Archives: News

GBA Safety Resource Roundup

PDF Boring Logs to 3D Models: A Knowledge Sharing Webinar

The next GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar is on June 26 at 2 p.m. ET. The GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar events are a series of free online learning opportunities for GBA members that directly connect them with our industry partners who are creating impactful technology to elevate the geoprofessions.

Topic: PDF Boring Logs to 3D Models: A Demonstration of AI Digitization Today
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 2-2:40 p.m. ET
Presented by: BoreDM

Key Points:
1. Digitization of historical PDF boring logs is now commercially available.
2. Robust quality-checking processes are available for AI-based digitization.
3. Historical data is valuable not only in its original form, but also when integrated into newer tools and models.

Digitizing historical PDF logs has long been a goal of the geoprofessional community. While OCR technology can extract text snippets from pages, it does not have the spatial understanding required to structure data from highly-varied boring log formats.

Rapid advancements in AI-based computer vision models have changed that paradigm, and cutting-edge platforms are now able to recognize concepts like “surface elevation” without being pre-configured to search a certain part of the log for that value.

Presenter: Louis Aaron, BoreDM Founder

Louis graduated with an engineering degree from Princeton University. Prior to starting BoreDM, he did a brief stint in management consulting at the Boston Consulting Group in New York and worked on the project development team building 12- foot diameter tunnels at The Boring Company in Las Vegas.

Louis is dedicated not only to building powerful and intuitive software for generating borehole logs and other report deliverables, but also to delivering a solution for geoprofessionals to manage their data effectively as data-driven tools hit the market.

About BoreDM (short for Boring Data Management)
BoreDM is a market-leading, modern solution for borehole data management which has been selected by over 15 state departments of transportation and industry-leading firms to replace gINT in its first two years on the market. Under Louis’s leadership, BoreDM has quickly established itself as a key player in the space by working with state DOTs, small geotechnical shops, and large, internationally operating firms to enhance time-tested workflows and develop modern efficiencies.

Additional Events in the GBA Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series:
• July 31 – “Site Investigation Tools of the Future: Advancing Geoprofessional Practice” presented by ConeTec
• August 28 – Topic TBD presented by Bentley Systems
• September 25 – Topic TBD presented by Agile Frameworks

Register now to save your seat in the Knowledge Sharing Webinar Series by clicking HERE.

 

GBA President’s Letter to Membership

Teresa Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (GFT)

With the completion of another successful Annual Conference, we kick off a new GBA fiscal year and welcome a new Board of Directors. I am honored and thrilled to take the reins of this storied organization! We have a big challenge ahead to roll out our new strategic initiatives as part of our 2027+ Strategic Plan. If you haven’t already read it, let me give you a snippet.

With guidance from our past-President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, we embarked on a journey to envision how the organization will provide value to its members by elevating our recognition and our value in the community. Engineers are great at evaluating problems, identifying risks and offering solutions to mitigate those risks. We’ve seen new risks emerge from the use of 3D printing, workforce shortages, and weather pattern changes. Don’t forget to add AI to the mix!

We landed on three core tenets summarized as: Member Success, Impact, and Vibrancy. We will support the success of our member firms’ success by advancing the growth and development of their employees to make them more effective and prosperous through change. We will lead the way by demystifying, vetting, and promoting technology-drive strategies for our members to grow and thrive. And we will champion collaboration, uniting like-minded allies to achieve common goals and drive industry innovation.

Ambitious, right?

GBA has always been a frontrunner when it comes to ambitious plans. Just look at our Career Continuum. The mind-boggling concept that one program can organize and promote the educational resources required at every stage of a professional career – from entry level to 2nd Mountain and beyond. Pulling together resources from all our committees, Case Histories, Best Practices, round tables, and conference proceedings, the Career Continuum aims to develop a lifelong learning program that focuses on communication, hiring and retention, ethics, standard of care, contracts, dispute resolution, and staying current in an evolving environment. Imagine finding the one theme that encompasses CoMET field training webinars, the Emerging Leaders Program, project manager training, and leadership training! That theme is elevating geoprofessionals.

Or look at the success of the GBA Podcast – 18,000+ downloads and counting. The messages we share resonate across the industry.

Engineers should take pride in the monumental contributions we’ve made throughout history. We come from a long line of master builders including Ellen Swallow Richards, the “Mother of Environmental Engineering,” Sir Alexander Cruikshank Houston who introduced chlorination in drinking water, Abel Wolman who pioneered modern sanitary engineering, and Arthur Powell Davis who developed the first engineering report for the Hoover Dam. These men and women saw the challenges and rose to the occasion, despite the overwhelming odds against them.

