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.