GBA Emerging Leaders Class

GBA has published over 100 case histories based on real-life events that have happened to geoprofessional firms. GBA Case Histories are unique because our members share real-life stories of problems that impacted their businesses. They also include the outcomes of corrective action, and lessons learned.

This episode in the series explores Case History #86 where the GBA member firm conducted a geotechnical engineering study and performed COMET services during earthwork for a builder on a single-family home in an area where expansive shales are interbedded with sandstone. The member firm advised for slope-stability analyses. Eight months after construction was complete, the foundation started to move, creating distress in the slab and some walls. Remediation attempts were unsuccessful and as a result the project went to litigation.

Listen to Podcast: New Podcast – Case History #86: Dream Home or Nightmare?

Board Member Spotlight – Brad Melocik

My father was an engineer. As a child, I had no idea what he did at work, but he was an amazing problem-solver and could fix anything. For that reason, I held him, and his title, in high esteem. Through my childhood and into high school, I had an affinity for water—I enjoyed fishing, surfing, water skiing—and that love of water eventually bled into the classroom, where I was fortunate enough to take classes in marine biology and Chesapeake Bay biology. I was introduced to books like The Last Waterman, where I learned that the area where I lived in Maryland had been teeming with fish and wildlife before development and pollution.

These experiences helped me realize the importance of the relationship between human society and the natural environment; with an interest in water and a desire to study the environment, I attended the University of Florida and aimed at becoming an environmental engineer. As I completed the requisite courses of the standard engineering curriculum, I quickly learned which areas of study piqued my interest and, just as importantly, those area of study that did not. With the fundamental courses successfully behind me and the opportunity to select more of my  own classes to suit my interests, I gravitated to all things water resources. Finally, as I moved into my senior year, I secured an internship at a small local engineering firm working on the St. Johns River in South Florida to develop water quality sampling devices. Not long after, I was able to work on those farms and irrigation channels for the installation and implementation of the devices that I had been developing… and I was hooked!

My passion really grew after graduation, when I moved back to Maryland and got a job working for a medium-sized engineering firm in their transportation department. My new boss asked me if I had a pair of waders (of course I did) and then asked if I could show up early (5 a.m.) on my first day. Over the next five years I was lucky enough to work in the field performing geomorphic assessments and scour analyses for bridge structures, which fueled my passion. As part of my training, I had the opportunity to travel west to Colorado to attend Dave Rosgen’s Wildland Hydrology courses in stream morphology and restoration, which in turn developed into a newfound love for the mountain west.  After a few hunting trips to Wyoming and Montana that solidified my feelings, I realized that I needed to move to an area where I could experience the mountains.

This led my wife, Allison, and I to travel to Alaska in March of 2004 to visit some friends in Anchorage and to see if we could possibly make a life for ourselves amongst the mountains of Alaska. I had previously spent nearly a month in Alaska during the summer of my freshman year in college, and this trip reminded me of why Alaska is so special. The sun was shining, the mountains came right down to the water, and the people were friendly and helpful. While we were there, our friends had a party and invited their friends in the engineering field. That night I learned about DOWL, and my life would change forever.

We moved to Anchorage in June of that year, and I started my career at DOWL a couple weeks later as a member of the transportation group, where my work included managing the drainage aspects of projects, but also working on retaining walls, sidewalks, roadways, culverts, etc.  The experience was invaluable, and I was able to see these projects through multiple lenses, make connections in the industry, and learn how to manage multi-disciplined teams.

Now, as a professional with more than 20 years of experience under my belt, I’m enjoying the time spent with GBA activities. My journey with GBA began in 2007, when I enrolled in Fundamentals of Professional Practice (FOPP), and continued in 2011, when I joined GBA’s New Leaders Committee. My experience with GBA has been a great one. I felt a connection with my fellow committee members immediately, and I enjoyed attending the GBA conferences. Eventually I landed in the Emerging Issues and Trends Committee and later served as Chair. The connections and work I do with GBA continues to challenge me to move forward and think differently. The conferences and committee work give me time to step back, look at the big picture beyond deadlines and project budgets, and focus on things like employee retention, technology, and engaging myself and others around me. My GBA friends have been a great help, readily providing me with assistance, guidance, and answers to my questions. This group fosters a community within the geoprofessional field that brings me back time and time again. I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my involvement with GBA and look forward to contributing in meaningful ways to this empowering organization.

