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GBA Honors 2025-2026 Award Recipients

GBA members gathered at the 2026 GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona for the Annual Recognition and Awards Banquet to celebrate the people and member firms who advanced the association’s mission through service, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the geoprofessions.

Below are the award recipients recognized for Fiscal Year 2025-2026:

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
GBA recognizes volunteers whose contributions strengthened the association and elevated geoprofessional value. The following geoprofessionals with Certificates of Appreciation to recognize their contributions to the Association in the past 12 months:

• Intisar Ahmed, MS, P.E., P.Eng.	• Ken Johnston, F.GBA
• Kent Bannister, P.Eng.	• Jesse Kropelnicki, P.E.
• Abeera Batool, Ph.D., P.E.	• James Landrum, P.E.
• Saiid Behboodi, P.E., G.E., F.GBA	• Colter Lane, P.E.
• Grace Blackburn	• Thomas Maher, P.G.
• Tom Blackburn, P.E., G.E., F.GBA, F.ASCE, F.ACEC	• Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.GBA, F.ASCE
• Storer Boone, Ph.D., P.Eng., P.E.	• Andrew Michaud
• Elizabeth Brown, P.E.	• Keith Mobley, P.E., G.E.
• Jim Carpenter, P.E.	• Matt Moler, P.E., F.GBA
• Corey Clarke	• Bryce Moore
• Rob Condon, P.E.	• Stewart Osgood, P.E., F.GBA
• Abi Corbett	• Bob Rabeler, P.E., M.ASCE, F.MSPE
• Blake Cotton, P.E.	• Dori Ross, P.E.
• Veronica De Freitas, P.E.	• Elias Ruhl
• Vic Donald, P.E., F.GBA	• Shelby Russ, E.I.
• Craig Fischer	• Ryan Slack
• Chuck Gregory, P.E., F.GBA	• Peter Suah, P.E.
• Rick Heckel, P.E., D.GE	• Leo Titus, P.E., F.GBA
• Rachel Hile-Broad	• Matt Van Rensler, P.E.
• Rob Howard, P.E.	• Tiffany Vorhies, PMP, NACE CIP-2
• Jeff Jaros	• Steve Wendland, P.E., P.G., BC.GE
• June Jewell	• Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE
• Rich Johnson, P.G., C.E.G., C.H.G.	• Aaron Zdinak, P.E., BC.GE

 

AWARD OF APPRECIATION
GBA presented a Special Award of Appreciation to Tim Rodriguez, a member of the Multimedia Delivery Committee, in recognition of extraordinary multimedia support—contributions spanning writing, video production, and promotional storytelling that helped spotlight GBA resources, training, and key events.

PEER-REVIEWED FIRM
Peer Review is one of GBA’s signature programs and a powerful investment in future success. GBA recognized French & Parrello Associates and Southern Engineering and Testing for completing GBA Peer Reviews in 2025.

2026 WOODWARD L. VOGT PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award recognizes an outstanding project completed by a GBA member firm—one that reflects GBA’s vision through strong risk management, innovation, quality, and meaningful community impact.

Winner: G2 Consulting — The University of Michigan Helipad Evaluation & Reconstruction

This year’s winning project addressed an emergency sinkhole beneath a hospital helipad that halted critical medical operations. G2 Consulting led the geotechnical response to restore this vital emergency asset to full service.

MEMBER FIRM ENGAGEMENT AWARDS
GBA recognized member firms with the highest measured engagement during the 2025–2026 year (one from each category based on firm size):
• Jorgenson Geotechnical
• SME
• Strata, Inc.
• Terracon

NEW IN 2026: IMPACT AND SERVICE AWARD
In 2026, GBA introduced a new annual award to recognize an individual whose long-term, behind-the-scenes contributions have meaningfully advanced the association’s work and supported strategic direction through steady, trusted service.

Winner: Rick Heckel, P.E., D.GE

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
GBA recognized the following committee leaders who transitioned out of key roles and celebrated their service:
• Lori A. Cathcart — Emerging Issues & Trends Committee Vice Chair (2024-2026)
• Aaron J. Mann, Esq. — Legal Affairs Committee Chair (2024-2026)
• Bryce Moore — CoMET Committee Chair (2023-2026)
• Margaret Panatera, P.E. — Environmental Business Committee Chair (2023-2026)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE — Multimedia Delivery Committee Chair (2025-2026).

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SERVICE AWARD
GBA recognized Elizabeth Clarke for completing her term as a Director (2023-2026).

PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The outgoing GBA President selects one person to recognize for the contributions they made to our Association during the year of his or her presidency.