Our new goals are achievable. They are within our reach, and this is our time to shine. But we need your help to make this happen. And when we achieve our goals, we will all share in the benefits. The skills you will learn, and networking connections you will make by volunteering with GBA will help position you for success in your career. Send me an email at tpeterson@gftinc.com to learn how you can get more involved.

I look forward to sharing this year with all of you.

GBA’s 2027+ Strategic Plan: A Vision for Member Success, Industry Impact, and Geoprofessional Vibrancy

Client First, Always: David Lourie’s Blueprint for Building a Lasting Geoprofessional Firm

Learn from geoprofessional experts on GeoHeroes, an audio series from the GBA Podcast. In the latest episode released today, host and GBA past-President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, F. ASCE interviews David Lourie, P.E., D.GE, F.GBA (Lourie Consultants).

What life-altering events inspired his journey into the geoprofessions and eventually opening his own firm (now more than 30 years old)? What are the key factors in his success? What’s his outlook for the future? There’s a lot to learn in this episode, including:

• How to differentiate your firm: “The way to do it is by differentiating based on client focus and service and the delivery of whatever services a client is retaining us to provide.”
• What profits really measure: “Many times, there’s too much focus internally on profit generation.”
• Why your goals should align with a client-focused approach: “If there’s one

complaint I hear… it’s a belief that some [firms] are more concerned about their own internal operations, welfare, and health and are less focused on the projects and understanding what clients’ needs are.”
• Leveraging technology for the benefit of clients vs. strictly internal processes: “We have technology and tools at our disposal; it’s a question of how we use them to benefit our clients.”
• Elevating the geoprofessions: “We need to invest in our people and give them opportunities. It’s OK to fail sometimes in the path to developing and learning and we need to allow that to happen.”
• A look to the future of the industry: “I’m optimistic about where we can go if we choose to define where we want to go and then do the things we need to do that. Some of that is getting back to the basics; listen more to our clients.”

This episode of the GBA Podcast was produced by Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F. ASCE (Apex Companies), Chair of GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee.

About GeoHeroes
In this series from the GBA Podcast, Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

 

New Event Series! Knowledge Sharing Webinars

GeoHeroes Share Real-World Lessons on the GBA Podcast

Two new episodes of the GBA Podcast are now available, featuring interviews that provide a real-world perspective on navigating challenges, finding success, making smarter decisions, and progressing in the geoprofessional field.

In the newest episode of GBA’s GeoHeroes podcast series, GBA past-President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, talks with Saiid Behboodi, P.E., G.E., F.GBA, Principal and Geotechnical Engineer at PBS Engineering and Environmental.

Saiid’s path was shaped by his cultural background and personal journey. He chose to study civil engineering due to its high regard abroad, where civil engineers are seen as “heroes.” A move to the West Coast led him into geotechnical engineering through serendipity — a creative teaching approach helped him secure his first job.

A critical influence on his career and business acumen was his involvement with GBA, where he learned crucial knowledge in loss prevention and risk management, leading to a corporate role.

Saiid’s personal philosophy, rooted in his upbringing and professional journey, stresses continuous learning, mentorship, social skills, and giving back, emphasizing that relationship is key in business.

LISTEN HERE

Laura Register: Finding Belonging in Male-Dominated Field

In an episode published on April 23, Marcozzi interviews Laura Register, P.E., F. GBA, the National Director for Strategic Business Sectors for Terracon. Register shares insights into her professional journey and early influences, including her father’s engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. She recounts her experiences as a woman in male-dominated engineering field, her career progression through various companies, and her current role.

Guy and Laura discuss the evolution of the geoprofessional industry, the value it offers, and advice for those entering the field, emphasizing the importance of company culture and mentorship.

Register is a passionate advocate and leader for advancing women in their professions. She was the first female board member in the history of GBA and served as GBA President. Laura was elected to the GBA Council of Fellows in 2018.

LISTEN HERE

These episodes offer valuable lessons for both emerging professionals and seasoned leaders in the geoprofessional field.

The episodes were produced by Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering and Environmental), Chair of GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee.

For more inspiring stories and insights from leaders in the geoprofessional industry, visit the GBA Podcast.

 

GBA Announces 2025-26 Leadership

Celebrating Excellence: GBA Honors 2024-2025 Award Recipients

 

The success of GBA relies on the volunteer efforts of many groups and individuals. At the 2025 GBA Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia, GBA recognized the contributions of outstanding individuals and member firms. The evening celebrated the spirit of volunteerism and leadership that fuels GBA’s mission. This year’s recipients exemplified commitment to advancing the geoprofessions and strengthening the GBA community.

