From Aachen to Toad Suck, Tim Carter has probably mapped it. After more than 30 years in map publishing, Tim will retire on May 31, 2010. He has been Editorial Director of Mapping Specialists for the last 14 years.

Tim, a Michigan State University graduate, cut his teeth as a classroom teacher. He began his career in cartography with the National Geographic Society as a research cartographer compiling place names for the Atlas of the World, 5th edition. He and Tom Gray were the first to complete the transliteration of Chinese place names from Wade-Giles to pinyin for a U.S. publication. His byline appeared on more than 10 supplement insert maps for National Geographic and on the masthead of the magazine. The role of map content editor for the Historical Atlas of the United States was a crowning achievement.

Tim also held management positions with Rand McNally and H.M. Gousha. At Gousha he was Editorial Director for the USA Today Golf Atlas. Golf, until recent years, has been Tim’s favorite pastime.

After the demise of Gousha, Mapping Specialists offered Tim the position of Editorial Director. This afforded an opportunity to return to his Great Lakes roots. At MSL, Tim led the editorial efforts for dozens of clients. This has been very challenging since no two clients have the same specifications or content, but each expects a high level of accuracy. A great challenge indeed!

Tim and his bride of 39 years, Denise, have no immediate plans other than walking their youngest daughter, Elizabeth, down the aisle in June. They have two other adult children, Curt and Heather. Tim will remain rather busy as an alderman and president of the city council in Stoughton, where they live.

The spring veggies are in, the weeds need tending, and Tim and Denise look forward to a bountiful harvest. And don’t be surprised to see both hailing passersby from the lantern room of a Great Lakes lighthouse. Go Green!