Archives: News

Government Affairs Update from the GBA Emerging Issues & Trends Committee

GBA’s Emerging Issues & Trends Committee recently received the following important updates and insights from Terracon’s Eric Wooten, J.D., Government Affairs Lead, Senior Associate, Sustainability & Resiliency Practice Lead, and Senior Environmental Manager:

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
• October 3: USDOT published an Interim Final Rule that removes race and gender presumptions; all DBE firms must undergo individualized recertification.
• Until reevaluations occur, agencies cannot set or count DBE goals. This creates short-term uncertainty for federally funded projects.
• Existing contracts remain unaffected. New awards may be delayed as states apply new standards.

H-1B Visa Program
• September 19: A Presidential Proclamation imposed a new $100,000 fee on employers for each new H-1B petition approved.
o This fee applies only to new H-1B visa applicants, not to renewals or individuals seeking reentry to the United States.
o U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published an FAQ and memorandum regarding the Proclamation.
• September 24: Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule to replace the random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system. The new system would prioritize higher-paid positions and reduce selection odds for entry-level roles.
o Implementation could begin with the 2026 registration cycle.
• October 22: USCIS clarifies who must pay $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
o The fee does not apply when a visa applicant files to move from one type of visa to another, such as from an F-1 visa for non-U.S. students to H-1B status.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Funding Cancellations/Returns
• September 24: DOE returned $13B in unobligated clean energy funds to the U.S. Treasury.
• October 2: DOE terminated ~$7.56B in clean energy awards supporting 223 projects. This materially reduces the near term clean energy project pipeline.

Sign up for the GBA NEWSlog to keep up to date with all the issues impacting geoprofessionals.

Is Your Project a Standout? Enter the 2026 Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award

GBA is excited to announce the 2026 Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award. This annual honor celebrates member firms whose projects demonstrate the vision of GBA to great accomplishment. The award is a chance to showcase your team’s expertise, gain recognition among peers and clients, and inspire the next generation of geoprofessionals.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible team effort that goes into our work and the work our staff puts in every day,” said Mohamed Faizan, Ph.D., Laboratory Director at 2025 award winner ANS Geo. “We look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and give back to this awesome community.”

Why Apply?
• Highlight your company
• Spotlight your employees
• Recognize your clients

Entries are welcome from all core disciplines, including geo-environmental engineering, construction materials testing, or geotechnical engineering. Projects of all types and sizes are eligible—whether flood protection, marine/coastal, transportation, residential, commercial, brownfields, or more.

Applications will be evaluated on the use of GBA resources, creativity and innovation, quality of deliverables, and project impact. Special emphasis on the application of GBA risk management, loss prevention, innovation, creativity, quality, client management, and safety resources is recommended.

The winner will be honored at the 2026 GBA Annual Conference awards ceremony, receive a commemorative plaque, and enjoy a complimentary registration and accommodation at the 2026 Fall Leadership Summit. Winners may also present their project at a GBA program session and will be featured on GBA’s website, NEWSlog, and other channels.

Ready to share your success story? View the application for eligibility, judging criteria, and submission instructions.

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.

Questions? Contact Sara Menase at 301-565-2733 or sara@geoprofessional.org.

Interview with the “Luckiest Guy on Earth”

Interview with the “Luckiest Guy on Earth”

GBA Executive Director Joel Carson is the featured guest on the latest episode of the GeoHeroes podcast, hosted by GBA past-President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.ASCE. In this conversation, Carson shares his journey from driller’s helper to industry leader, reflecting on the pivotal moments and a spontaneous “maybe” that shaped his career and granted him the “gift of leadership.”

Growing up in an engineering family and moving frequently, Joel learned early on to embrace change and overcome challenges—skills that proved invaluable throughout his 25+ years in consulting and then his transition to association leadership. “I feel like the luckiest guy on earth to be in the role of Executive Director at GBA,” Carson said of the title he’s held for more than 10 years.

The episode explores the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, from hand-drawn site plans to the adoption of AI and remote sensing. Throughout the changes, Carson emphasizes the enduring importance of communication: “I think communication is always going to be the most important trait that a successful geoprofessional has, either in the written form or verbally.”

He also discusses the opportunities presented by climate change, urbanization, and infrastructure renewal, and encourages professionals to recognize the impact of their work. “Every day you go home from work, the world is a little better place because a geoprofessional was working that day,” Carson said.