Those recognized during the annual Recognition and Awards Banquet were:

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Based on input from GBA Committee and Council leaders, GBA has awarded the following geoprofessionals with Certificates of Appreciation to recognize their contributions to the Association in the past 12 months:

• Ed Alizadeh, P.E., J.D., F.GBA (UES)
• Kent Bannister, P.Eng. (TREK)
• Christopher Bouchet, P.E. (CTL|Thompson)
• Michaela Brewster, CPG (Terracon)
• Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (Atlas)
• Rick Bruce (S&ME)
• Elizabeth Clarke (Structure Groups)
• Abi Corbett (SME)
• Vic Donald, P.E. (Terracon)
• Ryan Feist, P.E. (Terracon)
• Sal Fiorentino, P.E. (ECS Limited)
• Shawn Fitzhugh, P.E. (CTL|Thompson)
• Kurt Fraese, L.G., F.GBA (Fraese & Associates)
• Dan Gradishar, P.E. (Terracon)
• Chuck Gregory, P.E., F.GBA (Terracon)
• James Hamilton, Esq., P.E. (GAI Consultants)
• Brent Hay, M.Sc., P.Eng. (TREK)
• Charlie Head, P.E., P.G., F.GBA (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Craig Hill (Kleinfelder)
• Robert Howard, P.E. (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Derek Koller, CIH, CHMM (Terracon)
• Mark Kramer, P.E., F.GBA (SME)
• Colter Lane, P.E. (Jorgensen Associates)
• James Landrum, P.E. (Olsson)
• Thomas Maher, P.G. (Civil & Environmental Consultants)
• Aaron Mann, Esq. (Terracon)
• Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.ASCE (Verdantas)
• Jay Martin, P.E., F.GBA (WSP)
• Tony Martin (BSK Associates)
• Andrew Michaud (S.W. Cole Engineering)
• Keith Mobley, P.E., G.E. (Northern Geotechnical Engineering – Terra Firma Testing)
• Bryce Moore (Blackburn Consulting)
• Matt Monteith, P.E., D.GE (Kleinfelder)
• John Murphy (GZA)
• John Norwood, P.E., CSSGB (Terracon)
• Brian Olin, P.G. (Froehling & Roberston)
• Stewart Osgood, P.E., F.GBA (DOWL)
• Fernando Pons, P.E. (Pons & Associates)
• Laura Register, P.E., F.GBA (Terracon)
• Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)
• Dori Ross, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Jennifer Sanborn, P.E. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Dan Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Roberston)
• Becky Stoyle, CPA (Knight Piesold)
• Michael Van Helden, Ph.D., P.Eng. (TREK)
• Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP (SME)
• Jennifer Wegner (SME)
• Steve Wendland, P.E. (Bedrock GeoConsult)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE (PBS Engineering and Environmental)
• Aaron Zdinak, P.E. (HDR)

AWARDS OF APPRECIATION
Special award was given to a volunteer who contributed to GBA in extraordinary and unique ways during the year:

Victor S. Barchers, P.E. (Kleinfelder)

PEER-REVIEWED FIRMS
One of the most valuable programs GBA offers its members is Peer Review. The following firms were recognized for being peer reviewed in the past 12 months:                                   
• BSK Associates
• DOWL
• Eustis Engineering
• Foundation Design
• GeoEngineers
• STRATA

MEMBER FIRM ENGAGEMENT AWARDS
GBA tracks the engagement of its member firms through metrics like event attendance, resource downloads, committee participation, award applications, survey completions, and other important measurement categories. The following firms were found to have the highest measured engagement in GBA during the last fiscal year (one from each category based on firm size):
• Grounded Engineering
• Geotechnical Consultants                                                                                           
• Geo-Technology Associates
• Terracon

Congratulations to these firms and their employees, who are receiving a high value from their GBA membership due to their level of engagement with GBA groups, events, and resources.

WOODWARD L. VOGT PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award celebrates the greatness of our members as they use GBA best practices to manage risk and optimize performance on notable projects. The 2025 winner of the prestigious award is:

ANS Geo – Pike County Battery Energy Storage System, Petersburg, Indiana.