When I am not working, I can be found with my family at the hockey rink or outside  enjoying the great outdoor opportunities that Alaska has to offer. Mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and hunting bring me closer to nature and help me maintain perspective and balance in my life. My happy place is a cabin in Cooper Landing, about 100 miles from Anchorage; it’s the perfect mix of remote wilderness, mountains, river – and community. Somehow, through perseverance, dedication, and a dash of luck, I’ve been fortunate enough to find myself in the type of place I dreamed of years ago when I left Maryland at the onset of my professional journey.

Resource Collaboration Committee                                                                                     

A public-school district (the “District”) retained the Member Firm to perform geotechnical-engineering studies for several buildings at two schools. The Member Firm’s geotechnical reports both contained identical recommendations for “select” fill to be used in constructing the building pads for the schools.

The District retained different design teams for the two schools and the Project Specifications for the two schools, not surprisingly, differed significantly, and neither were completely consistent with the recommendations that the Member Firm provided in their geotechnical-engineering report.

A field representative testing compaction of the building pad fill identified inconsistencies and discovered onsite mixing of native soil with import material, a clear violation of the geotechnical recommendations. The earthwork sub-contractor was forced to remove and replace the structural fill for all the nearly completed pads which triggered a legal dispute. The Member Firm avoided losses emphasizing the importance of field representatives that know project specifications, observe daily field activities closely, and communicate with project management to identify construction defects and potential risks.

Lessons Learned include:
• Project Risk is Inversely Proportional to Project Size, and Complexity, and Budget
• Trust Your Gut
• If You See Something, Say Something
• Half a Loaf Isn’t Always Better than None
• Protect Yourself. Don’t Rely on Others

Case Histories are real-life stories about GBA member-firm experiences. They provide background, problems, outcomes, and lessons learned. There is no easier way to learn expensive and time-consuming lessons than from others that went through the pain first and shared their experiences so we can all learn.

GBA Case Histories are free to all members.

Download Case History #110: HERE

On July 15, 2021, Victor “Vic” Donald, P.E., M. ASCE (Terracon)  was notified of his selection as the 2021 winner of the Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award for “his superior ethics, innovative spirit, and love of learning and leadership that has shaped and forever changed the engineering profession.” This annual award is bestowed on one professional engineer annually through a joint award between GBA and ASCE.

Please take a moment to congratulate Vic Donald on this prestigious award and significant milestone in his career.

In 2005, GBA and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) instituted the Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award to promote and recognize civil engineering leadership in professional practice and ethics. The Foundation for Professional Practice, also established by GBA and ASCE, donated the funds to support this annual award which recognizes an engineer-leader for a specific accomplishment or for lifetime achievements that demonstrate superior ethics and leadership while participating in professional practice or service to the public.

Mr. Donald will be presented with an award and honorarium, and he will be recognized at GBA’s 2021 Fall Conference to be held October 21-23 at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. He will also be recognized at a future ASCE event.

Read More about GBA and ASCE’s Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award: HERE

We are coming out of the most disruptive business cycle in recent history due to the COVID-19 pandemic but most of our members report record financial performance.

How does your firm stack up?

For more than 15 years, GBA has been collecting key financial metrics from member-firms so our members can measure their success, improve business performance, and optimize efficiency. The newest GBA Business Brief — available only to members is free for all members and compiles data from GBA Business Practices Committee’s 2020-2021 Financial-Performance Survey, in a short report, covering key financial-performance issues of surveyed firms.

This report includes more data and trendlines so our members can track their progress on key financial indicators for companies that match your firm’s size.

In the spirit of our Association, GBA publications are a collaborative effort of GBA Member-Firms. They are provided to GBA   Members to make them stronger, smarter and more successful and they are FREE to all members.

Download Business Brief: FY 2020-2021 Financial-Performance-Survey Report

You are cordially invited to join GBA’s President Tom Blackburn for a casual afternoon of information and social networking with friends and colleagues from across GBA.

Tom will introduce you to friends as we wind down the week and toast the weekend  with a seasonal beverage. Please join us for a fun and informative hour.