Produced by Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (Apex Companies), Chair of GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee, this episode offers insights and inspiration for all geoprofessionals and aspiring industry leaders. Listen now to gain valuable perspectives on leadership, career development, and the future of geoprofessional practice.

In the GeoHeroes series, industry leaders share what motivates them and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The series examines the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Other GBA Podcast series include:
• Leadership Lounge
• Management Best Practices
• Audio Education for Field Representatives
• Case Histories
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Registration Now Open for the 2026 GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix!

GBA invites you to register for our 2026 Annual Conference, April 22-25, in Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s theme — Geoprofessional Vibrancy, Impact, and Professionalism — focuses on developing leaders who drive innovation and excellence in our industry.

The conference agenda is packed with sessions designed to help you grow as a geoprofessional leader, including:

• Business is a Marathon: Jim Weber, former Brooks Running CEO, shares how strong leadership and adaptability transformed a near-bankrupt company into a billion-dollar global powerhouse.
• GeoHeroes: Stop Managing, Start Leading: Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (Apex Companies) and Guy Marcozzi, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, F.ASCE, reveal career development patterns from interviews with top geoprofessional leaders.
• Preserving The Employee Ownership Model: Stewart Osgood, P.E., F.GBA (DOWL) explores strategies for sustaining employee-led firms and passing the torch to future leaders.
• Crystal Ball Workshop Insights: Vic Donald, P.E. (Terracon) discusses how AI and automation are reshaping the workforce and what leaders must do to thrive.
• Professionalism Under Pressure: Real Stories, Real Solutions: Committee leaders present TED Talk-style sessions on project management, client relations, and risk assessment lessons learned from GBA Case Histories.

You’ll also hear from Brittany Hodak, customer experience expert, on creating “superfan” advocates, and Leo Titus, Jr., on his role during FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue mission at the Pentagon on September 11, 2011, and the engineering required to make the building safe for rescuers.

Why Attend?
• Engage with Industry Leaders: Connect with peers and thought leaders who are shaping the future of geoprofessional practice.
• Gain Actionable Insights: Learn strategies for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing professionalism within your organization.
• Expand Your Network: Participate in networking receptions, roundtables, and special events designed to build lasting professional relationships.
• Experience Phoenix: Enjoy the energy and hospitality of one of the Southwest’s most exciting destinations.

Register Early and Save!
Take advantage of the early registration discount to save $200 — secure your spot, make travel arrangements, and reserve your hotel room before space fills up. First-time attendees also receive an additional $150 off the registration fee.

                                                                                               

 

 

Spotlight: Brock Simmons – GBA Learning Consultant

GBA is excited to spotlight Brock Simmons, an award-winning leadership expert and dynamic facilitator. Brock is GBA’s contracted learning consultant. With over 20 years of experience in course development, facilitation, and executive coaching, Brock is renowned for his ability to unlock the untapped potential in emerging leaders and guide them toward true leadership mastery.

As the founder of Always Present Institute, Brock specializes in high-impact, live micro virtual workshops tailored for new and rising leaders. His programs emphasize practical skills—time management, decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking—equipping professionals to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

This year, Brock brings his expertise to GBA as the leader of the Early Professional Class (EPC), a purpose-built program designed to accelerate the growth of early-career geoprofessionals (nominate an early professional from your firm to participate in the next class!). The EPC blends real-world scenarios with foundational competencies, focusing on communication, decision-making, documentation, teamwork, and ethical thinking.

At the 2025 Fall Leadership Summit, Brock will facilitate the ACCESS Execution Workshop, where participants will learn the ACCESS Execution Framework—a six-step approach to driving results, overcoming obstacles, and fostering accountability. This hands-on session on November 13 promises practical tools and strategies that leaders can immediately apply to elevate their impact.

Then on November 14, Brock will deliver a keynote on goal setting, introducing the FATE Model—Focus, Attention, Tribe, and Emotions. He’ll challenge attendees to rethink goal setting as an energizing, ongoing rhythm that fuels performance and ignites purpose, sharing actionable insights to build momentum and unlock deeper engagement within teams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brock is a devoted husband, proud father of four, avid cyclist, lacrosse enthusiast, and lifelong learner.

Brock can be reached at brock@geoprofessional.org or 913-562-8082.

Building a Culture of Innovation in Geoprofessional Firms

To stay competitive, geoprofessional firms must do more than deliver technical excellence—they must foster a culture where creativity and risk-taking are not just tolerated but celebrated. October is National Innovation Month, and as firms enter the planning season for 2026, the imperative to invest in research, development, and innovation is clear.

