GBA Graduates Another Early Professional Class
The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) proudly announces the graduation of the latest Early Professional Class (EPC) on September 25, 2025. This is a significant milestone for a cohort of early-career professionals who have completed a multi-session program designed to launch their careers in the geoprofessional industry. The EPC bridges the gap between technical expertise and the human side of consulting. Graduates leave with a holistic view of their profession, equipped to build trust, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their projects.
How the EPC Impacted Early-Career Geoprofessionals
In the culminating session, graduates shared how the experience shaped their professional development and career trajectory. Here is some of what they reported learning during the class:
• “This class helped me develop key skills to grow as an engineer and a professional. I’ve become more proactive in sharing project updates, clarifying expectations, and documenting discussions with clients. I feel more prepared and confident in project progress meetings or kickoff meetings.” Zachery Lilly (G2 Consulting Group)
• “Clients hire trust. They want someone who is going to fully understand their project. For me, that means focusing on listening in a way that makes them feel heard.” Noelle Cheshire (ANS)
• “You are always communicating a brand; be mindful of how you represent yourself.” Quinton Mann, E.I. (Building & Earth Sciences)
• “Ethical decision-making is woven into every aspect of our work, no matter how mundane it might feel in the moment, and it can have legal implications later on.” Gabrielle Martin (Verdantas)
• “Be the advisor your client wants and the leader your company needs.” Jonathan Balzer, P.E. (ECS Group)
More About the EPC
The EPC is a cornerstone of the GBA Career Continuum, designed to equip emerging professionals with essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the geoprofessional industry. Each interactive session was led by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) from a GBA member firm and focused on a critical aspect of professional development. Topics included:
• Fundamentals
• Communication and Documentation
• Soft Skills
• Ethics
• Proposals
• Business Development and Marketing
• Contracts
• Risk and Scope Creep
• Project Management
Congratulations to the Graduates!
The September 2025 GBA Early Professional Class Graduates are:
• Amelia Anderson, E.I. (CTL|Thompson)
• Jonathan Balzer, P.E. (ECS Group)
• Joshua Bingaman (STRATA)
• Sydney Brinkley (Olsson)
• Samuel Bytnar (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Noelle Cheshire (ANS)
• Kelley Cusick (Triad Engineering)
• Bavindi de Silva (D.W. Kozera)
• Emily Finger (Sanborn, Head, & Associates)
• Aileen Flynn, P.E. (Earth Systems)
• Melissa Hall, ENV SP (GFT)
• Daniel Landesman (Kleinfelder)
• Zachary Lilly (G2 Consulting Group)
• Dylan Locke (McPhail Associates)
• Rhiannon Lord (Somat Engineering)
• Quinton Mann, E.I. (Building & Earth Sciences)
• Gabrielle Martin (Verdantas)
• Findley Moran (Verdantas)
• Madison Pritchett (NTH Consultants)
• Mitch Shirey (CTL|Thompson)
• Adrian Sizemore, E.I.T. (BSK Associates)
• Lucas Smith, E.I.T. (Bunnell-Lammons Engineering)
• Sarah Taylor, P.G. (S&ME)
• Michael Travis, P.E. (Geotechnical Consultants)
GBA thanks the following SMEs for this EPC session:
• Ryan Feist, P.E. (Terracon)
• Salvatore Fiorentino, P.E. (ECS Group)
• Dan Gradishar, P.E. (Terracon)
• Craig Hill (Kleinfelder)
• Robert Howard, P.E. (Geo-Technology Associates)
• Colter Lane, P.E. (Jorgenson Geotechnical)
• Matt Monteith, P.E., D.GE (Kleinfelder)
• Carrie Rodriguez, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates)
• Dan Schaefer, P.E. (Froehling & Roberston)
• Ryan White, P.E., G.E. (Apex Companies)
And we thank Nickolas Annala (Jorgenson Geotechnical) and Amanda Apicella (Geotechnical Consultants), who served as teaching assistants.