Winner, selected by Teresa Peterson: Art Hoffmann, P.E., D.GE, F.GBA

PRESIDENT’S SERVICE GAVEL
New GBA president Dan Schaefer, P.E. presented the President’s Service Gavel to Teresa Peterson, in recognition of her completion of her presidential term (2025-2026).

On behalf of the GBA Board of Directors, member firms, and staff, congratulations to all who were recognized for Fiscal Year 2025-2026—and thank you for the expertise, leadership, and service that strengthen our association and elevate the geoprofessions.

 

New Safety Committee Launched

GBA is pleased to announce that the Safety Subcommittee has been approved as a new full committee, following action taken at the GBA Board meeting on April 21, 2026. The committee was created to help GBA member firms strengthen the safety, health, and wellbeing of employees through practical resources, peer-to-peer learning, and tools that can be applied across roles and project types.

The new committee will focus on facilitating knowledge sharing among member firms; collecting and disseminating best practices for routine and high-risk tasks; supporting safety-related Case Histories; partnering with other GBA committees on projects with safety implications; and helping develop safety content for conferences, workshops, and webinars.

Chair: Rachel Hile-Broad (Hile Group)
Vice Chair: Jim Carpenter (ECS Group)

“We hear all the time that organizational culture is the ultimate competitive advantage and in the geoprofessions, that includes safety culture,” said Hile-Broad. “Safety is a cornerstone that anchors a strong foundation for the rest of the business.”

GBA welcomes membership and committee participation from firms of all sizes—and from both technical practitioners and safety professionals—because stronger safety practices are built through shared experience and collective problem-solving.

Interested in getting involved? Contact GBA Committee Coordinator Stacey Moore at stacey@geoprofessional.org to learn more about joining the Safety Committee. If you are interested in any other GBA Committee as a way of engaging with other geoprofessionals and giving back to your profession, contact Stacey or find more information here: Join a GBA Committee.

GBA Names Three New Members to Its Prestigious Council of Fellows

GBA is proud to announce the appointment of three new members to the GBA Council of Fellows:

• Vic Donald, P.E., F.GBA;
• Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.GBA; and
• Matt Moler, P.E., F.GBA.

These appointments were announced during the 2026 GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vic Donald, P.E., F.GBA — Ethics, Innovation, and Industry Impact

A long-time leader in the geoprofessions, Vic Donald is widely respected for advancing professional ethics and leadership. In 2021, he was selected as the winner of the Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award, a joint honor presented by GBA and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

His engagement with GBA spans thought leadership, national presentations, and consistent behind-the-scenes support. Recent contributions include serving on the Crystal Ball Workshop Task Force, co-authoring a thought leadership article on AI for GEOSTRATA, serving on the GBA Board, and playing a leading role in the development of GBA’s Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program.

In an interview on the GBA Podcast’s GeoHeroes series, Vic Donald captures what keeps so many leaders engaged in this work for decades, saying, “I’m at that age that a lot of people would say they retired but I can’t do that; I have too much fun in this profession.”

Learn More about Vic:
Vic Donald Selected for Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award
GeoHeroes – Vic Donald

Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.GBA — Leadership, Service, and Community-Building

A dedicated GBA volunteer and industry connector, Guy Marcozzi has served on the GBA Board of Directors (2021-2024) and as GBA President (2024-2025), while also helping elevate member learning and engagement through multimedia and peer connection.

Among his notable contributions: hosting more than 25 episodes of the GeoHeroes podcast series and helping foster community through initiatives such as the Second Mountain Peer Group.

In his GBA Director Spotlight, Guy Marcozzi reflected on how “giving back” and staying active can be both personally meaningful and professionally energizing—values that align closely with the spirit of the Council of Fellows.

Learn more about Guy:
Director Spotlight: A Commitment to Giving Back
GeoHeroes – Guy Marcozzi

Matt Moler, P.E., F.GBA — People-First Leadership and Long-Term GBA Engagement

Matt Moler has a long track record of service to GBA through leadership roles and committee contributions. His contributions include being a graduate of Emerging Leaders Class 3, serving as a Director on the Board (2018-2022), and serving as GBA President (2023-2024).

He is also recognized for sustained contributions to the Business Practices Committee, including leadership roles and efforts connected to practical, member-useful resources.

In his GeoHeroes interview, Matt Moler underscored a theme that resonates across the geoprofessions: technical excellence matters—but relationships and trust are foundational. As he put it, “Trust begins with a relationship.”

Learn more about Matt:
Matt Moler’s Road to Becoming a Geoprofessional
GeoHeroes – Matt Moler

More Information About the Council of Fellows

The GBA Council of Fellows was established in 1975 to provide guidance for the association’s direction and to pursue other activities its members deem appropriate. Every two years, the Fellows identify long-time contributors and elect new members to the Council—recognizing individuals whose service has helped strengthen the Association and advance the geoprofessions.