Date: July 9, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM Eastern
Register: E-mail GBA Here

Topics will include:

Welcome Tom Blackburn, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE; F.ACEC (Blackburn Consulting) GBA President

“Critical Success Factors for a Healthy Business” David Coduto (Terra Insurance Co)
Terra Insurance Company is the highest rated professional liability carrier in the United States according to AM Best’s capital adequacy ratio analysis (BCAR). According to Best, our loss ratios are fractions of those of our competitors, and we believe that the CSF concept has helped us get there. When these factors are implemented in an engineering firm (along with other risk management and loss prevention measures and techniques), they tend to drive down expensive claims and enhance profitability. (10-minutes)

“How Do Member-Firms Keep Track of Subsurface Data?” – Carrie Foulk, P.E., G.E. (BSK Associates) Chair of Geotechnical Business Committee
Ms. Foulk will discuss what geoprofessional firms are using to provide easy access to their previously acquired subsurface exploration data. What software systems are available or are being developed to provide a graphical database? What are our member firms using? (10 minutes)

“Introduction to GBA’s Resource Collaboration Committee” Chuck Gregory, P.E. (Terracon Consultants, Inc.) Chair of the Resource Collaboration Committee. The mission of the RCC is to Collaborate with other GBA Committees, GBA Staff and non-GBA sources to facilitate updates of most valuable reference material. Mr. Gregory will give us an update on Case Histories Made Easy. (10 minutes)

Tom’s Toddy Toast: Summer Shandy
This month Tom suggests we all enjoy the refreshing taste of the Summer Shandy as we relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Ingredients:

• 8-12 oz of your favorite summer beer. For best results, consider lighter beers like wheat beers, pilsners,  and light lagers

• 6-12 oz your favorite fruit juice or soda, though lemonade, lime soda, and ginger ale are traditional go-to’s. Bonus: consider watermelon, cranberry ginger, or pineapple for a refreshing new summer flavor

• Add: Orange, lemon, or lime slice for garnish

Mixology Instructions: Pour the beer into the glass, about half full. Pour the lemonade or soda into the glass. Add garnish. Voila! A frosty glass or mug keeps the drink cooler in hot summer weather.

Food pairings: Keep it light! Shrimp quesadillas, fish tacos, pineapple salsa & chips or light summer salad fresh from the garden

History of the Shandy: First appearing in Britain in the 1850s as a shandygraff, the shandy was born of innovation. Facing shortages of critical beer supplies, inn keepers needed a way to fill demand from thirsty customers. Though often relegated to the working classes and their shandy-antics, a version of the shandy has popped up across the globe. It’s German cousin, the radler, was born of a need to satisfy a crowd of bicyclists in need of refreshing beer to quench their thirst and their spirits. The renowned author Charles Dickens noted the shandy was “the perfect alliance between beer and pop.” The shandy maintains its widespread popularity due to its simplicity, easy availability of ingredients, and ability to change flavors to suit every taste.

GBA’s FY2020-2021 Annual Report was prepared for the Board of Directors and all Member-Firms to report progress and highlight key accomplishments of the Association during the fiscal year 2020-2021. It is intended to keep all members current with significant accomplishments of the Board, Committees, and Task Forces and all the volunteers that support it.

Includes Updates on:

• Association Membership                                                             
• Annual Awards
• Conference Attendance
• New and Updated Publications and Podcasts
• Alliance Organizations
• Association Finances
• GBA Committees
• Other Notable Accomplishments
• Plans for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

Please check it out and share your thoughts with us HERE

Download Annual Report: HERE

GBA is committed to promoting the value of geoprofessionals and we want to see it through your eyes. For our 2021 Photo Contest,  we’d like to know:

How do you depict the day in the life of a Geoprofessional?

Is it field activities? Is it meeting with colleagues and clients? Is it performing testing in the laboratory? How is safety incorporated into your work? How are you positively impacting the world? Capture those vibrant moments and express what being a geoprofessional means to you!

Contest Starts – June 1, 2021
Contest Ends – August 31, 2021

Submit Photos to: GBA Photo Contest

Prizes Awarded:

One (1) Overall grand prize winner will receive:                                                                                                                                                                     

• A $100 Gift Card
• A photo mention in GBA NEWSlog
• Recognition at GBA’s Fall 2021 Conference.                                                                                                                                                             
• Winners Plaque
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences.

