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., GE, Kleinfelder
- Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E., BSK Associates
- Tim Rodriguez, BSK Associates
- Dan Schaefer, P.E., Froehling & Robertson
- Ryan White, P.E., G.E., Apex
- Tiffany Vorhies, PMP, NACE CIP-2, SME
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.