GBA Celebrates the Graduation of Third Early Professional Class
GBA is proud to announce the graduation of the third cohort of the Early Professional Class (EPC)—a milestone that marks not only the achievements of these early-career professionals but also the continued growth and impact of GBA’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in our industry.
The December 2025 GBA Early Professional Class Graduates are:
• Farouk Benmammar (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Justin Clarke (Kleinfelder)
• Tolleman Gorham, P.E. (BSK Associates)
• Damien Hernandez (Strata)
• Grace Hetrick, G.I.T. (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Kally Knutson (American Engineering Testing)
• Michael Kunitskiy, P.E. (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Steven Litalien, E.I. (Strata)
• Matthew McCauley, E.I. (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Mehrab Ibne Moid, MSCE (Kleinfelder)
• Dave Morse, M.S., E.I. (Froehling & Roberston)
• Travis Morton, G.I.T. (Strata)
• Chase Ogle (Strata)
• Nick O’Neill (Terracon)
• Ben Sershen (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Javad Shahmorad, P.E. (Earth Systems)
• Sydney Shockley, G.I.T. (Atlas Technical Consultants)
• Andrew Sweet, E.I. (Strata)
• Ted Tague, CWI, NDT II (Froehling & Roberston)
• Anais Tate (GFT)
• Lou Vigeant, E.I.T (Verdantas)
• Lucas Vonderbank, M.Sc., E.I.T. (TREK Engineering)
• Keith Wildman (Strata)
• Kou Yang (BSK Associates)
• Thomas Young (S&ME)
The EPC is designed for early-career geoprofessionals who show high potential as future consultants and business leaders. Over 10 weeks, participants engage in interactive sessions led by industry experts, focusing on the essential skills that bridge the gap between technical expertise and the human side of consulting.
Graduates leave the program with:
• Enhanced communication and active listening skills—the foundation for building trust with clients and colleagues.
• A deeper understanding of business development and client relationships.
• Practical tools for managing scope, risk, and documentation.
• Greater self-awareness and confidence as consultants.
“Your technical skills will get you a seat at the table, but it’s not what’s going to keep clients engaged. They want a project manager who is honest, trustworthy, reliable. And so I find myself when interacting with clients now, working on creating that interpersonal connection with them so that they feel that they can keep coming back to our firm.”— Kally Knutson
“EPC reinforced that trust drives business relationships, communication helps prevent problems before they arise, and ethical decision-making is what builds long-term careers. These lessons apply equally to us as individuals, to our firm, and to the clients we serve now.” — Thomas Young
“After EPC, I’ve started to realize that every conversation, even the ones outside of my areas of interest, are opportunities for growth. I started staying more engaged in meetings. I’ve been actively listening and asking clarifying questions.” — Ben Sershen
“In the EPC, I learned that good documentation in the form of well-written contracts, proposals, emails, change orders, etc., creates an accurate record of decisions, assumptions, and changes through a project, which protects the professional and the firm in the event that disputes arise. Good communication is a huge part of being a good project manager.” —Sydney Shockley, G.I.T.
For GBA member firms, the EPC is an investment in staff growth, retention, and performance—helping to elevate the next generation of leaders and optimize business outcomes.
Now Enrolling for 2026 EPC Classes
Enrollment is now open for the 2026 Early Professional Classes:
• April 2-June 18
• October 1-December 17
Seats are limited and fill quickly—nominate an early-career professional from your firm soon to secure their place in the next cohort!