Left to right: Vatsal Shah, Ph.D., P.E., PP, D.GE, F.NSPE, ANS Geo President & CEO; Mohamed Faizan, Ph.D., ANS Geo; and Joel Carson, GBA Executive Director

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
GBA Committees are the fuel that drives the GBA engine. The following committee leaders are transitioning out of their leadership roles and we celebrate them for their work thus far:

• Bruce Savage, CPG (Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.), Peer Review Committee, 2024
• Jason Stoops, P.E. (G2 Consulting Group), Business Practices Committee, 2022-2025
• Tiffany Vorhies, NACE CIP-2, PMP (SME), Multimedia Delivery Committee, 2022-2025

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SERVICE AWARD
Service on the GBA Board of Directors requires the dedication of time and resources throughout a three-year term. This award is bestowed on Directors who have completed their term of service:

• Vic Donald, P.E. (Terracon), 2022-2025

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ETHICS & LEADERSHIP AWARD
GBA past-President (2017-2018) Charles “Charlie” L. Head, P.E., P.G., F.GBA (Sanborn, Head, & Associates), was selected as the recipient of this year’s Professional Practice Ethics & Leadership award. Read more.

Left to right: Guy Marcozzi, Charlie Head, and Teresa Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Each year, the outgoing GBA President selects one person to recognize for their contributions to GBA during the year of their presidency. Immediate past-President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.ASCE awarded the 2024-25 honor to Kevin Hoppe, P.E., F.GBA (NTH Consultants).

Kevin Hoppe, P.E., F.GBA (NTH Consultants)

PRESIDENT’S SERVICE GAVEL AWARD
This award is bestowed on the immediate past-President after completing their term of service. GBA recognized Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C, F.ASCE for his years of service and leadership.

From left: GBA Immediate Past-President Guy Marcozzi and GBA President Teresa Peterson

On behalf of the GBA Board of Directors, all member firms, and staff, we congratulate all the award winners for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

New GBA Podcast Episode: Low Budget, High Expectations—What Could Go Wrong?

The latest episode of the GBA Podcast Case History series is live—and it’s one every geoprofessional should hear.

What happens when a client prioritizes speed and low cost over sound recommendations? In this episode, hosts Elizabeth Brown, P.E. (Atlas) and Abi Corbett (SME) unpack the lessons learned in GBA Case History #55, when an environmental consultant’s warnings went unheeded—leading to bigger problems, a legal dispute, and a forfeited $40,000 fee.

Brown and Corbett explore a real-world example of how client pressure for speed and cost savings can lead to major project risks—and significant professional consequences. In this case, an auto parts manufacturer sought to sell a property contaminated by leaking underground storage tanks. After ignoring early recommendations and opting for the quickest and cheapest remediation alternative, the client later accused the consultant of breach of contract when contamination was discovered in a larger area.

Key Takeaways Include:

• The critical role of client selection in go/no-go decisions
• How unclear contracts and poor communication escalate risk
• The importance of proactive legal counsel
• Why low bids and rushed timelines rarely end well

With relatable insights and lessons that apply beyond environmental consulting, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about protecting your geoprofessional consulting firm through better planning, communication, and client management.

Download Case History #55 (Free for GBA Members)

Looking for more real-world lessons? Explore all GBA Case Histories.

 

 

 

 

Announcing the 2026 Annual Conference Theme and Call for Abstracts

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) is excited to announce the theme of the 2026 GBA Annual Conference: Geoprofessional Vibrancy, Impact, and Professionalism—a powerful call to action for our industry’s leaders.

Join us in Phoenix, Arizona, from April 23-25, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, where geoprofessionals from across North America will gather to share insights, drive innovation, and elevate excellence in the geoprofessions at the VIP event of the year.

It’s more than just a conference—it’s a chance to transform your business, elevate your leadership, and define what comes next for the geoprofessional industry.

Share Your Expertise –Submit an Abstract!

GBA invites engaging and insightful speakers to submit presentation abstracts that align with GBA’s Strategic Plan and the three pillars of the 2026 Annual Conference theme:

VIBRANCY – Showcase the transformative role of geoprofessionals in society. Sessions may explore how we can amplify our visibility, collaborate across disciplines, shape public perception of geoprofessionals, and influence decision-making.

IMPACT – How can geoprofessional consulting firms drive growth through technology, workforce innovation, and adaptation? Share solutions for thriving in an evolving landscape through emerging tools, business models, and resilient and competitive workforce strategies.

PROFESSIONALISM – Empower leadership and talent development. Present best practices for talent retention, mentoring, and cultivating professional growth to help firms navigate through change and lead with purpose.

Selected presenters will gain visibility and credibility, forge meaningful industry connections, and contribute to shaping the future of the geoprofessions.