Innovation isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous process that requires intentional effort, resources, and leadership commitment. This article shares practical strategies gathered from discussions among geoprofessional leaders on nurturing innovation, reframing non-billable time, and building psychological safety into your organization.

Actionable Strategies to Nurture Innovation

1. Create Psychological Safety
Empower employees at all levels to share unconventional ideas without fear of dismissal or failure. Encourage wild ideas and provide a platform for all voices.

2. Treat Innovation as a Formal Project
Allocate dedicated time and resources, set up project codes, and track efforts with scope, schedule, and budget. View non-billable time as an investment in your firm’s future.

3. Reward Creativity and Risk-Taking
Recognize and incentivize creative thinking—both company-wide and within teams. Celebrate both successes and failures as learning opportunities.

4. Encourage External Inspiration
Support employees in attending conferences, collaborating with external partners, and bringing new ideas into your organization.

5. Present Ideas with a Business Case
Ensure new initiatives are backed by a clear business case that demonstrates strategic value and measurable ROI.

For More Ideas:
• Check out “Orbiting the Giant Hairball” and other books from GBA’s winter reading list for geoprofessionals.
• Conduct a GBA peer review for a fresh, outside perspective.
• Tune in to the GBA Podcast for discussions on leadership, culture, and innovation. The Leadership Lounge and GeoHeroes series are full of great, geoprofessional-specific examples.

Fostering innovation requires more than good intentions—it demands a culture that values curiosity, supports risk-taking, and celebrates both success and failure. By implementing these strategies, geoprofessional firms can unlock creative potential across all levels, driving growth and ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Announcing the Keynote Speakers for the 2026 GBA Annual Conference

Building Better Mentors: Practical Guidance for Geoprofessional Leaders

Mentorship is more than a tradition in the geoprofessions—it’s a strategic lever for growth, innovation, and resilience. And as the industry evolves, so too does the role of the mentor. Today’s leaders are asking: “What is my role as a mentor?” This article shares the findings from GBA’s 2025 Business Round Tables and offers actionable guidance for mentors at every career stage.

The Mentor’s Role: Beyond Program Structure

While establishing a mentorship program is important, the real impact comes from how mentors engage with their mentees. The most effective mentors are those who:

• Champion continuous learning. Mentorship is a two-way street. Reverse mentoring—where mentors learn from mentees, especially in areas like technology and new practices—creates a culture of adaptability and shared growth.
• Empower mentees to lead. The best mentorship relationships are mentee-driven. Encourage mentees to take ownership of scheduling, goal-setting, and progress tracking. This fosters independence and accountability.
• Ask the right questions. A mentor’s responsibility is to help mentees grow—not to dictate their path. Simple, open-ended questions like, “What can I do to make your life easier?” open the door to meaningful support—both professionally and personally, within appropriate boundaries.
• Share unwritten skills. Many critical skills—such as IT proficiency or project management—aren’t taught in school. Mentors should proactively share these insights, helping mentees bridge gaps between academic training and real-world demands.
• Model inclusivity. Effective mentorship is valuable at all career stages, including for those nearing retirement. Thoughtful pairing (avoiding direct reporting relationships and allowing mentee input) ensures every participant benefits.
• Limit overextension. To maintain quality, mentors should work with a manageable number of mentees (two is often ideal), allowing for deeper, more personalized guidance.
• Seek organizational support. Successful mentorship requires leadership buy-in and adequate resources. Advocate for budget and recognition to ensure your efforts are sustainable and impactful.

With National Mentoring Day on October 27 and professional development season in full swing, now is the perfect time to reflect on your role as a mentor. Whether you’re planning for the year ahead or refreshing your approach, these insights can help you fuel your mentorship forward—not just run it on autopilot.

Best Practices for Mentors

Effective mentorship doesn’t happen by accident. Curated from candid discussions among the industry leaders of GBA member firms, these best practices can help you become a mentor that has a lasting impact on your mentee and your firm.

1. Structured Planning: Set clear objectives for each mentorship relationship. Use established best practices as a foundation, but tailor your approach to your organization’s culture and goals.
2. Inclusive Participation: Encourage mentorship at all levels. Pair mentors and mentees thoughtfully and let mentees have a say in the process.
3. Reverse Mentoring: Embrace opportunities to learn from your mentees. This not only enhances your own skills but also strengthens the organization’s adaptability.
4. Mentor Preparation: Invest in training or classes for mentors. Being equipped with the right tools and frameworks ensures you can support mentees effectively.