 

GBA Announces 2026-27 Leadership

GBA is pleased to announce its Board of Directors and officers for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which runs May 1 through April 30.

This team will help guide the association’s strategic direction and support GBA’s work to elevate the geoprofessions through collaboration, leadership development, and member-focused resources.

GBA welcomes incoming President Dan Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Roberston), who will serve as President of GBA’s Board of Directors for FY 2026-27. Other directors who will serve during GBA’s 2026-27 fiscal year are:

• President-Elect: Stuart “Stu” Thompson (CTL|Thompson)
• Secretary/Treasurer: Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)

Directors-at-Large
• Kent Bannister, P.Eng. (TREK Engineering)
• Jeff Jaros (NTH Consultants)
• Dori Ross, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Ji Shin, Esq. (Earth Systems)
• Jason Stoops, P.E. (G2 Consulting Group)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (Apex Companies)

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Schaefer said. “My primary focus this year will be executing the 2027+ Strategic Plan—our North Star. And please—if there’s anything I can do to improve your GBA experience—don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Learn more about Dan in this spotlight article: Building on a Solid Foundation

Gratitude for Outgoing Leadership
GBA extends its sincere thanks to immediate past-President Teresa Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (GFT), for her service and leadership throughout FY 2025-26.

We are also grateful to Elizabeth Clarke (Structure Groups) for her dedicated service as a Director (2023-2026).

Many of these board members get started on their leadership track by attending GBA events or joining one of GBA’s committees, which are the fuel that drives the GBA engine. If you’re interested in joining a committee, please reach out to GBA Committee Coordinator Stacey Moore at stacey@geoprofessional.org for more details.

As GBA begins a new fiscal year, the association thanks every volunteer and member firm that contributes time, expertise, and energy to move the geoprofessions forward—together.

Governor Proclaims Geoprofessionals’ Week in Arizona

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has issued an official proclamation recognizing April 20-25, 2026 as Geoprofessionals’ Week in Arizona. The proclamation spotlights the vital role geoprofessionals play in protecting communities — emphasizing that the health, safety, and welfare of the public depend on geoprofessional services and the professionals who provide them.

The proclamation aligns with the GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix, where geoprofessionals convene to learn, network, and strengthen professionalism across geoprofessional businesses.

“Governor Hobbs’ proclamation is a public reminder that geoprofessionals protect what matters most—our communities’ health, safety, and welfare,” said GBA Executive Director Joel Carson. “As we gather in Phoenix to learn, connect, and strengthen professionalism across our industry, I hope every attendee leaves with renewed pride in the essential work we do and the responsibility we carry.”

The proclamation underscores why geoprofessional work matters every day: the quality of our environment is a fundamental community concern, and efficient, durable, and cost-effective infrastructure is essential to Arizona’s economy and residents’ everyday lives. It recognizes the many disciplines that contribute to the geoprofessions and calls attention to the integrity and importance of the work performed across engineering, earth, and environmental practice.

It’s not too late to attend the 2026 GBA Annual Conference: Geoprofessional Vibrancy, Impact, and Professionalism, taking place April 23-25. Join your peers from across North America for GBA’s flagship gathering built around connection, growth, and ideas you can bring back to your firm right away.

GBA’s Geoprofessional Women’s Group: A Space to Connect and Grow

Women across the geoprofessional industry are building careers, leading teams and firms, and shaping the future of our profession—and they shouldn’t have to do it in isolation. That’s the idea behind GBA’s Geoprofessional Women’s Group (GWG): a dedicated space designed to bring women together across firms, disciplines, and career stages to connect, learn, and support one another.

 

At its core, GWG is built around five key objectives that translate into practical, firm-relevant benefits:

• Collaboration
• Learning
• Networking
• Support
• Empowerment

Enhanced professional growth, increased visibility for women’s achievements, a stronger community, and the power of diverse perspectives will elevate geoprofessional value on a global scale.

The GWG is guided by a steering committee of engaged women leaders across GBA member firms, including:
• Liz Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants)
• Shana Carroll, P.E., LEED BD+C (D.W. Kozera)
• Catherine Ellis, P.E., G.E. (Shannon & Wilson)
• Cassandra Langley (GBA)
• Keri Nutter, C.P.G. (DOWL)
• Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA (Terracon)
• Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)

Goals and Deliverables to Benefit Member Firms

The group has begun outlining topics and discussion tracks that will help leaders and managers better understand the realities women may face in the workplace and in field environments, including:

• How employers can support women through family leave and return-to-work transitions
• Work/life balance while parenting
• Normalizing women’s job-site needs
• Inclusive, respectful communication

Planned content ideas include:

• An employer retention playbook with guidance for supporting and retaining women in geoprofessional businesses.
• Guidelines for employers on what women are seeking from their workplaces, especially in scenarios where women may be the only woman in the office or on a job site.
• Speakers and learning sessions to address women-in-leadership and women-in-business themes.

