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GBA Annual Report Showcases a Year of Momentum for the Geoprofessions

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) has released its 2025-2026 Annual Report, highlighting a year of expanded member engagement, new professional development opportunities, practical business resources, and forward-looking initiatives designed to help geoprofessional firms lead through change.

This year’s report reflects GBA’s continued focus on helping member firms reduce risk, strengthen business performance, develop leaders, and prepare for a rapidly changing professional landscape. During FY2025-2026, GBA:
• Convened the Crystal Ball Workshop on AI and automation
• Invested in new technology including ChatGBA
• Became an International Code Council Preferred Provider
• Launched Cohort 6 of the Emerging Leaders Program
• Established the Geoprofessional Women’s Group, and
• Strengthened global collaboration through a formal partnership with the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists in the United Kingdom.

The report also documents significant progress in leadership development through the Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP). Nearly 100 early professionals graduated from the Embark Class, and GBA introduced the Ascend Class for new managers, helping member firms build stronger talent pipelines at multiple career stages.

In remarks to a recent Embark graduating class, GBA President Dan Schaefer, P.E., emphasized the importance of professional engagement beyond day-to-day project work. “Join associations, attend conferences, volunteer for committees, and build relationships with peers across our industry, and GBA is one place you can do that,” he said. “The earlier you get involved, the more impact it’ll have on your career and our profession.”

GBA also continued to expand its library of technical, business, and risk-management resources. The Association released six new and updated publications, including
• Best Practices: Value-Driven Proposals
• General Guidelines for Geotechnical Specifications
• Business Brief: Using AI & Automation to Solve Geoprofessional Workforce Challenges
• Best Practices: Establishing a Mentoring Program in Your Firm
• Business Brief: Insurance Coverage for AI-Related Risks, and
• Best Practices: Crane Pad and Working Platform Design and Inspection.

Members downloaded GBA reference documents approximately 4,100 times during the year.

GBA’s multimedia reach also grew. The Association published 55 podcast episodes across series including Case Histories, GeoHeroes, 12 Days of GBA, The 1st Word, and A Look into the Crystal Ball, generating approximately 7,800 listens, a 34 percent increase over the previous year. GBA also published 32 videos, which received approximately 1,330 views, a 10 percent increase.

Member participation remained strong across GBA events and committees. The 2025 Fall Leadership Summit drew 96 registrants from 50 member firms, while the 2026 Annual Conference welcomed 268 registrants from 96 member firms, with 22 conference sponsors.

2026 FALL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT           2027 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

GBA’s committees included 86 active members, held 123 meetings, represented 98 companies, welcomed 54 new committee members, launched a Safety Committee, onboarded and trained five new peer reviewers, and supported the Embark Class by providing facilitators and subject matter experts.

The 2025-2026 Annual Report also shows how GBA’s accomplishments align with the Association’s 2027+ Strategic Plan, which focuses on member success, impact, and vibrancy through relevant professional development, technology-driven strategies, expanded access to resources, and greater promotion of the value geoprofessionals bring to society.

Looking ahead to FY2026-2027, GBA plans to graduate Emerging Leaders Cohort 6, plan the 2027 Crystal Ball Workshop, host our first Technology Summit, develop a mobile application, co-host a CEO Summit with CalGeo, launch a redesigned website, and convene members at the 2027 Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The report captures more than activity. It reflects the collective work of GBA’s volunteers, leaders, committees, staff, and member firms to share knowledge, strengthen businesses, develop people, and elevate the geoprofessions.

DOWNLOAD THE ANNUAL REPORT

New GBA Case History Examines the Cost of Relying on Luck

New GBA Case History Examines the Cost of Relying on Luck

GBA has published a new Case History, Luck Isn’t a Direct Control, that explores how a series of seemingly small operational changes led to a serious incident at a remote permafrost drilling site. The case demonstrates how production pressures, changing field conditions, and insufficient hazard controls can combine to create significant safety, business, and insurance consequences.