One (1) Overall runner-up winner will receive:

• A $50 gift card
• A photo mention in GBA NEWSlog
• Runners Up Plaque
• Recognition at GBA’s Fall 2021 Conference.
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

Five (5) Category Winners (Geotechnical, Environmental, Construction Materials Testing

and Inspection, Safe Working Practices, and Client Collaboration) will receive:                                                                                           

• Recognition at GBA’s Fall 2021 Conference.
• Category Winner Certificate
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

2020 Photo Contest Winners are shown: HERE

Submission information and contest rules: HERE

Working outdoors when it’s hot can create an array of safety challenges that firms and  individuals need to be aware of and plan for. Some of the key issues include sun and UV-ray exposure, heat, Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases, West Nile Virus, and poison ivy and related plants. Each of these issues is expanded upon in this GBA Best Practices monograph, developed by GBA’s Construction-Materials Engineering and Testing Business Committee. Each issue is explained. Appropriate preventives are offered.

Download Best Practices: HERE

GBA Legal Affairs Committee

Developed by GBA’s Legal Affairs Committee, the GBA Guide to Third-Party Reliance provides comprehensive discussion of both authorized and unauthorized reliance and includes exhibits that contain sample materials firms can finalize with the assistance of qualified legal counsel. Contents include:

Third-Party Reliance Defined                               

• Who or what are third parties?
• What is authorized reliance?
• What is unauthorized reliance?

Dealing with Reliance Requests

• Should we charge a fee for third-party reliance?
• To whom should we grant reliance?
• How do we document a grant of reliance?
• Some clients ask us to include third-party reliance language in the report itself. How do we handle that?

Dealing with the Potential of Unauthorized Third-Party Reliance

• How can we protect ourselves when contractors use our reports to develop bids?
• Should we include advisory letters in our contracts and reports?
• What about communicating directly with contractors that are likely to use our reports?
• What happens when specifications require CoMET services?

Exhibits

The guide also includes 11 exhibits that contain sample materials firms can finalize with the assistance of qualified legal counsel. The exhibits include (but not limited to):

• Sample Letters Authorizing a Third Party to Rely on a Geotechnical-Engineering Report and GeoEnvironmental Report.
• Sample Contract Clauses about Document Use and Third-Party Reliance
• Sample CoMET Advisory Letter to a Contractor
• Sample Letter to Client about Contractors’ Use of Report for Bid Preparation
• Sample Cease-and-Desist Letter
• Sample Application for Authorization to Use

GBA Guide to Third-Party Reliance also includes an interactive table of contents and an interactive index.

Download GBA Guide to Third-Party Reliance: HERE

Geoprofessional consulting firms continue to join GBA to access the many benefits of membership. Please join us in welcoming the following firms who have recently joined GBA.

BLE

BLE is a geotechnical, environmental, and construction materials engineering firm, but we’re much more. We’re a team of engineers and environmental professionals who relish technical challenges and strive for precision. We believe that the quality of our work sets the standard for every engagement and enhances its outcome. We approach each project with integrity and efficiency, ensuring that we deliver the best solution for you.

Read More: HERE

Diaz•Yourman & Associates

Diaz•Yourman & Associates (DYA) is a privately held geotechnical consulting services corporation, founded in December 1992 on the strong basis of 30 years prior geotechnical engineering experience. Since then, DYA has grown in size, capacity, and breadth of services to become one of the leading geotechnical firms in California. DYA has built its reputation by responsively serving our clients’ needs and adding value to their projects with integrity and competence. Our technical hallmarks are applying the latest technologies, innovation, and construction knowledge to develop practical solutions for successful projects.

More Here: HERE

Hull & Associates

Hull & Associates, LLC is a project development and engineering consulting firm specializing in Environment, Energy and Infrastructure markets. We are located in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions with offices in  Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Clairsville, Newark and Toledo, Ohio; Austin, Texas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our services are transportable nationwide.

Read More: HERE

Somat Engineering, Inc.

Somat Engineering, Inc. (Somat) is an award-winning infrastructure solutions provider, offering engineering, environmental, and management services to government and private clients. Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1986, Somat also maintains offices in Ohio, Maryland, and the District of Columbia (DC). Somat Engineering of Ohio, Inc. and Somat Engineering DC, LLC are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Somat Engineering, Inc.

