From Technical Talent to Trusted Advisors: Summer 2026 Embark Class Graduates
GBA congratulates the 24 graduates of the Geoprofessional Career Ascent Program (GCAP) Embark class, who completed the 10-week course to build consulting fundamentals on June 18, 2026.
June 2026 Embark Graduates
• Conner Aichlmayr, STRATA
• Jillyan Baskin, M.S., G.I.T, Froehling & Robertson
• Samuel Beckett, Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.
• Renae Cook, P.E., SME
• Tommy Crisp, E.I.T., Terracon
• Saul Cuautle, P.E., Diaz Yourman & Associates
• Luke Espindola, McPhail Associates
• Nick Godbout, STRATA
• Connor Henningsen, McPhail Associates
• Lauren Herbert, E.I.T, G.I.T, Geocon Consultants
• Alicia Homeszyn, P.E., SME
• Lizam Kalaskas, ECS Group
• Dane Kottiel, E.I.T., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Chaitanya (KC) Kukutla, P.E., Diaz Yourman & Associates
• Jimmy Marielli, Geotechnical Consultants, Inc.
• Baker McGinnis, Geo-Technology Associates
• Savannah Means, G.I.T., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Kevin Morgan, P.E., Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
• Abby Noel, E.I.T., Terracon
• Jackelyn Rillo, ENV SP, GPM, PMI-CPMAI, GFT
• Stewart Thompson, BSK Associates
• Vivian Wallace, Earth Systems
• Chris Willhite, S&ME
• Gregory Zuill, ECS Group
Reflections on the Class and Graduate Feedback
During the graduation ceremony, GBA leaders and participants reflected on the value of the program, the importance of trusted advisor skills, and the connections built across the class.
“The technical knowledge that you’ve gained through your formal college educations and thus far in your career is really essential. But clients rarely judge us solely on our technical expertise. We know that. They judge us on our ability to solve problems, to communicate clearly, to build trust,” said GBA President Dan Schaefer, who also told the graduates that, “The future of our profession isn’t something that happens to you – it’s something that’s going to be shaped by you.”
What Did Graduates Learn in Embark?
“One thing I never really thought about was how one decision for me could affect our scope, our schedule, our budget, our client relationship, and what kind of risks are involved.” — Samuel Beckett, Geotechnical Consultants
“Great geoprofessionals don’t just solve problems, they align people, communicate early, and build trust.” — Vivian Wallace, Earth Systems
More About the Embark Class
Embark is the first class of GCAP, a structured professional development pathway within GBA’s Career Continuum designed to grow geoprofessionals from early career through senior leadership. The class introduces early-career professionals to essential consulting tools and professional competencies they can apply immediately in their daily work. LEARN MORE
Through live virtual sessions, participants explored consulting fundamentals, communication, soft skills, ethics, proposals, business development, contracts, risk management, and project management.
GBA is currently accepting rolling nominations for the Fall 2026 Embark (early professionals) and Ascend (management development) classes. Seats are limited!