One of the best ways to learn is from the experiences of others. GBA Case Histories share real situations faced by geoprofessionals and the lessons learned from those experiences. Covering topics ranging from risk management and project delivery to safety, contracts, and client relationships, they are valuable tools for lunch-and-learn sessions, team discussions, and professional development across GBA member firms.

The new practice-management focused Case History #118 examines safety-related business processes and decisions surrounding a drilling operation that experienced a catastrophic release of frozen soil and ice. While the work involved known risks, changes in drilling practices and operating conditions created hazards that were not fully recognized until an incident occurred. The resource offers practical lessons that firms can apply to their own projects, safety programs, and risk management practices.

Key takeaways include:

• Strong Health and Safety Plans are essential, particularly for remote work and changing field conditions.
• High-energy hazards require robust controls, conservative operating limits, and deliberate decision-making.
• Equipment selection, insurance coverage, and ongoing hazard awareness should be re-evaluated when conditions change.

One of the most valuable lessons from this Case History is that experienced professionals are not immune to risk when operational changes accumulate gradually over time. The resource reinforces the importance of stopping, reassessing hazards, and adjusting controls before work continues.

GBA members have free access to all Case Histories.

Download GBA Case History #118: Luck Isn’t a Direct Control HERE.

Not a GBA member? Learn why your firm should join HERE.

New Podcast Episode: Litigation for Collections – A Lose-Lose Scenario

The latest episode of the GBA Podcast’s Case History series explores a project that began with a routine geotechnical study and ended with a lawsuit, a settlement, and the loss of a valuable client relationship. As they discuss GBA Case History #13, “Litigation for Collections… A Lose-Lose Scenario,” hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants) and Abi Corbett (SME) examine how communication breakdowns, scope limitations, and business decisions can create risks that extend far beyond technical engineering.

The case begins with a 10-story office building, for which a GBA member firm submitted oral proposals for a geotechnical investigation. The owner selected the lower-cost option, and as the project evolved, key design changes occurred without additional geotechnical evaluation. What followed offers important lessons about proposal practices, client communications, documentation, and managing professional relationships.

As Corbett notes during the episode, “the technical work wasn’t really the biggest problem. It was everything floating around it.”

Listeners will gain practical insights into why written proposals matter, how scope decisions can influence risk exposure, and why geoprofessional consultants must actively manage client relationships throughout a project lifecycle. The discussion also highlights how collection actions can unexpectedly trigger professional liability claims and damage future business opportunities.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder from Elizabeth Brown: “Don’t let short-term cost decisions or emotional reactions compromise your long-term success.”

For geoprofessionals seeking practical risk-management lessons drawn from real-world experiences, this episode offers valuable perspective.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

About GBA Case Histories
GBA Case Histories examine real-world project and business situations that offer valuable lessons for geoprofessional consultants. These educational resources help firms strengthen risk management practices and make more informed business decisions.

About the GBA Podcast
The GBA Podcast delivers practical insights from geoprofessionals for geoprofessionals. Through conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts, listeners gain actionable ideas to help manage risk, strengthen business practices, and improve project outcomes.

GBA President’s Letter to Membership, July 2026

Dan Schaefer, P.E., (Froehling & Robertson)

Greetings GBA Members,

It is a tremendous honor to serve as GBA President for 2026-2027. For more than 35 years, GBA has played an important role in my professional development, providing opportunities to learn from industry leaders, build lasting relationships, and contribute to advancing our profession. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given so much to me.

We’ve just begun our fiscal year, yet GBA has already built tremendous momentum following another outstanding Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This was one of GBA’s largest ever conferences and by far the largest group of sponsors! It was another signature GBA event, made possible by significant effort from the GBA Committees, Board of Directors, and of course the many months of planning by GBA staff who executed the event in stellar fashion.

GBA has kept the momentum going since the conference, and the Committees, Board of Directors, and staff are hard at work. GBA is in year two of our 2027+ Strategic Plan that was kicked-off and energized so well last year by outgoing President Teresa Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (GFT). A primary focus this year will be executing the 2027+ Strategic Plan, which has three initiatives: Member Success, Impact and Vibrancy. This plan is not just a vision and compilations of more than two dozen strategic actions, it is GBA’s guiding North Star for helping member firms thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing profession. The Board will dedicate a large part of its Summer Board meeting in early August towards reviewing, optimizing and prioritizing the strategic actions from the 2027+ Strategic Plan as well as looking ahead to the next strategic plan cycle.