Read More:  HERE

Those that attended GBA’s 2021 Spring Conference agreed that the presentations were educational, entertaining, and inspiring. Now you can watch, listen to, and learn from these speakers too, on your own schedule.

These videos are available for all GBA members on-demand at your convenience.

Presentations Include:
• Gary T. Torosian: Business Snapshot Summary
• Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D. GE, LEED AP: Unlock the Future and Elevate Performance
• Expert Panel: BD & Marketing: Emerging Risks and Opportunities
• Kimball Olsen, P.E., DBIA: Design-Build Considerations: Helping You Manage Risk
• Expert Panel: We Were Hacked! Don’t Let it Happen to Your Firm!
• Erica Davis: The Changing Nature of Cyber Risk
• Expert Panel: HR Leaders Share How They Maintain and Acquire Their Most Valuable Asset – Their People

Featured Keynotes:

Lisa Napolitano: Strategic Client Management: The Key to Driving Growth & Competitive Advantage

Lisa Napolitano shares how smart companies during turbulent economic times find ways to leverage the uncertainty and draw closer to their clients as they, too, grapple with pressure and change. Such times offer a unique opportunity to position your firm as a trusted advisor able to bring fresh ideas to the table as key decisions are being made. Firms with a deliberate Strategic Client Management approach are already well positioned to take advantage of their relationship capital and gain the client’s share of mind. But it’s never too late to rethink how you manage clients. In fact, now is the perfect time to invest in client relationships and demonstrate  your relevance as a supplier and partner.

      L. Tyrone Holt, Esq.: Pandemic-Forced Changes to Handling Professional Liability Claims

The pandemic forced all parties involved in professional liability claims to adapt to changes in communication methods, business practices, and negotiation procedures. Mediations were virtual, “hot tub” sessions with experts were challenging to execute, graphics had to be entirely digital instead of hard copy, and the entire process was slowed as the systems adjusted. Those changes in some ways improved the process, but in many ways created limitations and frustrations. On the positive side, travel time and expenses were eliminated, but on the negative side it is much more difficult to read body language over Zoom or Teams. In some cases, the changes stirred concerns that an unfair settlement might be more likely. As the pandemic eases in 2021, we may think that these changes will all revert to the old ways, but that is not entirely true. Many of these changes will stick, whether you like them or not. L. Tyrone Holt, Esq. (Holt Group, LLC) discusses the pandemic-forced changes in handling professional liability claims, the pros and cons of those changes, and the long-term impact the industry is likely to experience.

Jessica Rector: Ignite the Burn Out: How Leadership Inspires the Disengaged

The top issues impacting individuals today are burnout and stress. Likely, one if not both of these issues have affected you or someone within your firm during the past 12 months. Burnout and stress are currently at an all-time high, and with many the home and work life is blurred and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Employees are feeling overwhelmed, unappreciated, and un-recognized, which decreases productivity, attitude, and performance. The #1 expense to organizations is burnout. It is an organizational and leadership issue affecting morale and bottom-line results. Research shows even the “best place to work for” Google has 53% burnout. Have you considered how much employee burnout is really costing your firm? Learn from Jessica Rector, MBA (JessICAREctor Enterprises) as she shares her research and shows how your organization can proactively anticipate burnout, how teams can stop stress from spreading to other work and life areas, and how leaders can ignite, motivate, and empower employees to build resilience, create a thriving culture, and tackle risks, uncertainty and challenges without burnout.

   Steve Farber: Lead with Love: The Strategic Advantage for a Physically-Distanced World.
From the bestselling author of The Radical Leap comes the first keynote to directly address love as a hard-core business principle that generates measurable results – now more than ever. Over the last 10 years, the business world has spent close to a trillion dollars on leadership development; yet 73% of people are still disengaged in their work. 10 years ago, that number was 70%.
Something is dreadfully wrong. Steve Farber (Extreme Leadership) has learned that the solution is to do something more radical, something extreme.

Watch Conference Proceedings: HERE

Teresa L Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (Gannett Fleming, Inc.)