Mentorship as a Strategic Advantage

A well-designed mentorship approach strengthens organizational culture, promotes knowledge sharing across generations, and drives long-term success. As a mentor, your role is to guide, empower, and learn—creating a legacy of leadership that benefits both individuals and the industry as a whole.

Are you seeking to develop a mentoring program at your firm? Download GBA’s updated Best Practices: Establishing a Mentoring Program in your firm for an extensive guide.

New Business Brief: Using AI & Automation to Solve Geoprofessional Workforce Challenges

A new GBA Business Brief distills the collective wisdom, strategic insights, and actionable recommendations generated by industry leaders and subject matter experts at the 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW). This year’s CBW explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation can address the dual challenge of a shrinking workforce and rising demand for geoprofessional services.

Addressing a Shrinking Workforce and Increased Demand for Services by Leveraging AI

For more than two decades, GBA’s Crystal Ball Workshops have set the standard for forward-thinking in the geoprofessional industry. This year’s event focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing our field: how to address a shrinking workforce and increased demand for services by leveraging AI and automation.

This Business Brief presents the following for GBA members:
• A strategic framework for implementing AI and automation in geoprofessional enterprises.
• Insights into overcoming cultural, regulatory, and technical barriers to technology adoption.
• Practical recommendations for digitizing data, modernizing project management, and integrating AI into field operations.
• Guidance on building a culture of innovation, collaborating across the ecosystem, and advancing workforce training.

The Business Brief outlines challenges and provides a roadmap for success. From actionable steps for establishing organizational AI strategy to tips for enhancing workforce training and evolving business models, this resource is designed to help GBA members stay ahead of the curve and thrive in an AI-augmented future.

How to Access
GBA Business Briefs are exclusively available at no cost to GBA members.

Not a member yet? Click here to learn more about joining and unlocking all the benefits of membership.

GBA Graduates Another Early Professional Class

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) proudly announces the graduation of the latest Early Professional Class (EPC) on September 25, 2025. This is a significant milestone for a cohort of early-career professionals who have completed a multi-session program designed to launch their careers in the geoprofessional industry. The EPC bridges the gap between technical expertise and the human side of consulting. Graduates leave with a holistic view of their profession, equipped to build trust, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their projects.

How the EPC Impacted Early-Career Geoprofessionals
In the culminating session, graduates shared how the experience shaped their professional development and career trajectory. Here is some of what they reported learning during the class:

• “This class helped me develop key skills to grow as an engineer and a professional. I’ve become more proactive in sharing project updates, clarifying expectations, and documenting discussions with clients. I feel more prepared and confident in project progress meetings or kickoff meetings.” Zachery Lilly (G2 Consulting Group)

• “Clients hire trust. They want someone who is going to fully understand their project. For me, that means focusing on listening in a way that makes them feel heard.” Noelle Cheshire (ANS)

• “You are always communicating a brand; be mindful of how you represent yourself.” Quinton Mann, E.I. (Building & Earth Sciences)

• “Ethical decision-making is woven into every aspect of our work, no matter how mundane it might feel in the moment, and it can have legal implications later on.” Gabrielle Martin (Verdantas)

• “Be the advisor your client wants and the leader your company needs.” Jonathan Balzer, P.E. (ECS Group)

More About the EPC
The EPC is a cornerstone of the GBA Career Continuum, designed to equip emerging professionals with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the geoprofessional industry. Each interactive session was led by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from a GBA member firm and focused on a critical aspect of professional development. Topics included:
• Fundamentals
• Communication and Documentation
• Soft Skills
• Ethics
• Proposals
• Business Development and Marketing
• Contracts
• Risk and Scope Creep
• Project Management

Congratulations to the Graduates!