Many of you have heard it before: “GBA Gets Stuff Done.” This year is no exception, and we have more going on than ever. Here is just a snapshot of some of the things our Committees and Board of Directors are doing:

• Committees are central to achieving our Strategic Plan. With 12 active committees now meeting regularly, including the new Safety Committee, there has never been a better time to get involved. If you are not already participating, I encourage you to explore a committee that matches your interests,

• The Emerging Leaders Program that started its sixth cohort last November is in high gear. Twenty-two future leaders are actively developing initiatives that will benefit GBA and our members, including development of a GBA Technology Summit and GBA mobile app.

• Building on the successful 2025 Crystal Ball Workshop (CBW), a task force is already planning the 2027 installment of the CBW next June that will build off the results from 2025 and explore how skills and business practices can evolve to sustain and expand success in the face of external forces that are accelerating change and increasing complexity in our practice.

• GBA has responded to members seeking more leadership development and educational resources. The Career Continuum Task Force is now developing the third class in the Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP), which will be titled Summit and focus on advanced leadership topics. This class will go along with the already successful Level 1-Embark and Level 2-Ascend classes. Additionally, to address the training needs of construction materials engineering and testing (CoMET) field professionals, GBA has launched a CoMET webinar series that provides affordable, high-quality training and offers ICC continuing education credits to support maintaining certifications.

• If you are looking to drive personal, professional and company growth, GBA has an affinity group for you. GBA has a series of eight facilitated peer groups based on areas of interest or job title that provide an easy way to harness the power of peer-to-peer connections. GBA’s newest affinity group, the Geoprofessional Women’s Group, launched in 2025 and became instantly successful with more than 40 members from all backgrounds within geoprofessional businesses.

At its heart, GBA exists to help our member firms succeed as our industry continues rapidly evolving, and the firms that will thrive are those that continually develop leaders, strengthen client relationships, embrace innovation, and adapt to change. Everything we do, from committees and educational programs to peer groups and strategic initiatives, is intended to help our members become stronger businesses and trusted advisors to their clients.

I believe our profession has an extraordinary future. The challenges facing our clients continue to grow in complexity, creating new opportunities for geoprofessionals to make an even greater impact. GBA is committed to ensuring our members are prepared, not simply to respond to change, but to help lead it.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for the opportunity to serve as your President. I encourage you to stay involved, share your ideas, and take advantage of the many opportunities GBA provides. Together, we will continue strengthening our profession and helping our member firms succeed.

Please reach out to me at dschaefer@fandr.com if I can ever be of assistance.

Safety Committee Alert: Managing Wildfire Smoke and High Heat

When wildfire smoke and high heat overlap, safety teams need to evaluate both hazards together—not trade one risk for another. New guidance from the GBA Safety Committee outlines practical steps for managing these dual hazards:

Wildfire smoke is creating hazardous conditions for outdoor workers across much of the Midwest and Northeast United States. Air quality alerts are in effect in many areas as smoke from Canadian wildfires drives elevated PM2.5 levels and unhealthy air conditions.

Smoke and heat create a difficult balancing act: Poor air quality may make N95s or other respirators necessary to reduce smoke exposure, but wearing a respirator can increase breathing resistance, make workers feel hotter, and contribute to heat strain—especially during physically demanding work in summer conditions.

When smoke and heat come together, neither hazard can be managed in isolation. Instead:

• Where possible, move tasks indoors, postpone non-critical work, or reschedule work to cooler parts of the day when the risk posed by heat and smoke tend to ease.
• Adjust work/rest schedules based on the combined risk of smoke and heat and increase hydration and cooling opportunities.
• Educate your team on early signs of both heat illness and smoke-related symptoms and encourage early reporting.
• Monitor both AQI and heat conditions throughout the shift.
  • For AQI: https://www.airnow.gov
  • For heat conditions: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk

The key lesson: Look at the whole picture and don’t let controls for one hazard unintentionally increase risk from another.