Throughout the conference, we’ll examine how these three themes—Vibrancy, Impact, and Professionalism—can guide us to create meaningful change in our firms and communities.

Abstracts must be submitted by Friday, August 1, 2025. Download the Call for Abstracts form by clicking the button below.

Why the Future Belongs to Forward-Thinking Geoprofessionals

In the latest episode of GBA’s GeoHeroes podcast series, GBA President Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C (Verdantas), speaks with Vic Donald, P.E. (Terracon), a veteran geotechnical engineer whose 46-year career reflects both deep roots and visionary foresight.

From his early days growing up to leading the geotechnical service line at Terracon, Vic shares a journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and steadfast commitment. Listeners will hear candid reflections on Vic’s formative mentors, offshore experiences that shaped his views on safety, and the hard-earned wisdom of building a successful consulting firm during economic uncertainty.

Now serving as a Senior Consultant at Terracon, Vic brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and strategic insight to the evolving geoprofessional landscape. In this episode, he tackles some of the industry’s most pressing issues—including commoditization, the need for innovation, and the opportunities and threats posed by new technologies and data management.

Vic’s message to emerging professionals is clear: embrace mentorship, listen deeply, and lean into change with courage. As he puts it, “Don’t sit back passively observing the changes… lean forward and lean into these changes and create a benefit to our clients that they will feel better as a result of their exposure to the geoprofessional.”

This episode of the GBA Podcast was produced by Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (PBS Engineering and Environmental LLC), Vice-Chair of GBA’s Multimedia Delivery Committee.

About GeoHeroes

In this series from the GBA Podcast, Guy Marcozzi interviews past, present, and future leaders in the geoprofessional industry to explore their personal and career journeys. The goal is to understand what motivates these individuals and what insights they have for the future of the profession. The podcast will examine the skills and qualities that have contributed to their success, as well as their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Spend a Little, Save a Lot: GBA’s Guide for Owners on Managing Geotechnical Risk

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) has released an updated publication  designed to help project owners better understand the critical role of geotechnical engineering in confronting construction risk and improving project outcomes.

Subsurface problems remain one of the most significant causes of construction delays, cost overruns, change orders, and disputes. GBA’s new resource outlines five essential steps for engaging geotechnical engineering services that manage these risks and support project success.

Developed specifically for distribution to project owners, the publication highlights the risks civil and structural engineers often assume when developing geotechnical scopes and seeking proposals or bids. It offers practical guidance for reducing liability through qualifications-based selection and encourages close collaboration with qualified geotechnical professionals.

By promoting smarter decision-making early in a project, this resource empowers owners to ask: “Is what I’m going to save worth the additional risk I’ll have to bear?” In most cases, experience and litigation show the answer is a resounding “No.”

GBA’s publication reinforces a vital message: the modest investment in high-quality geotechnical services pays dividends by preventing costly problems down the road.

You Can Do the Right Thing, but It Can Still Go Wrong!

Three GBA Resources for Recession Readiness

Whether you’re optimistic about the immediate economic future, bracing for an imminent downturn, or somewhere in-between, smart leaders know that preparation is key. Here are three essential resources (free for employees of GBA member firms) to help you strengthen your geoprofessional business now—before economic headwinds arrive.

Business Brief: Planning for the Next Recession Now
This Business Brief outlines proactive steps you can take today, including:
• Updating your strategic plan
• Strengthening client relationships and brand equity
• Increasing cash availability
• Aligning corporate culture with strategy

These strategies not only prepare you for a potential downturn but also position your firm for long-term success.

Recession Tune-Up: Preparing for a Business Downturn
Guy Marcozzi, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, F. ASCE (Verdantas) shares a toolkit for business leaders to align their teams, adapt business practices, and build an “emotional bank” to guide tough decisions. Learn how to keep your business running smoothly—before challenges arise.

Planning, Preparing, and Executing for the Looming Recession
Lee James, CPA, CBI, CMC®, F.GBA (Lee James & Associates, Inc.) breaks down the essential elements of recession planning—what needs to happen, when, where, and by whom. Drawing from past recessions, this session covers best practices for navigating economic downturns with confidence.

BONUS RESOURCE: GBA NEWSlog
Staying informed is just as ihttps://www.geoprofessional.org/newslog/mportant as planning ahead. For ongoing insights into industry trends, risk management strategies, and economic shifts, sign up for GBA’s biweekly email newsletter – free for members and non-members.

These resources provide practical strategies for planning, financial stability, and leadership during downturns. Now is the time to ensure your firm is ready for whatever comes next. Take advantage of these expert insights and set your business up for stability and success.