GBA Past Presidents

William S. Zoino, P.E.

GZA owes a lot to GBA for the many years of most valuable services it provides to its members. For me it was most rewarding to be in the presence of the giants in our field.

While many of them have passed on I will always be grateful for the wise counsel and professional judgement brought to the organization by Elio D’Appolonia, Bill Shannon, Bram McClelland, John Gnaidenger and the Presidents of GBA. During my active participation in GBA both Limitation of Liability and Peer Review were fully adopted by GBA .

Gery F. Anderson, P.E., G.E., R.G., C.E.G.

Richard O. Anderson, P.E.

The highlight of my ASFE Presidency was the start of ASFE’s successful involvement with civil engineering education and the changes that we were able to implement in the undergraduate education of civil engineers.

L. Edward Wilson, P.E. *

The highlight of my presidency may have been a staged debate over the wisdom of expanding ASFE membership beyond what were then “pure” geotechnical engineering firms (we were sort of a club). I was an advocate for providing membership status to affiliated individuals and firms. My view was NOT universally shared by the member firms. To put the argument in perspective the board suggested that the membership expansion issue be debated before the membership with me being the expansion advocate and Larry Roth (CH2MHill) taking the “purist” side to argue that our membership should remain exclusive. Larry (past president) soundly and mercilessly whipped my butt in the debate and membership status quo prevailed. Today “all who have an interest” in the geoprofession are eligible to join GBA. It took a while to open our membership. My unpersuasive debate performance in 1989 did nothing to accelerate the membership expansion process.

Jerome C. Neyer, P.E.

The highlight of my ASFE Presidency was signing a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. DOJ had concluded that our Peer Review program was really a device for restraint of trade by forcing members to fix prices to satisfy their obligation to be reviewed. John Bachner, as usual, was prepared to fight to the death. But since the attorneys were prepared to defend us to our last dollar, cooler heads prevailed, and we took the position that “We have never done this and we promise to never do it again.” That satisfied DOJ so Peer Review lived on.

Lawrence H. Roth, P.E., G.E., D.GE

I was honored to be ASFE president near the mid-point of the organization’s first 50 years of service to the profession. One of the highlights of my term was the continued participation of industry giants who were present at the creation of geo-professional businesses in the U.S. We all benefited from lessons learned that were shared by men like Bill Shannon, Bram McClelland, Don Roberts, Harl Aldrich, Elio D’Appolonia, and many others. Their wisdom enabled us to stand on their shoulders and carry on their good work.

Stephen W. Cole, P.E.

The highlight of my ASFE Presidency was the opportunity to work with the leaders from small and large firms from across the USA, and especially the Directors and Committees of ASFE. I was proud to represent ASFE at the signing of an Interprofessional Council on Environmental Design (ICED) Sustainable Development Initiative. Back to the future in 1995. Finally, I was pleased to support the ASFE Peer Review Program and had the opportunity to participate in many Peer Reviews. It was a wonderful experience working with John Bachner and the ASFE leadership.

Kevin B. Hoppe, P.E.

As I reflect on my extensive involvement with ASFE, I humbly recall the personal impact of mentorship and encouragement received from founding and first generation ASFE leadership. Their support and guidance launched my more than 30 year journey; and provided opportunity to collaborate with respected peers who shared a passion for advancing our profession as well as ASFE’s vision and mission. Our accomplishments and the lasting friendships remain a highlight of my time with ASFE.

Daniel L. Harpstead, P.E.

The highlight of my year as President of ASFE was my personal and professional growth, influenced by the challenges and rewards of leading this incredible organization. I set a theme that focused on innovation and change, recognizing that member firms would not remain vibrant leaders of the profession if they were focused on the past. The programs and committee work completed to address business and risk management issues helped member firms embrace a future that is always shifting. I was humbled by the professional and personal support I received from the dedicated colleagues in the organization.

Edmond D. Alizadeh, Esq., P.E.

“The highlight of my ASFE Presidency and entire time on the Board was the great friendships I established. Those friendships remain to this day with so many great leaders in our profession. I loved the hard work we were doing and the great laughs we shared at every meeting! Nowadays, instead of working every weekend to advance the geoprofession, we get together to ski, share a beer, talk about ownership succession, etc. The network of friends I established at ASFE will be with me forever!”

David E. Lourie, P.E., D.GE

“The highlights of my GBA (or ASFE) Presidency (2009-2010) were: setting in motion the change in the organization’s name to the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA), promoting continuity in organizational focus by moving from a 1-yr strategic plan to a 3-yr strategic plan, and starting the process of making the successful transition in the management of the organization. On a personal note, I was very proud of the ASFE/GBA volunteer work we did as group before the April 2010 meeting in New Orleans. We came together and worked with the St. Bernard Project to help in the rebuilding effort in New Orleans following the flood damage from Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. New Orleans remains grateful to all who helped.”

David A. Schoenwolf, P.E.

The highlight of my GBA Presidency was being the sponsor of the second class of New Leaders.

Under the leadership of Jim Johnston, GBA inaugurated the New Leaders’ Committee in 2007 by assembling a group of young, “rising-star” geoprofessionals who were eager to make a difference by becoming more involved in GBA. The concept proved to be a huge success. All the individuals who served on the first New Leaders’ Committee were still actively involved in GBA in 2011 when I was President-elect. In fact, they were so active that some of them became the new generation of GBA leaders.

To facilitate the next round of New Leaders, I took on the responsibility of sponsoring the second class. To create the second class of New Leaders, we had a select group of firms who were deeply committed to GBA “hand-pick” those individuals who have an interest in business management and the energy to hopefully become the upcoming leaders of GBA. The second class included 22 individuals who brought much excitement and new ideas and ways to do things at GBA. Some of those individuals are in Hawaii for the 50th year celebration.

Kurt R. Fraese, L.G.

The highlights of my GBA Presidency were bringing more diversity to the Board of Directors and overseeing significant steps in the transformation of ASFE to the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). Our name change took place during my term and I helped assure the leadership transition effort completed during the Thorne and Matheson terms that followed. These milestones positioned GBA well for new generations of leaders to take the association to even higher levels beyond our 5 decades of success helping geoprofessionals and their clients confront risk and fully realize their value through wise business practices.”

Steven D. Thorne, P.E., D.GE

The highlight of my GBA Presidency was preparing for the transition from our many years of outstanding management by John Bachner and his firm, Bachner Communications, to a self-managed organization. In the 2014-15 year, we devoted so much time and effort to ensuring that GBA would emerge stronger through that transition. Some of my best memories are of the countless hours spent with our awesome Board of Directors team; the meetings in St. Michael’s, San Francisco and Miami; and the many days spent in Silver Spring with John endeavoring to make the transition as smooth as possible for him.

Laura Reinbold, P.E.

The highlight of my GBA Presidency was the strategic focus on engagement of member firms. Board-directed activities sent our Executive Director, board members, external relations committee members and other GBA ambassadors out into the world! We met with firms where they were, at all levels of leadership. This was the start of our engagement metrics: eight key indicators that fill our dashboard to this day. They keep the pulse of how well we pull in and serve the employees of all our firms. It was the start of a new look for GBA, and we wear it well!

Charles L. Head, P.E., P.G.

The highlight of my GBA Presidency was the opportunity to work with an outstanding Board of Directors and staff to lend a hand in helping GBA look toward a bright future. When I joined the Board we were still ASFE and when I left as President we had fully become the Geoprofessional Business Association. It was a remarkable opportunity to be a part of a great, longstanding association and work with peers from across the country who I have come to know as colleagues and close friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.