New GBA Best Practices Guide Helps Firms Develop Early Career Professionals

GBA has released a new Best Practices guide, Empowering Early Career Professionals, to help member firms take a more intentional approach to developing the next generation of geoprofessional leaders. The guide was prepared by GBA’s Inclusion Advancement Committee and focuses on practical ways firms can recruit, onboard, support, and retain early career professionals.

The first decade of a geoprofessional’s career often shapes their long-term growth, confidence, and leadership readiness. The guide notes that intentional early career professional development is an important part of succession planning for geoprofessional consulting firms, especially as firms navigate workforce changes, anticipated retirements, and a tight labor market.

Designed for firm leaders, managers, and human resources professionals, this resource offers field-tested guidance firms can adapt based on their size, culture, and resources. It can be used to strengthen onboarding, improve retention, support career growth, and build a stronger leadership pipeline.

Key takeaways include:
• Define early career professionals by years of geoprofessional experience, not age.
• Build belonging through onboarding, mentorship, sponsorship, advocacy, and varied project experience.
• Create growth pathways through leadership opportunities, career mapping, business development exposure, recognition, and advancement.

The guide also encourages firms to identify three best practices they can realistically implement in the near term, with early career professionals taking an active role in their own development.

GBA members can download “Empowering Early Career Professionals” from the GBA store:

GBA Best Practices are short, focused guides that save you from learning lessons the hard way, and they are just one of many tools available to member firms. LEARN MORE ABOUT GBA MEMBERSHIP BENEFFITS.

GBA Celebrates First Graduates of Ascend Leadership Development Class

GBA is proud to congratulate the Summer 2026 graduates of the Ascend Class, the Level 2 class in GBA’s Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) designed for geoprofessionals transitioning into project, people, and client management roles.

Twenty-two geoprofessionals from GBA member firms completed 12 live, virtual sessions focused on practical leadership skills including personality styles, execution, time management, delegation, training, conflict management, growth mindset, emotional intelligence, feedback, client management, and listening skills.

As a GBA member benefit that elevates geoprofessional value and firm success, Ascend supports the development of emerging managers by strengthening succession planning; improving client retention and growth; reinforcing investment in staff development; and connecting geoprofessionals with member resources

Summer 2026 Ascend Class Graduates

• Brian Ackerman, P.E., Apex
• Andrew Arnold, Terracon
• Austin Broshar, Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Jennifer Campbell, P.E., Earth Systems
• Matt Darden, E.I., Terracon
• Raphael Debaty, P.E., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Benjamin Downing, P.E., McPhail Associates
• Jimmy Fisher, Geotechnical Consultants
• Tolleman Gorham, P.E., BSK Associates
• Kawsar Hooda, NTH Consultants
• Zachery Lilly, P.E., G2 Consulting Group
• Dylan Locke, P.E., McPhail Associates
• Danny Marker III, E.I.T., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Geoffrey Matthew, P.E., Olsson
• Anjelica Moran, P.E., Terracon
• Zach Moriarty, NTH Consultants
• Priya Patel, Geo-Technology Associates
• Josselynn Schneider-Curry, P.E., Northern Geotechnical Engineering – Terra Firma Testing
• Robert Sherwood, Olsson
• Ennis Smith, SME
• Michael Travis, P.E., Geotechnical Consultants
• Lucas Vonderbank, M.Sc., P.Eng., TREK Engineering

Summer 2026 Ascend Class Subject Matter Experts:

• Vic Donald, P.E., F.GBA, Terracon
• Ryan Feist, P.E., Terracon
• Colter Lane, P.E., Jorgensen Geotechnical
• Matt Monteith, P.E., BC.GE, Kleinfelder
• Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E., BSK Associates
• Tim Rodriguez, BSK Associates
• Dan Schaefer, P.E., Froehling & Robertson
• Tiffany Vorhies, PMP, NACE CIP-2, SME
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E., Apex

Commencement speaker Vic Donald challenged graduates to carry the lessons of Ascend forward into their firms, projects, client relationships, and the broader geoprofessions. “Leadership is the ability to improve outcomes, develop people, strengthen organizations, and leave something better than you found it,” he said.

