
HELLO, I'M
Alex Porter.
GIS and Spatial Analyst

Alex Porter
- Graduate Certificate in GIS
- BA in German, minor Geology
- MA in German
- Virginia Teaching License
for Earth and Space Science
and German
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
- FAA sUAS Drone Pilot Certified
(803) 331-4762
About
MY BACKGROUND
I'm Alex, a GIS technician, spatial analyst, and data professional with a track record of solving real problems for local governments in Virginia.
​
I currently work as a GIS Technician in New Kent County, maintaining and processing updates to GIS layers and databases. Before that, at Fluvanna County, I processed zoning and subdivision applications and led GIS special projects, including analysis of a comprehensive plan community survey and a full redraw of zoning maps for EMS and fire response. My internship with the Hopewell City Development and Planning Office added hands-on experience in spatial analysis, map creation, environmental grant reviews, and cross-departmental collaboration.
​
My technical credentials include a GIS Certificate from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Google Data Analytics Certificate, and a Baccalaureate Certificate in Data Analytics from the University of Richmond currently in progress. My academic background runs deeper than most: a master's in Germanic Studies from the University of Maryland sharpened my critical thinking and communication, and a Geology minor from the College of Charleston grounded me in spatial and scientific reasoning. For several years I put those communication skills to work as a German teacher in Hanover County, managing 70+ students across multiple proficiency levels, an experience that built the leadership and organizational instincts I bring to every project today.
​
I'm looking for a role where rigorous analysis meets real-world impact. If that sounds like your team, let's talk.
Education
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Experience
WHERE I’VE WORKED
2026-present
Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate GIS Certificate
March 2025 - September 2025
Fluvanna County - GIS Technician/Planner
2023-2024
Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate GIS Certificate
2025
FAA small UAS Drone Pilot Certified
2024-2025
June 2024 - October 2024
Hopewell City Planner - GIS Fellow
Aug. 2021 – June 2024
Hanover County Public Schools, German Teacher
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Aug. 2020 – June 2021
2017-2019
University of Maryland
MA, Germanic Studies
2012-2016
College of Charleston
BA, German/Geology
Shenandoah University, Adjunct Professor of German
Sept. 2019 - March 2020
Fulbright Germany, English Teaching Assistant
Skills & Languages
WHAT CAN I BRING TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
Data Analysis
ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS ExperienceBuilder, ArcGIS Storymaps
Python (matplotlib, plotly, pandas, scipy)
Data Visualization
Base R, SQL
Bluebeam, Tyler software
Public speaking, presentations
Writing & Editing
English (Native)
German (Advanced High)
Spanish (Novice High)
Awards
WHERE I SHINE
PHHS Innovator of the Month Award - January 2024
LMS Motivate Award - March 2022
Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship - 2019
Outstanding TA Award - 2019
Interests
WHAT I GET UP TO
Gardening
Birding
Baking
Cooking
Reading
History
Linguistics