Longtime Alaska Geologist Dave LePain Named New DGGS Director
New State Geologist Takes Over for Retiring Steve Masterman
Longtime Alaska geologist Dave LePain has been named to succeed Steve Masterman as State Geologist and director of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (DGGS). LePain took over for Masterman on March 1. Masterman is assisting with the leadership transition for the next month and will retire in April after serving as DGGS director and State Geologist for more than eight years. LePain is no stranger to DGGS, having served as the Division’s Energy Resources Section Chief since 2014. A highly experienced geologist, LePain’s work in Alaska has focused on the North Slope, including the northeastern Brooks Range, Cook Inlet and several Interior sedimentary basins. LePain began working for DGGS in 1998 before leaving in 2003 to work at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, then returning to DGGS in 2006. In 2012, LePain spent a year in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, working for Saudi Aramco before returning, yet again, to DGGS to serve as Petroleum Geologist and Energy Resources Section Chief. “I am thrilled that Dave was willing to step into this role,” said Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Corri Feige. “I think Alaska’s significance in energy and mineral development, and the importance of these SAMPLE ARCHIVE SYSTEM, INC. A Better Way to Handle and Store Your Samples • A proven concept in handling core • Provides a more compact, cost effective, weatherproof method of storing • Constructed of rugged, durable, UV-resistant black high
resources to the nation, will be in sharp focus in the years ahead. Dave is highly qualified and respected in this arena and will help us seize these opportunities.” LePain will have big boots to fill taking over for Masterman, who represented DGGS at the state and national level to raise awareness of Alaska’s mineral and energy resource potential, sand and gravel resources, coastal erosion risks, and other geologic hazards to ensure the safety and well- being of Alaskans. Masterman represented DGGS in state, regional and national organizations, including as president of the American Association of American State Geologists. “While I am sad to be leaving, I have greatly enjoyed my time at DGGS and I am very glad to be handing off to Dave, in whom I have great confidence,” said Masterman. DGGS is part of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and is organized into six program sections: Energy Resources, Mineral Resources, Engineering Geology, Volcanology, the Geologic Information Center, and the Alaska Geologic Materials Center. In addition, DGGS oversees operations of the Alaska Geospatial Office. With more than 50 full-time employees and an annual budget exceeding $9 million, DGGS collaborates with a variety of state and national organizations to serve a range of geologic data and information. Our flexibility and dedication have enabled us to become a top provider for the heavy civil construction and resource development industries. MOVING THE EARTH
Outgoing State Geologist Steve Masterman, left, exchanges a handshake with his successor, Dave LePain on March 3.
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March 2022 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org
www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I March 2022
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