How to Join

As the group continues to grow, members meet the first Wednesday of each month to surface real experiences, identify common challenges, and translate those insights into ideas that can help both individuals and their firms.

If you are interested in joining GWG, attending an upcoming meeting, or learning more about how the group can support women in your firm, you’re encouraged to reach out and request information or an invitation. Contact Carrie Rodriguez: crodriguez@bskassociates.com.

And stay tuned for an upcoming special episode of the GBA Podcast, where GWG members share why the group formed, what they hope to gain, and why this kind of community matters.

The First In-Person GWG Meetup

Women attending the 2026 GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix are invited to a GWG meetup during the event on Thursday, April 23. If you’re not yet registered for the conference, you can still sign up to participate HERE.

 

Two New Podcast Episodes: When to Speak Up—and How to Get Credit for Value

Two new episodes of the GBA Podcast Case History series are now available—each built around a real-world scenario that turns lived experience into practical, firm-protecting insight.

The March 17 episode explores what can happen when a project team pressures you to stay quiet and “just follow the plans,” even when conditions demand professional judgment. The March 31 episode features a “higher-ground” outcome—where smart field observations and innovative testing created major client savings.

Don’t Rush “Go Along to Get Along.” Don’t Get Bullied

In this episode about GBA Case History #89, a GBA member firm is retained for a geotechnical study and later construction materials engineering and testing services for a challenging building site. Early in construction, a “small” field issue reveals a bigger risk dynamic. The member firm recommends using clay—but that judgment becomes a flashpoint.

The firm is told to stop making field judgments, reminded that interpretation of contract documents “rests solely with the architect and its consulting engineers,” and effectively restricted to enforcing the plans and specifications “as written.” But after the winter season, the site’s sidewalks experience severe frost heave, and pavement distress follows.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the way you document, set boundaries, and structure contracts can matter just as much as technical competence when a project turns adversarial.

Challenge Yourself… Be a Consultant… Serve Your Client… The GBA Story

This episode features a “higher-ground” case history (#113) with a positive outcome—while still carrying lessons every geoprofessional should internalize.

A nine-story hospital on hilly terrain requires deep cuts and thick fills. Blasted limestone from cut areas is reused as fill, but clayey overburden soils become mixed into the rock during blasting—creating highly variable soil-rock fill and a tough problem for compaction control and pavement design.

The geotechnical report prepared by another firm recommends designing pavements for a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 4—typical and conservative for clayey subgrades. But early field observations suggest the rock-rich fill should perform far better. With no local precedent for testing mixed soil-rock fill (and boulders up to 18 inches complicating matters), the GBA member firm faces a classic dilemma: accept a “safe” design that costs more, or carefully develop a defensible path to value?

What follows is an excellent example of innovative thinking anchored in sound engineering. The result: approximately $600,000 in savings for the owner.

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About the GBA Podcast

GBA podcasts were created by GBA’s Emerging Leaders Class and contain information and expertise from geoprofessionals around the globe. Series include GeoHeroes, Management Best Practices, Case Histories, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership Lounge, and The 1st Word.

Announcing the 2026 Business Round Table Topics

One of the most anticipated traditions at the GBA Annual Conference is back in 2026: Business Round Tables—a fast-paced, interactive opportunity to collaborate on the real business challenges (and opportunities) facing geoprofessional firms today. The GBA Business Round Table session is sponsored by Spectra QEST and organized by GBA’s Business Practices Committee.

The topics are timely, practical, and specific to the geoprofessions—from leading through AI and pricing for value, to strengthening project management performance, advancing safety, and building cultures that retain great people. Plus, we’ll have a few surprise topics that will be unveiled on-site in Phoenix on April 24.

Soil, But Make It Sci‑Fi

AI in the Geoprofessions

AI and machine learning are rapidly changing how firms interpret complex datasets, model subsurface conditions, and predict risk. This round table will explore where AI can create real value—while emphasizing governance, transparency, defensibility, and the leadership responsibilities that ensure AI supports (not replaces) professional judgment.

Culture: Now Serving All Locations

Engagement Strategies for All Employees

How do you build a consistent, inclusive culture across in-office, hybrid, remote, and field-based roles—especially when field staff may have limited access to office resources? This discussion will focus on practical engagement strategies that strengthen communication, retention, training access, mentorship, and alignment across multiple locations and work modes.

