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CASS COUNTY, Mich. — Cass County has appointed a new director of its Geographic Information Systems department, but he is no stranger to Cass County.

Alex Biles, who began his new position on March 5, has served as the Deputy GIS Director since November 2022. He replaces Erika Espeland, Cass County’s first-ever GIS Director, who returned to Berrien County to serve as GIS Director earlier this year.

“I am excited to continue building and growing the GIS Department to serve the needs of Cass County,” Biles said. “I look forward to enhancing the quantity and quality of our data library, as well as building new partnerships with municipalities and agencies that may be interested in collaborating with us, and expanding the range of services our department can offer the community.”

Interim Administrator Jennifer Rentfrow said she was happy to promote from within the department.

“Alex has continuously expanded his expertise and leadership skills during his tenure as Deputy GIS Director,” she said. “His deep knowledge, dedication, and drive will ensure a smooth transition and continued excellence in GIS services for our departments, offices, residents, and partners.”

Because the GIS Department is relatively new to Cass County, many are unaware of the services the department provides. Biles said the GIS Department is responsible for maintaining and facilitating the flow of geospatial information across Cass County.

“Some of our responsibilities include assigning new addresses, working closely with 911 to ensure that dispatch is functioning smoothly, and providing technical support to agencies across the county that utilize GIS software,” he said. “We play an important role in property transactions by verifying legal documents and mapping out parcel boundaries.”

The four-person department partners with nearly every other department and office within the county, as well as other municipalities, community groups and partners to map out utilities, cemeteries, hiking trails, property boundaries and many other projects.

Biles’ background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in geography and GIS certificate from Western Michigan University.

“For as long as I remember, I’ve had a passion for maps and geography,” he said. “As a little kid, I would draw maps of fictional cities and could spend long car rides flipping through a road atlas and memorizing it. Maps are a great way of making sense of the world around us and I love being able to serve our county by providing valuable information that helps keep decisionmakers and residents informed.”

Biles encouraged residents to take advantage of the services provided by the GIS department, which are listed on their webpage, casscountymi.org/1345/Geographic-Information-Systems.