Pat Wallis is the Head Innovator for Esri's Innovation Lab Director at Esri. He began as a U.S. Army engineer officer and captain, then was a civilian with the U.S. Coast Guard for 7 years. A New Orleans native, he earned a master’s in architecture from Tulane and is a certified GIS professional and city planner. For over six years, he has supported the non-profit Mil-Tree Veteran Project in their goal to end veteran isolation, serving as its board president for the last 3.5 years. Married for over 23 years, he has two grown children, two dogs, and enjoys brewing beer, writing, and philosophical conversations.