The September 2025 GBA Early Professional Class Graduates are:

• Amelia Anderson, E.I. (CTL|Thompson)
• Jonathan Balzer, P.E. (ECS Group)
• Joshua Bingaman (STRATA)
• Sydney Brinkley (Olsson)
• Samuel Bytnar (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Noelle Cheshire (ANS)
• Kelley Cusick (Triad Engineering)
• Bavindi de Silva (D.W. Kozera)
• Emily Finger (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Aileen Flynn, P.E. (Earth Systems)
• Melissa Hall, ENV SP (GFT)
• Daniel Landesman (Kleinfelder)
• Zachary Lilly (G2 Consulting Group)
• Dylan Locke (McPhail Associates)
• Rhiannon Lord (Somat Engineering)
• Quinton Mann, E.I. (Building & Earth Sciences)
• Gabrielle Martin (Verdantas)
• Findley Moran (Verdantas)
• Madison Pritchett (NTH Consultants)
• Mitch Shirey (CTL|Thompson)
• Adrian Sizemore, E.I.T. (BSK Associates)
• Lucas Smith, E.I.T. (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• Sarah Taylor, P.G. (S&ME)
• Michael Travis, P.E. (Geotechnical Consultants)

GBA thanks the following SMEs for this EPC session:
• Ryan Feist, P.E. (Terracon)
• Salvatore Fiorentino, P.E. (ECS Group)
• Dan Gradishar, P.E. (Terracon)
• Craig Hill (Kleinfelder)
• Robert Howard, P.E. (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Colter Lane, P.E. (Jorgenson Geotechnical)
• Matt Monteith, P.E., D.GE (Kleinfelder)
• Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)
• Dan Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Roberston)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (Apex Companies)

And we thank Nickolas Annala (Jorgenson Geotechnical) and Amanda Apicella (Geotechnical Consultants), who served as teaching assistants.

 

Updated! Establishing a Mentoring Program in Your Firm – Best Practices

GBA has released an updated version of its widely used resource, Best Practices for Establishing a Mentoring Program in Your Firm, offering fresh insights and expanded guidance. This comprehensive document is essential reading for firm leaders, HR professionals, and mentors seeking to enhance employee development, retention, and leadership succession in today’s competitive and inclusive geoprofessional workplace.

This Best Practices resource defines mentoring and identifies its many benefits for geoprofessional firms, mentors, and protégés. Additionally, the guide:
• discusses types of mentoring programs;
• provides a program overview;
• addresses the five basic program phases;
• offers guidance on program leadership and leadership levels, and how these vary based on firm size;
• speaks to an array of program issues, introduced as questions;
• advises about keeping the program current;
• and identifies resources.

Originally written in 2009 for GBA (then known as ASFE) by Kim Morrison—a former Board member and long-time contributor who now serves as COO of GBA member ATC Williams—the publication was rebranded under the GBA logo in 2022 and updated this year by the Inclusion Advancement Committee.

New Business Brief: Insurance Coverage for AI-Related Risks

As AI rapidly reshapes the AEC industry, geoprofessional firms face new opportunities—and new risks. GBA has released a new Business Brief for members, “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence: Is Your Firm Adequately Insured?”

This comprehensive resource guides GBA members through the complexities of insurance coverage for AI-related risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding policy exclusions and definitions. “It would be unwise to assume that existing insurance covers all emerging AI risks,” the Brief cautions.

The brief explores the five essential types of insurance every geoprofessional firm should review to stay protected as AI transforms our industry:
• Cyber Liability Insurance
• General Liability Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
• Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Coverage can vary significantly between policies and depends on specific language, definitions, and endorsements.

The Business Brief provides proactive steps for firms and cautions that, “The use of AI should not replace human leadership and oversight or the need to verify the accuracy and/or quality of the work produced.”

This resource is available exclusively to GBA members. To access the new Business Brief and ensure your firm is prepared for the evolving landscape of AI risk, click below.

2025 GBA Photo Contest Winners

GBA is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Photo Contest, which showcased the vibrancy, impact, and professionalism that define our field. This year, we received nearly 70 entries from GBA member firm employees, each capturing the dynamic work, meaningful outcomes, and high standards that drive our profession. From striking images of teamwork and technical excellence to creative compositions and compelling video clips, the contest entries reflected the energy and influence of geoprofessionals across North America.

The winning photos and videos not only demonstrate originality and technical merit, but also embody the values and spirit of GBA. We are excited to share these remarkable visuals with our community and celebrate the individuals and teams whose work inspires us all.

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and videos!

Overall Grand Prize Winner

Photographer: Barry Miller, P.E., P.G. | Strata
Location: Rainbow Bridge over the Payette River; Valley County, Idaho
Caption: We were collecting concrete cores and rebar samples in the existing bridge to evaluate the extent of chloride corrosion. The photo shows an individual being lowered in a basket to the core locations. It was a collaborative effort with the bridge design team, Idaho Transportation Department, and STRATA.