The graduates’ own reflections reinforced the immediate value of the program. Zachery Lilly shared, “Before the class, I measured productivity by how busy I was. Ascend challenged me to think about the difference between being busy and actually being effective.”

Josselyn Schneider-Curry identified “the power of pausing and asking questions” as her overall takeaway from the course, while Tolleman Gorham said, “This class isn’t just tips and tricks – it’s working on yourself so you can be a better person to work with.”

Ascend is part of GBA’s Career Continuum, a four-tier GCAP pathway that includes Embark for early professionals, Ascend for management development, Summit for leadership, and Sustain for senior and specialized development. There are still a few seats available for the next Ascend class, running September 22 through December 18, 2026.

Congratulations to the inaugural Ascend graduates for investing in their growth, strengthening their firms, and taking the next step in their leadership journey.

GBA’s 2026 Annual Financial Survey Is Open Now

The strongest business decisions are built on more than assumptions.

GBA’s 2026 Annual Financial Survey is now open; the survey helps member firms replace guesswork with meaningful financial benchmarking data from across the geoprofessional industry.

GBA has again partnered with the Environmental Financial Consulting Group (EFCG) to facilitate the survey. EFCG is the leading advisor to architecture, engineering, and consulting (AEC) firms. Their mission is to provide a data-driven and strategic edge to AEC firms to advance the innovation, sustainability, and success of the industry.

Survey results give participating firms access to meaningful financial benchmarking data from other GBA member firms, helping leaders compare performance, evaluate trends, and strengthen planning with real data.

The survey deadline is Friday, August 14, 2026.

Why Participate?
Financial benchmarking helps firms move beyond assumptions and answer important business questions with greater clarity:
• Where does our firm stand compared to similar-sized peers?
• Are we performing above or below expectations?
• Are our decisions helping move the firm forward—or holding us back?
• Where could we be leaving profit, efficiency, or opportunity on the table?

“Participating in the GBA/EFCG financial survey helps us keep our company healthy. It is like getting an annual physical. The numbers themselves don’t make us healthier. Comparing them to healthy ranges and acting on what they reveal is what improves the health of our organization.”
—Stuart Thompson, President and CEO, CTL|Thompson

Last year’s survey results provided participating firms with insights into key financial indicators such as organic growth, backlog, profitability, billing, and other performance drivers. This year’s survey also reflects current industry priorities, including technology investments, employee benefits, and AI.

“At BSK Associates, the GBA Annual Financial Survey is a valuable benchmarking tool available to our leadership team. The survey provides meaningful insight into key performance metrics, shared industry challenges, and emerging trends, helping us make more informed strategic decisions and better understand our position within the Geoprofessional industry. It is an investment of time that consistently delivers exceptional value.”
—Renea Rangell, CEO, BSK Associates

Only GBA member firms that participate in the survey will receive access to the full data set and consolidated results. First-time respondents will also receive a one-page benchmarking analysis showing where their firm stands compared to similarly sized GBA member firms.

Confidentiality
All individual submissions will remain completely confidential. No firm-identifiable data will be shared in the consolidated survey results or benchmarking analysis. Survey input will be evaluated by EFCG and reported only in aggregate.

Who Should Complete the Survey?
This survey should be completed by a GBA member firm’s Chief Financial Officer, Controller, or other accounting professional responsible for the firm’s financial management.

Click the button above to download an Excel file containing the survey questions, guidance, and submission instructions.

Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026

Attend the Optional Informational Webinar
GBA and EFCG will host an optional informational webinar to help member firms better understand the survey, learn how the benchmarking data can be used, and ask questions before submitting.

Informational Webinar: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Time: 2-3 p.m. Eastern Time

The more firms that participate, the more meaningful the results become for the entire GBA membership. By contributing your firm’s data, you help strengthen the benchmarking insights available to GBA member firms—and gain access to information that can support smarter decisions, stronger performance, and long-term business success.

