Lee Allison was appointed State Geologist and Director of the Arizona Geological Survey in December, 2005. Previously, he served as State Geologist in Utah (1989-1999) and Kansas (1999-2004). During 2004-2005, he was Policy Advisor for Science and Energy to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, and chaired the Kansas Energy Council from its inception in 2002 to 2005. Allison is active in science policy and public policy, especially related to natural resources, geologic hazards, and public engagement. He has extensive experience in petroleum and geothermal exploration throughout the U.S. He is co-founder of the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science.