 

Overall Runner-up

Photographer: Chamath Senevirathna | D.W. Kozera
Location: New Jersey Wind Port; Salem County, New Jersey
Caption: Night-time pile integrity testing with the sunset.

 

Overall Second Runner-up

Photographer: Noah White | ALLWEST Testing & Engineering
Location: Highway 53; Post Falls, Idaho
Caption: This is a picture I took of Shane Warner. We were performing some late-night asphalt coring. These specimens are obtained to ensure proper thickness and density of the asphalt.

 

Category Winners

Vibrancy in Action

Photographer: Matthew Morris | GFT
Location: California
Caption: Rock slope reconnaissance via rope access for a rock slope stabilization project.

 

Impact in the Field

 

Photographer: Andrew Pilskalns, P.E. | Castle Rock Geotechnical Engineering
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Caption: “Where geotechnical engineering begins, inspire.”

 

Professionalism

Photographer: Adam Marolf, MS, P.E., BCGE | American Geotechnical & Environmental Services
Location: Fairfax County Parkway; Fairfax Station, Virginia
Caption: Careful design is required when excavating adjacent to existing foundations for both the safety of the traveling public and the workers that must enter the excavations for verification of foundation bearing strength. Dynamic cone penetration testing was performed to approve the bearing surface, and the contractor was present to get clear direction from the geotechnical engineer through coordination with both the quality control testing representatives and separate independent quality assurance. These steps provide the owner with measurable data to deliver safe, quality projects for the road users.

 

Creative Composition

Photographer: Derek Bowers | ECS
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Caption: There were multiple spots on the project site that had approximately10-15 feet of compacted old organic material such as cut trees and roots. This material was unsuitable for construction, so it needed to be removed from the site and replaced with more suitable material. I was standing (at a safe distance) on the other side of a pit that was dug to assess how deep this material was. I was impressed by the amount of material that had to be removed. This was my third day on the job, and it was an eye-opening and incredible learning experience.

 

Video

Videographer: Christopher Gardner | Earth Systems

All winners will be featured on the GBA website, on social media, and during upcoming GBA events, including the Fall Leadership Summit in November and the 2026 Annual Conference in April. Many submitters will also see their images showcased alongside announcements of new GBA resources and in other materials throughout the year.

GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar: Deliver More with Less

Nominate a Rising Star for GBA’s Early Professional Classes

 

GBA is now accepting nominations for upcoming Early Professional Classes (EPC), part of the Career Continuum Program. The EPC is designed to lay the foundation for successful geoprofessional careers by introducing early-career staff to key consulting fundamentals.

Each EPC cohort will include 24 representatives from GBA member firms who have less than four years of experience and show high potential as consultants and future business leaders. Up to two applicants from each member firm may be admitted to each class.

A graduate of the first EPC, the program completely shifted Deon Waldmeier’s, E.I.T, (CTL|Thompson) mindset toward structured programs. “I loved the energy and insight brought by a different subject matter expert every week,” Waldmeier said.

The EPC blends real-world scenarios with foundational professional competencies, ensuring participants can immediately apply what they learn to their day-to-day work.

“My favorite topics were Business Development and Contracts, both of which directly aligned with the challenges I face at work,” said EPC graduate Andrea Cano Sanchez (Verdantas). “I appreciated the opportunity to engage with geoprofessionals from diverse backgrounds and valued their contributions in breakout groups.”

Unlike traditional technical training, the EPC focuses on accelerating professional maturity by strengthening communication, decision-making, documentation, teamwork, and ethical thinking—skills that are often underdeveloped in the early stages of a geoprofessional’s career.

Classes are conducted via 10 live virtual sessions moderated by an experienced GBA speaker and facilitated by an expert adult education instructor. Participants will receive credit for professional development hours and a Certificate of Completion.

The Ideal Nominee

• College graduates or early-career staff (0-4 years of consulting experience) ready for an introduction to professional practice.
• Staff not yet managing projects but showing leadership potential.
• Field staff who may be rising to a professional staff career pathway.

How the EPC Helps GBA Member Firms

By nominating your rising talent, your firm can:

• Build their business acumen through exposure to key consulting fundamentals in a time- and cost-efficient approach.
• Optimize their business performance through interaction and training with other top-notch professionals.
• Introduce them to the wide array of GBA benefits and resources.
• Increase their awareness of risk management.