If your firm plans to complete the full EFCG CEO Survey, there is no need to also complete the GBA Key Financials Survey. The GBA survey questions are included in the EFCG CEO Survey, and respondents to the full EFCG CEO Survey will receive the results from the additional sections as well as the GBA Key Financials Survey results.

 

Show Us What It Means to be ALL IN

GBA’s 2026 Photo and Video Contest is now open – and we want to see the geoprofessions through YOUR eyes.

This year’s theme, ALL IN: Uncompromising Commitment to the Geoprofessions, celebrates the people, projects, teamwork, leadership, innovation, and responsibility that move our profession forward. Whether you are capturing work in the field, the lab, the office, or on a project site, this is your opportunity to show what it looks like when geoprofessionals fully commit to delivering exceptional results, protecting people and projects, developing future leaders, and creating lasting value for clients, communities, and the professions.

Employees of GBA member firms are invited to submit photos and short videos in the following categories:
• Technical Excellence
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Safety in Practice
• Projects & Community Impact
• Video

Video entries should be 30 seconds or less and show the theme in action.

The contest closes on August 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Submit entries by emailing them to info@geoprofessional.org with the subject line “2026 Photo Contest Submission.”

You see the value of geoprofessionals every day. Now is your chance to show it to the world.

EXPLANATION OF CATEGORIES
a. Technical Excellence
Capture geoprofessionals applying their expertise in the field, laboratory, or office through investigations, testing, analysis, engineering, innovation, and problem-solving. Show what it means to be fully committed to quality, professionalism, and technical excellence.

b. Teamwork & Collaboration
Highlight people working together to share knowledge, mentor colleagues, serve clients, solve challenges, and deliver successful outcomes. Showcase the relationships and commitment that strengthen firms and advance the geoprofessions.

c. Safety in Practice
Feature the everyday actions, planning, accountability, and commitment that help geoprofessionals maintain safe work environments in the field, laboratory, and office. Demonstrate what it means to prioritize people and make safety a core part of professional excellence.

d. Projects & Community Impact
Show how geoprofessional work creates lasting value through infrastructure, development, environmental stewardship, resilience, or community-focused projects. Highlight the positive impact that results from a commitment to serving clients, communities, and society.

e. Video
Bring the theme ALL IN: Uncompromising Commitment to the Geoprofessions to life through a short video (30 seconds or less) showcasing expertise, teamwork, leadership, safety, innovation, or project impact in action.

 

New Podcast Episode: Case History #10, a Dam Shame

The latest episode in the GBA Podcast’s Case History series takes listeners inside a project where early geotechnical concerns were identified, recommendations were made, and warnings were repeatedly set aside, with costly consequences.

Hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants) and Abi Corbett (SME) examine GBA Case History #10, a project-management case involving a recreational lake system, restricted scopes of service, communication breakdowns, and litigation.

The case centers on a county government in Central California that asked a GBA member firm to assist during final design and construction of a large water-based recreational facility. Although the member firm proposed a broad scope that included geotechnical, shoreline-protection, soil-science, and environmental studies, the county limited the firm’s role to geotechnical advice and discouraged direct communication between the member firm and the A/E firm.

As the project moved forward, problems emerged including shoreline erosion, pavement failures, seepage, and ultimately years of litigation.

As Corbett notes in the episode, the case “highlights what happens when sound geoprofessional recommendations are sidelined or a role gets blurred.” Brown adds that “communication is just as critical on these projects as the engineering judgment and technical insight is.”

For geoprofessional consultants, the episode offers practical reminders about documenting recommendations and recognizing warning signs. The discussion does not simply revisit what went wrong; it helps listeners think through how similar risks can be recognized and managed on their own projects.

Listen to the full episode to hear how this case unfolded and what geoprofessionals can take from it. Listen HERE or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

When Clients Ignore Advice: Lessons from Case History #2

In the latest episode of the GBA Podcast’s Case History series, hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants), and Abi Corbett (SME) explore a cautionary real-world scenario that underscores a central truth for geoprofessional consultants: risk often increases when sound engineering judgment is dismissed.