Everybody Wears Five Hats (And One Is on Fire)

Small Company Challenges

Leading a firm with fewer than 40 employees often means balancing technical delivery, business development, administration, risk management, and financial discipline—without a deep bench of support staff. This peer-to-peer discussion will surface practical approaches for staying nimble, competitive, and profitable while delivering high-quality professional services.

The “Everyone Gets Home” Game Plan

Safety Risks and Mitigation

From extreme heat and severe weather to hazards around heavy equipment, remote site conditions, and lab/office risks, safety remains a core operational priority. This table will focus on practical ways consulting firms are strengthening safety performance—through planning, training, clear roles, and the use of proven best practices to reduce incidents and protect people.

Project Managers Can Make (or Break) Your Bottom Line

KPIs and Training for PM Success

Project managers have an outsized impact on profitability—but which indicators actually predict success? This discussion will explore meaningful PM KPIs (scope, schedule, budget, cash flow, quality, client satisfaction, repeat work) and how firms are building strong PMs through structured training, mentoring, and ongoing development in communication, financial management, and leadership.

Stop, Drop, and Delegate

Avoiding Employee Burnout

Burnout is not just a people problem—it’s a business performance problem that affects quality, retention, and risk. This round table will dig into how stress shows up in consulting firms, what warning signs matter, and what firms are doing to monitor workload, equip managers for productive conversations, and create sustainable team performance.

AI: Helpful Intern, Not Licensed Professional

What is Your AI Policy?

As AI becomes more accessible, firms need clear guidance on appropriate use—especially around confidentiality, quality control, liability, and regulatory obligations. This discussion will explore what effective workplace AI policies include, how firms set expectations, and how leaders ensure human oversight remains central to defensible professional work products.

Say Goodbye to the Billable Hour

How to Charge for Geoprofessionals’ True Value

Many firms are evaluating alternatives to time-based billing—especially when expertise, risk reduction, and outcomes are the true value delivered. This round table will explore value-based, fixed-fee, and lump-sum pricing approaches, including how firms define scope clearly, communicate value to clients, manage risk, and protect profitability while strengthening client relationships.

Geoprofessional Women Unite, Empower, Retain

Unique Challenges and Strategies for Geoprofessional Women

This solutions-focused discussion will explore practical strategies for strengthening inclusion, advancement, mentorship, and retention—especially in field, project, and business environments where women have historically been underrepresented. Expect an open exchange of firm-level practices that support career growth, expand leadership opportunities, and strengthen the long-term success of geoprofessional organizations.

CEO to CEO

The most significant opportunities and threats to your business in 2026 and beyond.

This confidential, CEO-only table creates space for candid peer exchange on the forces shaping geoprofessional firms—talent constraints, evolving client expectations, automation and AI, economic and regulatory uncertainty, and more. The discussion is designed to help CEOs compare perspectives, test assumptions, and leave better informed about the strategic choices that will shape resilience and long-term success.

Busy Is Not a Badge of Honor

Being Busy Vs. Being Productive

Long hours and packed schedules can hide inefficiencies that increase risk and reduce quality. This table will explore how firms distinguish value-added work from “noise,” measure productivity beyond billable hours, and coach teams toward clearer priorities, better delegation, healthier work behaviors, and consistently high-quality deliverables.

The Power of Peer Review

The Who, What, and How of GBA Peer Review

GBA Peer Review is widely recognized as a powerful way to strengthen management practices, reduce risk, and improve firm performance. This discussion will walk through how peer reviews are completed—from scoping and assembling the review team to interviews, document review, and candid recommendations—and why independent insights often reveal opportunities to improve strategy, project management, staff development, and financial performance.

Ready to Join the Conversation?

Not registered yet? Secure your spot for the 2026 GBA Annual Conference in Phoenix and be part of the conversations that move our profession forward.

Two New Episodes: Small Projects, Big Risk—And the Pressure to Stay Quiet

Two new episodes in the GBA Podcast Case History series are ready for you to cue up—each one turning a real-world scenario into practical, risk-reducing insight for geoprofessionals and firm leaders.

Small Projects Can Create Big Risk…Yet Again, and Again and Again…

In the March 3 episode on Case History #45, co-hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (JLT Consultants) and Abi Corbett (SME) unpack how a seemingly routine environmental site assessment can escalate into major legal exposure.

As Brown frames it, this is “a classic story of how a project that seems small and routine can suddenly spiral into a multimillion-dollar legal nightmare.”