I struggle with these types of assignments. I understand the importance of the “get-to-know-you” piece, but if you’ve ever written one, you understand my pain. I am as ordinary as they come. I have decisions guided by luck and happenstance. I have moments of pure brilliance and others of comedic naivety. I’ve worked hard with my fair share of all-nighters to meet a deadline. Every day I count my blessings that I can earn a comfortable living doing work that I find meaningful, rewarding, and challenging. It is humbling to think of those few key moments where life could have taken me in different directions.

I owe my career to my high school chemistry teacher. He was a new teacher and full of enthusiasm mixed with just enough wit to connect with teenagers. Along with a list of safety rules for learning in the lab, there was one rule that was made to be broken. No one could go behind his desk until we had earned the credentials to do so. There was nothing particularly special back there – a better pencil sharpener compared to the rickety hand crank sharpener in the rear of the classroom. He had simply delineated his space in the classroom. For an honors student accustomed to teachers bestowing privileges for good grades and cooperation, this was unusual. Why couldn’t I use the good sharpener? Why did I have to sacrifice my graphite to the gods of note-taking torture?

And the challenge thrown down by this guardian of the good sharpener? Only engineers can roam behind the desk. And only the “best of the brightest” can become engineers. Engineering was among the toughest, if not the toughest, course of study in college. Many would try; few would succeed. I intended to rise to the challenge for no better reason than to prove I could.

At the time I didn’t know what being an engineer meant. I selected a college program that allowed me to pursue environmental engineering but fortunately I selected a school that also emphasized innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge. While I’d like to take credit for a lifetime of strategic decisions that landed me where I am today, I am really the product of a series of happy accidents. I was lucky to participate in a program that taught critical thinking to elementary and junior high students. I was lucky to have the grades to be accepted at the University of Pennsylvania, with just enough financial aid to make it possible. I was lucky to have supportive parents who let a naïve kid from Western Massachusetts move six hours away to live on her own in West Philadelphia. I was lucky my TA persuaded me to sign up for the EIT test while still a senior in college, so I graduated with that box checked.

To be fair, I have worked hard to earn my spot. I put in the time to earn the grades and graduate. I put in the time as an EIT to earn the right to sit for the PE exam. And I passed the PE exam. All tremendous accomplishments. And if that was it, that would have been enough. But wait – there is more!

Always the curious learner, and intent on understanding the “why” as much as the “how”, I started my career with a degree in systems science in engineering. I began working in environmental and water resource engineering and finding opportunities to learn more about the world around me. I adopted an attitude to search, explore, and evaluate new ideas. A fundamental understanding of hydraulics and system modelling followed. To specify pumps, one must understand electrical design and control systems. Of course, delicate motorized and electrical equipment must be kept in a building. Buildings require permits to be constructed and maintenance crews require access for heavy equipment to maintain the gear in good condition. The best locations for buildings and tanks are often fraught with environmental considerations like hazardous soils, steep slopes, and wetlands. So along the way I’ve picked up an understanding of roadways, traffic design, site design, mechanical, heating & air conditioning, electrical, architectural, and permitting. I’ve worked my way through DOT highway design manuals and the MUTCD. I’ve fumbled through telecommunications and fiber optic projects. I’ve completed projects at water treatment plants, airports, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and passenger rail facilities. At one point I was constructing utilities projects at maximum security correctional facilities. If we still give the advice that young engineers accept the opportunities presented to them, no matter where they take you, then I am the living embodiment of that advice. With each project and client I have learned more about the practice of civil engineering, the good that engineers bring to their communities, and the challenges faced as we strive to improve our quality of life in a world with changing, and sometimes limited, resource availability. The need for creative thinkers has never been greater.

While I would never claim to be an expert, I have been exposed to almost everything an engineer does. I have more than a basic understanding of the project lifecycle from conception through construction, for most of the projects a civil engineer would encounter. I’ve worked with both traditional and alternative delivery methods, for public and private clients. I’ve worked domestically, in multiple states, as well as abroad. At this point I find myself happily working in project management, helping clients define and deliver solutions to their most complex problems. I’m still fascinated by the intricacy of the problems arising in society and the challenges of bringing engineering discipline to social problems. This wealth of experiences helps me connect with my clients and find solutions to their most vexing problems.