The episode examines GBA Case History #2, involving a geotechnical investigation for a custom home built along the flank of a ridge. The GBA member firm identified expansive clay soils and provided clear recommendations to mitigate potential damage, including avoiding slab-on-grade construction and implementing proper drainage controls. However, the project proceeded under a handshake agreement, and critical guidance was not followed.

As Brown notes, the situation ultimately resulted in preventable failure: “The builder would create a risk of significant damage if it opted for a slab on grade basement floor.” That risk became reality when the basement experienced cracking, buckling, and water infiltration shortly after construction.

The discussion brings the case to life with practical insights, including the risks associated with residential projects, the importance of written agreements, and how overlooking construction-phase observation can leave firms exposed. As Corbett puts it, “Ignoring your geotechnical engineer is… pretty much a terrible idea.”

Rather than simply revisiting what went wrong, the hosts emphasize actionable lessons geoprofessionals can apply immediately—from identifying high-risk clients to reinforcing “confirmation-dependent recommendations” and knowing when it may be prudent to settle disputes and move forward.

This episode offers a valuable reminder that even routine projects can evolve into high-risk situations without proper controls, documentation, and client alignment.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

New Best Practices: Lessons from 500+ Years of Geoprofessional Experience

What drives long-term success in the geoprofessional industry? GBA’s new Best Practices resource, GeoHeroes: Lessons from 500+ Years of Experience – Repeatable Behaviors of High-Performing Geoprofessionals, distills lessons from 26 GeoHeroes podcast interviews representing more than 500 years of combined professional experience. The result is practical, field-tested guidance that can help professionals strengthen their careers, support stronger firms, and improve outcomes for clients.

The document synthesizes recurring themes identified across interviews with respected industry leaders, highlighting repeatable behaviors that consistently appeared among successful geoprofessionals. The guidance is practical, accessible, and relevant across career stages. It also reinforces behaviors that help reduce risk, build trust, and improve organizational performance over time.

Key takeaways include:
• Reliability builds trust. Meeting commitments and communicating proactively creates credibility.
• People skills matter. Long-term growth requires developing leadership and communication abilities alongside technical expertise.
• Growth often comes through discomfort. Challenging assignments and new responsibilities can create the greatest opportunities.

Not sure if your firm is a GBA member? Learn about member benefits:

From Technical Talent to Trusted Advisors: Summer 2026 Embark Class Graduates

GBA congratulates the 24 graduates of the Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) Embark class, who completed the 10-week course to build consulting fundamentals on June 18, 2026.

June 2026 Embark Graduates

• Conner Aichlmayr, STRATA
• Jillyan Baskin, M.S., G.I.T, Froehling & Robertson
• Samuel Beckett, Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.
• Renae Cook, P.E., SME
• Tommy Crisp, E.I.T., Terracon
• Saul Cuautle, P.E., Diaz Yourman & Associates
• Luke Espindola, McPhail Associates
• Nick Godbout, STRATA
• Connor Henningsen, McPhail Associates
• Lauren Herbert, E.I.T, G.I.T, Geocon Consultants
• Alicia Homeszyn, P.E., SME
• Lizam Kalaskas, ECS Group
• Dane Kottiel, E.I.T., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Chaitanya (KC) Kukutla, P.E., Diaz Yourman & Associates
• Jimmy Marielli, Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.
• Baker McGinnis, Geo-Technology Associates
• Savannah Means, G.I.T., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Kevin Morgan, P.E., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Abby Noel, E.I.T., Terracon
• Jackelyn Rillo, ENV SP, GPM, PMI-CPMAI, GFT
• Stewart Thompson, BSK Associates
• Vivian Wallace, Earth Systems
• Chris Willhite, S&ME
• Gregory Zuill, ECS Group

Reflections on the Class and Graduate Feedback

During the graduation ceremony, GBA leaders and participants reflected on the value of the program, the importance of trusted advisor skills, and the connections built across the class.