Listeners will hear how lab testing errors, missing written agreements, and thin internal review can collide—along with what to do differently next time. Corbett puts the core lesson bluntly: “Project risk is almost always inversely proportional to the project size and complexity.” The episode emphasizes practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Don’t Rush “Go Along to Get Along.” Don’t Get Bullied

The March 17 episode on Case History #89 features Tim Rodriguez (BSK Associates) and Elizabeth Brown exploring a high-stakes dynamic many firms recognize: being pressured to stay quiet, “just follow the plans,” and avoid exercising professional judgment—even when conditions demand it.

The scenario centers on geoprofessional services for a building site with challenging subsurface conditions—and a project environment where the member firm is discouraged from offering input unless explicitly asked. The episode highlights broad, firm-protecting themes: limitation-of-liability provisions, avoiding unnecessary contract complexity, documenting constraints on your authority, managing personalities with personal diplomacy, and refusing to “go along to get along.”

Across both episodes, you’ll come away with sharper risk instincts you can translate into everyday practice—stronger contracting habits, clearer boundaries on scope and authority, better documentation and verification loops, and more intentional oversight on “small” assignments that can carry outsized exposure.

And because these Case History episodes are built from real events, they’re especially useful for team learning—perfect for a commute, between site visits, or as the discussion starter for a lunch-and-learn.

The episodes were produced by Elizabeth Brown, Abi Corbett, Tim Rodriguez, and Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (Apex Companies).

About GBA Case Histories and the Podcast Series
GBA Case Histories are real-world accounts of challenges, solutions, and lessons learned in geoprofessional practice. The podcast series brings these stories to life, offering practical takeaways for professionals at every level. Each episode is designed to help you make better risk-based decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen your approach to contracts, safety, and client relationships.

The GBA Podcast also features interviews, risk management discussions, and business resources to support your professional growth. New episodes are released regularly.

Listen, Learn, and Subscribe!
Subscribe to the GBA Podcast today and stay up to date with the latest Case Histories, expert insights, and practical advice for geoprofessionals.

 

GBA Celebrates Embark Class Graduation

On March 12, 2026, GBA proudly graduated 24 early-career professionals from Embark (formerly the Early Professional Class)—Level 1 of GBA’s Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) within the GBA Career Continuum.

Delivered as a series of live virtual sessions, Embark helps early professionals build the consulting fundamentals that accelerate growth beyond technical work alone—strengthening communication, ethics, proposals, contracts, risk awareness, and project management.

During the graduation presentations, participants shared what changed for them—and what they’ll carry forward.

GBA Board member Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates), grounded the celebration in the deeper purpose of the geoprofessions, reminding graduates: “You are the foundation of a civil society and you’re responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Knowing that helps me stay inspired to do what I do.”

“This program really encouraged us to look beyond our day-to-day technical roles and have a better understanding of the geoprofessional business,” said graduate Priya Patel (Geo-Technology Associates). Priya described a post-class mindset shift toward stronger presence and understanding in conversations: “You can’t learn while you’re talking.”

Charlotte Green, E.I.T., (D.W. Kozera) emphasized the difference between competence and impact: “Our technical expertise gets us a seat at the table. It’s our other skills that make us successful.”

Congratulations to the March 2026 Embark graduates:

• Erin Binkley (Froehling & Roberston)
• Adam Blazejowski, P.E. (UES)
• Abby Brandstatter, E.I.T. (NTH Consultants)
• Josh Budean, G.I.T. (Blackburn Consulting)
• Abi Carr, P.E. (S&ME)
• Rocio Carrillo, P.E. (Earth Systems)
• William Cook (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• David Corry, E.I.T. (S&ME)
• Ethan DeMaio (CTL|Thompson)
• Charlotte Green, E.I.T. (D.W. Kozera)
• Colin Gross (G2 Consulting Group)
• Miranda Hemenway (Structure Groups)
• Chris James (UES)
• Isaac Koroma (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.)
• Jack Lawton, P.E., E.I.T. (G2 Consulting Group)
• Alex Lulias, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Collin Metz (UES)
• Priya Patel (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Lucas Powell (Froehling & Roberston)
• Anna Regnier (WSP)
• Liza Romanyuk (Blackburn Consulting)
• Daniel Rykowski (Strata)
• Tanner Whitesell, E.I.T (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• Kelsey Woodburn (GFT)

Speaking to the graduates and their sponsors/nominators, class subject matter experts, GCAP Task Force members, and GBA leaders at the graduation, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson reflected that, “This is a really high potential group of leaders who are passionate about the geoprofessions.”

Nominations Now Open: Embark and Ascend

GBA is currently accepting nominations for future cohorts of Embark (early professionals) and Ascend (emerging managers). Learn more about GCAP and submit nominations HERE.