Perhaps my biggest support has come from Gannet Fleming. I joined in 2006 and they have supported my non-traditional career choices ever since. They give me every opportunity to spread my wings and learn about the myriad skills engineers employ. In 2010, they supported my participation in the Fundamentals of Professional Practice (FOPP) program, which was administered through ASFE/GBA. As a young project manager, it was useful expanding my understanding of the risks inherent in the practice of our profession. GBA remains an important resource as I advance my career and engage non-traditional clients who may have never worked with an engineer before. The experiences and knowledge shared by my colleagues at GBA is an inspiration to me in my practice.

But the most important thing I do now is mentoring. It’s important that we instill a sense of creativity and wonder in our engineering students. The rapid pace of technology means we can’t accept conditions as constant, the way we once could. We can’t expect the engineering curricula of the past to adequately prepare our students for the unknowable future. The laws of physics may be immutable, but technology, population growth, climate change, geopolitics, and resource restrictions mean we must watch for new ideas and ways to deliver complex solutions in charged social environments. Soon we’ll be designing for flying cars and space tourism and wow won’t that be a game-changer! I’m already looking for ways to get on those teams.

GBA is a volunteer organization. Almost all the resources we produce for our members, our contributions to the geoprofessional community, and our conferences are mostly driven by volunteer leaders.

Each Spring, during our conference we recognize those that have contributed to GBA in a significant way. During the 2021 Spring Conference, awards were given to firms and individuals who exhibited extraordinary support and meritorious performance during our 2020–2021 fiscal year. Those recognized during the Annual Awards Ceremony were:

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION

Each year we ask our Committees and Councils to provide us with the names of people that have contributed to our Association during the past year.  Based on this list, we have more people contributing to GBA at a level higher than ever before.

                                                                    Recipients of Certificates of Appreciation for 2020-2021.

All recipients received a certificate and a letter of appreciation from GBA. Thank you all for your dedication to the association. We get stuff done because you all get stuff done!

AWARD OF APPRECIATION

S. Andrew K. Batson, Esquire (Sanborn Head & Associates)

A special award of appreciation was given to Andrew Batson from Sanborn Head & Associates. This year, Andrew took on the challenge to update our GBA Model Contract Set. Spending many hours of his own personal time, Andrew went through GBA’s existing contract set and  updated each one so that you, our members, can utilize these important documents to better mitigate risk during the contract portion of projects that you manage.

Thank you, Andrew, for taking on this project.

MEMBER FIRM ENGAGMENT AWARDS

For several years, GBA has been tracking the engagement of member-firms through 5 measurements that we found to be most important indicators of the value members were receiving from membership. Ultimately, engagement also indicates the value of membership to your employees which we feel is paramount to delivering our mission.

For the past three years, we presented awards to those firms who have the highest measured engagement in GBA during our fiscal year. We are proud to be able to recognize winners again this year. There are four award winners, one from each category based on firm size for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

They are:

• Building & Earth Sciences
• Crawford & Associates
• MC Squared
• S&ME

Congratulations to all our FY 2020-2021 Engagement Award Winners

PROJECT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

DOWL – Alaska Energy Authority, West Fork Upper Battle Creek Diversion Project       

In 2020, the GBA Board of Directors identified an opportunity to celebrate greatness of our members as they use GBA’s best practices to manage risk and optimize performance on notable projects. This is the first year we presented the Project Award of Excellence to one of our member firms.

The first winner of GBA’s Project Award of Excellence is DOWL. Congratulations to DOWL for their work on the Alaska Energy Authority, West Fork Upper Battle Creek Diversion Project.

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

Teresa L. Peterson, P.E., C.M.E., LEED AP O&M, ENV SP (Gannett Fleming)

 Teresa Peterson recently stepped down from her leadership role as the Vice Chair of the Emerging Issues and Trends (EIT) Committee to accept her nomination to the GBA Board of Directors. Ms. Peterson was the Vice Chair of the EIT Committee for three years.

Bradley M. Melocik, P.E., P.H. (DOWL)

Brad Melocik stepped down from his leadership role as the Chair of the Emerging Issues and Trends Committee to accept his nomination to the GBA Board of Directors. He was the Chair of the EIT Committee for four years.

