GBA Fall Leadership Summit 2025: Wrap-Up & Reflections
The 2025 GBA Fall Leadership Summit, November 12-14, brought together geoprofessional leaders from across North America for three days of collaboration, learning, networking, and strategic planning in Denver, Colorado. With a packed agenda, the Summit delivered on its promise to advance initiatives, strengthen leadership skills, and build momentum for the year ahead.
Highlights from the Fall Leadership Summit
Strategic Committee Work
The Summit kicked off with Board and Committee meetings, where volunteers tackled current initiatives and set priorities for 2026-2027. These sessions fostered cross-committee collaboration and ensured that GBA’s 2027+ Strategic Plan continues to move forward.
“The Fall Leadership Summit was energizing on every level—engagement, conversations, and cross-committee collaboration reminded me why GBA thrives: people, passion, and purpose,” said Robert Howard, P.E. (Geo-Technology Associates), Chair of GBA’s Inclusion Advancement Committee.
From left: Intisar Ahmed, MS, P.E., P.Eng.; James Siemens, P.G.; GBA Committee Coordinator Stacey Moore; Abeera Batool, Ph.D., P.E.; Robert Howard, P.E.
The Summit’s “Committees in Concert” session showcased committee achievements and future plans.
Professional Development
Attendees participated in the ACCESS Execution Workshop led by GBA Learning Consultant Brock Simmons, focusing on practical strategies for leadership and team goal-setting. Simmons’ keynote brought it all together by showing participants how to unlock deeper engagement by connecting goals to what truly matters.
The ACCESS Execution workshop and keynote got participants on their feet. From left: Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E.; Andy Siemens, P.E., G.E.; and Tiffany Vorhies, PMP, NACE CIP-2.
GBA’s Emerging Leaders Program Cohort #6 officially launched, providing rising stars with networking and growth opportunities.
“I’ve never felt so much community and collective positive energy at a conference before,” said Emerging Leader LeAnne Page (ConeTec).
Another highlight was a presentation by the winner of the 2025 Woodward L. Vogt Project Excellence Award, ANS, for their Pike County Battery Energy Storage System project. ANS’ Chief Engineer, Dr. Onur Kaçar, shared insights into the project’s innovative design and execution. (Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 award.)
Onur Kaçar, Ph.D., P.E., presents on ANS Geo’s award-winning battery energy storage system project.
Networking & Community
From the opening reception to group meals, the Summit provided numerous opportunities for attendees to connect, share ideas, and build lasting relationships. The energy and engagement throughout the event reflected the strength and vibrancy of the GBA community.
“GBA conferences are excellent for connecting with fellow geoprofessionals across the U.S. and Canada. I love the collective energy of our profession!” said Intisar Ahmed, MS, P.E., P.Eng. (GeoEngineers).
GBA extends sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, and all volunteers whose dedication makes these events possible. Your commitment drives our association forward and ensures a bright future for the geoprofessional industry.
2025 GBA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.