“The technical knowledge that you’ve gained through your formal college educations and thus far in your career is really essential. But clients rarely judge us solely on our technical expertise. We know that. They judge us on our ability to solve problems, to communicate clearly, to build trust,” said GBA President Dan Schaefer, who also told the graduates that, “The future of our profession isn’t something that happens to you – it’s something that’s going to be shaped by you.”

What Did Graduates Learn in Embark?  

“One thing I never really thought about was how one decision for me could affect our scope, our schedule, our budget, our client relationship, and what kind of risks are involved.” — Samuel Beckett, Geotechnical Consultants

“Great geoprofessionals don’t just solve problems, they align people, communicate early, and build trust.” — Vivian Wallace, Earth Systems

More About the Embark Class

Embark is the first class of GCAP, a structured professional development pathway within GBA’s Career Continuum designed to grow geoprofessionals from early career through senior leadership. The class introduces early-career professionals to essential consulting tools and professional competencies they can apply immediately in their daily work. LEARN MORE

Through live virtual sessions, participants explored consulting fundamentals, communication, soft skills, ethics, proposals, business development, contracts, risk management, and project management.

GBA is currently accepting rolling nominations for the Fall 2026 Embark (early professionals) and Ascend (management development) classes. Seats are limited!

A Conversation on Leadership, Belonging, and the Future of the Profession

The latest episode of the GBA Podcast introduces listeners to GBA’s Geoprofessional Women’s Group (GWG) through a candid panel conversation about leadership, connection, and career growth in the geoprofessions.

In this special episode, listeners hear from GBA Secretary-Treasurer Carrie (Foulk) Rodriguez, P.E., G.E., of BSK Associates; Elizabeth Brown, P.E. of JLT Consultants; Catherine Ellis, P.E., G.E., of Shannon & Wilson; Dori Ross, P.E. of Sanborn, Head, & Associates Inc.; Nikki Scalia of GBA; and Sydney Shockley, G.I.T., of Atlas Technical Consultants. Together, they represent a wide range of career stages and professional paths as they discuss why the group was formed and how it can support geoprofessionals through mentorship, shared learning, and honest conversation.

The GWG is not just about community for community’s sake. It is about strengthening firms and the profession as a whole.

“Part of being a good business is having a diverse workforce and a workforce that feels supported and empowered,” said Rodriguez.

The panel also speaks openly about career pivots, visibility, and the importance of having a trusted network.

For GBA members and other listeners alike, this episode offers an encouraging look at how connection and shared experience can strengthen individuals, firms, and the geoprofessions as an industry.

Watch now:

Listen to the episode: GBA Podcast – GWG Panel Discussion
Learn more about the group: Geoprofessional Women’s Group

 

 

Meet ChatGBA: A New Way to Access GBA Knowledge

We’re excited to introduce ChatGBA, a new tool designed to give members easy, complete, customized access to 55 years of wisdom created specifically for geoprofessionals. This is just another example of GBA’s commitment to help members put geoprofessional knowledge, resources, and relationships to work.

ChatGBA is a GBA-hosted chatbot that uses our vast library of risk management, business optimization, and leadership development resources to connect members with content that makes them smarter, stronger, and more successful.

No other chatbot is customized for geoprofessionals and has access to a library of over 450 documents, dozens of webinars and audio resources, or more than 10 years of conference video recordings.

Members can access and begin using ChatGBA now by clicking the button below and logging into the member website:

Begin with a question, topic, or challenge and use ChatGBA to get relevant answers shaped by what you do, what you know, and what you’re working on. For more refined results, include your role or area of expertise and what specific challenge you’re working on. This helps ChatGBA provide better support, as responses can be customized by practice area and years of experience.

In addition to individual-level support on the GBA member website, ChatGBA can also be integrated as an API into member firms’ internal communications platforms to support staff training and growth. If you’re interested in exploring this option for your firm, contact GBA at info@geoprofessional.org or 301-565-2733.

This new tool reflects GBA’s broader commitment to delivering forward-looking, innovative services that help members and their firms succeed in a changing business environment.