Catherine Crook
Adjunct Faculty
Biography
I am an experienced spatial intelligence professional with over 18 years of GIS expertise spanning government and commercial sectors. Currently, I serve as a Senior Program Manager at Quanta Services, a Fortune 200 company, where I oversee diverse geospatial projects, optimize fiber network planning, and drive ROI through strategic initiatives. My work includes managing the HexMAPP telecom analytics application, which transitioned to Quanta after the company acquired its licensing rights. I collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and leverage advanced geospatial tools to deliver impactful solutions.
I also have extensive experience working for government agencies, including serving as the Enterprise GIS Manager for the City of Kent. There, I led the development and management of the city’s GIS enterprise, enhancing municipal operations through advanced spatial analytics, improved infrastructure planning, and increased operational efficiency. I also worked with other government organizations such as the Port of Tacoma and the City of Maple Valley, where I contributed to projects that streamlined operations, strengthened infrastructure, and advanced geospatial capabilities.
In addition to my professional career, I am passionate about educating the next generation of GIS practitioners. As an adjunct faculty member, I teach Intro to GIS and Intermediate GIS classes, helping students build a solid foundation in geospatial principles and applications. My goal is to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to apply GIS effectively in their chosen career paths. Whether they pursue roles as GIS professionals or integrate geospatial tools into other fields, I aim to help them unlock diverse opportunities.
I am proficient in platforms like Esri ArcPro, QGIS, and advanced web mapping technologies, combining technical expertise with practical insights to advance geospatial intelligence in both public and private sectors.
Education
- MS Geospatial Technologies - University of Washington
- BA Environmental Science - University of Washington
- GIS Certification - University of Washington
Courses Taught
- Intro to GIS
- Intermediate GIS