Richard D. Heckel, P.E., D. GE (GeoEngineers)

For the past 7 years, Rick Heckel has been the Chair of the Geotechnical Business Committee. Under his leadership this Committee has been prolific and has completed several, very important assignments. Though Rick is stepping down he is not stopping. Rick has recently formed a Task Force to Elevate our Profession. Rick is the perfect individual to lead this effort and with the full support of the GBA Committees, Board, and Staff, we look forward to great  outcomes from this new group.

RECOGNITON FOR BOARD PARTICIPATION

Chuck Gregory, P.E. (Terracon)

In April, Chuck Gregory completed his term on the GBA Board of Directors. Early, during his tenure on the Board he saw an opportunity to organize GBA’s efforts to publishing reference material and formed a task force which became the Resource Collaboration Committee and while performing his Director duties he led this committee at the same time. Under Chuck’s leadership the RCC has been very productive and has helped support GBA’s unofficial motto “We Get Stuff Done”.

GBA recognized Chuck Gregory for serving his 3-year term on GBA’s Board of Directors while also knowing he will continue contributing to the association for years to come as he continues to lead the RCC as Chair.

Matthew R. Poirier, P.E. (Sanborn Head & Associates)

In February, Matt Poirier stepped down from the GBA Board of Directors to focus on other commitments. We appreciate his contributions to GBA and wish him continued success with his many other pursuits.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Woodward L. “Woody” Vogt, P.E., D. GE, F. GBA, F. ACI, F. ASCE, F. ASTM (Paradigm Consultants)

In recognition of his meritorious leadership and achievement culminating in the publication of GBA’s Case History Library Updates.

Under his leadership, 101 Case Histories were rebranded, updated, refreshed, and compiled, resulting in this library of resources being the most popular downloads of all GBA reference material.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

David L. Coduto (Terra Insurance Company)

Each year, our current President selects one person to be recognized for the contributions they made to our Association during the year of his/her presidency.

President, Ken Johnston presented our 2020-2021 President’s Award to David Coduto in recognition of his many contributions that support GBA’s purpose and strategy through leadership and influence.

PRESIDENT’S GAVEL AWARD

Kenneth R. Johnston (GZA Geoenvironmental)                                       

During the awards ceremony, the Association recognized Mr. Johnston for his years of service to the Board and for his leadership during his Presidency. Under Ken’s leadership GBA formed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, produced resources at a record pace, and helped member firms through the unknowns of the COVID pandemic.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, all member firms, and Staff, we congratulate all the Award winners for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

The Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) recently provided testimony to the International Code Council (ICC) to support a proposed change to the 2024 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The proposed code revisions would change how sanitary sewers are designed and constructed in areas  with expansive clay soils. The changes would reduce the risk of sewer failures and thereby reduce the professional liability exposure for consulting geotechnical engineers. The proposed code changes, which are referred to as Proposal P8-21 by the ICC, were initiated by the Structural Engineers Association of Texas and are also supported by the American Institute of Architects and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Texas. GBA’s testimony was provided virtually by Mr. Steve Wendland, P.E, R.G., DGE of GeoEngineers, Inc., as shown in the screen shot below. Steve serves on GBA’s Board of Directors and has significant experience in the topics addressed by the proposed code revisions.

After the testimony on April 25, 2021, the proposed code changes were approved by the Code Committee of the IPC by a 10 to 4 margin. Next, the proposed code changes will be open for public comment, those public comments will be reviewed by Code Committee later this year, and then the ICC will vote on the final changes. The recent approval by the Code Committee is a significant assurance that these revisions will be included in the 2024 IPC, but the remaining review processes could still result in their disapproval.

For sites with expansive clay soils, the proposed changes would eliminate some sanitary sewer design and construction methods that have had a high failure rate. These sewer failures have led to expensive repairs and frequent litigation, including claims against geotechnical engineers like the project that is summarized in GBA Case History #108. A new Section 305.8 of the IPC would be created that would prohibit plumbing, hangers, or supports below a floor slab to be in contact with soil or any materials that are in contact with soil. Also, it would prohibit lifting of a slab and plumbing as an assembly to create the void space unless the under-floor space is a crawlspace with access to allow inspection of plumbing after lifting. More details can be found on the ICC website , search in the Group A changes of the IPC.

Steve Wendland testifies to International Code Council.