Win the Right Work—Without Racing to the Bottom

 

You know the value of your expertise, but you’re often asked to prove it in a few pages of a proposal—while competing against firms willing to slash fees or reduce scope. Too often, the process becomes a balancing act between winning work and protecting profitability.

GBA just published a new Best Practice guide: Value-Driven Proposals, designed to help firms break out of that cycle.

This new resource challenges a familiar—and damaging—mindset: that geoprofessional services are a commodity. Years of education, specialized technical judgment, regulatory expertise, and hard-earned project experience cannot be reduced to billable hours alone. Clients aren’t just buying time; they’re investing in risk mitigation, foresight, and confidence. This new GBA Best Practices guide shows you how to communicate that value clearly and credibly throughout the proposal process.

The document also addresses one of the most persistent pain points for firm leaders: pricing. It reframes the proposal as a strategic business tool, not just a scope-and-fee exercise. You’ll find insight on when time-and-materials pricing may be limiting your firm, how value-based approaches can better align fees with outcomes, and why winning every project is far less important than winning the right ones.

Throughout the Value-Driven Proposals Best Practices, real-world examples illustrate how firms have successfully stood out by telling a stronger story, proposing with intention, and aligning their pursuits with long-term business health.

Like other GBA Best Practices, this resource is practical, concise, and meant to be used—not shelved. It complements GBA’s broader library of guidance on profitability, risk management, communication, and go/no-go decision-making, reinforcing the idea that small changes in approach can lead to meaningful gains in both performance and peace of mind.

Your expertise matters, and the right clients recognize that. The goal isn’t to win every job—it’s to build a portfolio of work that respects your value, supports your people, and sustains your firm.

Free Download for GBA Members

Download Best Practices: Value-Driven Proposals, share it with your business development and project leadership teams, and put it into play immediately—before your next pursuit goes out the door.

GBA Launches ICC Continuing Education Webinars

First Course: Post-Installed Anchors (Mar. 7)

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) is now an International Code Council (ICC) Preferred Provider, offering expanded professional development opportunities for field professionals and technicians.

Our first ICC certification course is Post-Installed Anchors: Installation & Testing—a live Zoom workshop designed to help field professionals understand inspection and testing requirements for post-installed anchors to support safer, more compliant construction outcomes.

GBA WEBINAR DETAILS
Topic: ICC Workshop – Post-Installed Anchors: Installation & Testing
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern / 8:00 a.m. Pacific
Format: Live Zoom workshop
Fee: $50 per person
Continuing Education: 1.5+ hours (.2 CEUs)

Once registered, you will receive webinar access information and participation details.

What You’ll Learn
The presentation provides a comprehensive guide to inspecting and testing post-installed anchors, focusing on compliance with ICC ESR 1917 requirements, especially for Hilti KB-TZ anchors. It covers the critical steps and considerations for proper installation, verification, and safety in construction projects. Topics covered include:

• inspection requirements
• anchor identification
• spacing
• concrete member thickness
• hole dimensions
• tightening torque.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for:

• Field professionals and technicians involved in anchor installation verification and inspection workflows
• Inspectors, special inspection staff, and project team members who need practical guidance aligned with ICC requirement

Instructor: Corey Clarke, Structure Groups
The workshop is led by Corey Clarke, Construction Services Group Manager at Structure Groups, who brings more than a decade of experience and deep institutional knowledge to complex, high-profile projects. Corey specializes in third-party firestopping inspections and holds ICC and IFC certifications. He also manages forensic services including GPR scanning and floor flatness testing, and supports major hospital and school projects throughout the Greater Bay Area. He also helps develop Structure Groups’ training program for engineering technicians and field inspectors tied to certification requirements.

The ICC Preferred Provider Program (PPP) focuses on training opportunities offered by various categories of ICC-approved education providers, which collectively form the ICC Preferred Provider Network. PPP recognizes and promotes ICC-approved educational offerings by a variety of Providers as they relate to codes, standards and guidelines, as well as building construction materials, products and methods.

Questions? Contact GBA staff at info@geoprofessional.org or (301) 565-2733.

 

Remembering David Lourie: April 6, 1956-February 11, 2026

It is with sadness that we share the passing of GBA past-President David Lourie, P.E., D.GE, F.GBA (Lourie Consultants), a geoprofessional leader and legend who had a great impact on our organization and the profession. In addition to serving as President in 2009-10, David volunteered extensively with GBA, including but not limited to:

• 2003-04 Chair, Professional Practice Committee
• 2003-04 Board Liaison, Mold Task Force, Labor Relation Task Force Practice
• 2006-07 Chair, Project Risk Evaluation Process (PREP) Task Force
• 2008-09 Board Liaison, New Leaders (now the Emerging Leader Program)
• 2023-24 Chair, Council of Fellows
• Numerous Peer Review teams, including as Peer Review Team Captain

Reflecting on his presidency, Lourie said, “I was very proud of the volunteer work [GBA] 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.”

