensus and taking a long- rather than short-term perspective. Over the years I have gained a better understanding of my strengths – and weaknesses – and have sought to build a team with both shared values and the ability to complement each other. Increasingly I have tried to provide an environment in which people can develop both their technical skills and leadership.”
Though he has stepped down as CEO, Glenn will continue to contribute to Spatial Vision as chairman, as well as to the sector through his membership of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board of GCA and of the board of the newly formed Geography Victoria. He will also continue to chair the working party behind the recently released 2030 Space and Spatial Roadmap.
Congratulations again to Glenn on receiving the Peter Woodgate Award, and on all that he has accomplished during his time in the industry.
Nominations are currently open for the next Peter Woodgate Award – details are available via the Geospatial Council of Australia.