David led GBA’s response on the ground in New Orleans. One volunteer recalled, “One of the most memorable GBA events for many of us was when we rolled up the sleeves and volunteered to spend a day on demolition/renovation sites in the disaster zone. It was an amazing experience and David led with his heart and deep connections to the area. He will be remembered for many wonderful things, but that one day had profound impacts on the community and our organization.”

A respected consulting engineer, David was founder and CEO of Lourie Consultants (est. 1992) and an adjunct professor at the University of New Orleans, where he taught and mentored future geoprofessionals.

In his memory, GBA is establishing a scholarship in David’s name at the University of New Orleans for graduate-level geotechnical engineering students.

Obituary for David Lourie

GeoHeroes Podcast Interview with David Lourie, May 2025

Introducing the Ascend Class for Emerging Geoprofessional Managers

 

The GBA Ascend Class helps technically strong professionals transition into project, people, and client management through a 12-week, cohort-based live virtual program built by and for geoprofessionals.

GBA’s Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) is a structured, four-tier professional development pathway of classes within GBA’s Career Continuum, designed to help geoprofessionals grow from consulting fundamentals to advanced business and leadership capabilities and roles. GCAP classes include Embark (early professionals), Ascend (management), Summit (leadership), and Sustain (senior/special development)—so member firms can develop talent at every career stage with a consistent, geoprofessional-led learning experience.

NOW ENROLLING: ASCEND CLASS, APRIL 2026
Ascend is GCAP’s Level 2 class—created specifically for geoprofessionals who are moving from technical contributor work into project, people, and/or client management. It focuses on the real-world leadership demands of consulting environments.

Ascend is a cohort-based, live virtual program delivered through 12 weekly sessions (75 minutes each) led by industry veteran subject matter experts and supported by participant-centered instruction, plus one-on-one coaching to reinforce real-world application. Cohorts are limited to 24 participants.

Ascend is ideal for geoprofessionals who are:
• Typically bringing 5-10 years of experience into their next career stage
• Managing others for the first time (or about to)
• Moving from technical contributor to project, people, or client management
• Identified as high-potential staff in a firm’s succession pipeline

Classes focus on the skills that most often determine success in management roles, including:
• Understanding personality styles and navigating professional relationships
• Execution and delivering results in complex consulting environments
• Time management and priorities in a consulting setting
• Delegation and accountability
• How to train and develop others
• Managing conflict productively
• Growth mindset and resilience under pressure
• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Client management skills and trust-building
• Listening skills and communication

CLASS DATES AND APPLICATION
Ascend is now enrolling for 2026 cohorts, which take place April 7-July 14 and October 2-December 18. Up to two applicants per member firm may be accepted to each class.

                             

Schaefer, Thompson, Rodriguez Lead 2026-27 Board of Directors Slate

The GBA Nominating Committee has announced its slate of officers and directors for the May 1, 2026-April 30, 2027 fiscal year. GBA President-Elect and Board Chair-Elect Dan Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Roberston) will become President and Chair of the GBA Board of Directors.

Those nominated for the other two officer positions are:
• For President-Elect and Board-Chair Elect: Stuart “Stu” Thompson (CTL|Thompson)
• For Secretary-Treasurer: Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)

Those nominated to serve as Directors-at-Large are:

• Kent Bannister, P.Eng. (TREK Engineering)
• Jeff Jaros (NTH Consultants)
• Dori Ross, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Ji Shin (Earth Systems)
• Jason Stoops, P.E. (G2 Consulting Group)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (Apex Companies)

Shin and White, P.E., G.E. are first-time Board nominees. Ji is the Chief Executive Officer of Earth Systems and Ryan is Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Apex.

Ballots will be sent to each member firm’s Ambassador this month and results will be shared at the 2026 Annual Conference.

We thank current GBA President Teresa Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (GFT) and Director Elizabeth Clarke (Structure Groups) for their years of service. Both will be stepping off the Board of Directors in April 2026.

Many of these leaders shared their geoprofessional journeys on the GBA Podcast GeoHeroes series. You can listen to the interviews below to learn more each of them:

Interview with Kent Bannister
Interview with Elizabeth Clarke
Interview with Teresa Peterson
Interview with Carrie Rodriguez
Interview with Dan Schaefer
Interview with Ryan White