GBA’s Annual Report was prepared to report progress and highlight key accomplishments of the Association during the fiscal year 2023-2024. It is intended to keep all members current with significant accomplishments of the Board, Committees and all the volunteers who support it.

“GBA is the only professional organization I know of that prepares an annual report like this,” said one member. “It is valuable to see GBA’s progress and it’s refreshing that GBA is so transparent.”

The Annual Report includes updates on:

• Association Membership                                                     
• Annual Awards
• Conference Attendance
• New and Updated Publications and Multimedia
• Alliance Organizations
• Association Finances
• GBA Committees
• Member Firms Represented
• Other Notable Accomplishments
• Plans for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

This is an opportunity for every member of GBA to better understand what GBA accomplished last year, where we are today, and the direction of the association going forward.

Download the Annual Report HERE.

GBA Executive Director Joel Carson

On Wednesday, July 17, I received a call from a GBA Board Member asking if I was trying to send him a proposal. While this seemed suspicious, I just told him it must be a phishing effort and asked him to disregard the email.

That was the start of an onslaught of emails, text messages, and phone calls from friends and colleagues from across North America. It quickly became apparent that my Microsoft Outlook account had been hacked and I became very concerned, very quickly. I thought about worst case scenarios and started sweating.

Here are the steps I took to overcome this significant issue.

SECURE ACCOUNT
I quickly contacted GBA’s IT consultant who thankfully is always quick to respond, even though today he was in an important meeting. He stepped out of his meeting and immediately started working with me to resolve the issue and it was not simple. It was determined that the hacker accessed my email server through my Google account and was sending out notices asking my contacts to open a proposal. Additionally, when my contacts responded by email asking if the proposal request was legitimate, the hacker responded giving a false sense of security! This is a new and sophisticated approach to hacking that I had not heard of but something we should all be aware of now.

We tried to reset my Microsoft password but it was challenging because my authenticator app had been compromised as well. After clearing select apps and setting up my email account, the issue was resolved, resecuring my account and updating my authenticator. Although I felt some relief, the work was not done.

RESPOND TO INQUIRIES
I started responding to emails and text messages about this issue. In some cases, the messages were simply to let me know something was suspicious and in other cases my contacts were asking me to send the proposal in different formats as they had followed the hacker’s instructions, provided their account information, and still could not see my proposal.

PROACTIVELY COMMUNICATE
I also asked our IT consultant for a list of all the emails that had been sent from my account since the previous day. I felt it important to let everyone know about this issue so I sent an email to each of them. I apologized, explained the situation, confirmed we take cybersecurity seriously, and provided suggestions to manage the risk.

I received numerous email responses which helped ease the stress. Our members are compassionate and supportive.

LESSONS LEARNED
Consistent with our members Case Histories, I compiled a list of lessons I learned during the day.
1. If there is an issue with your computer or suspect it has been compromised, don’t hesitate. Contact your IT support immediately and let your colleagues know.
2. If you receive a suspicious email do not open it.
3. If you think an email is suspicious but need to double-check, don’t send an email on the same format asking if it is legitimate. Call or text the person. It is important to use a different communication method to verify legitimacy.
4. When you have an issue, let anyone that could be impacted know. Start with an apology, be clear about the issue, confirm the issue is resolved, provide suggestions on ways to manage risk, and end with an apology. Transparency is critical.
5. GBA Members and our business partners are awesome. They are understanding, compassionate, and supportive. I already knew this, but the points were emphasized on this day.

CLOSING
One of the things I most appreciate about GBA is the mutual support of our members through good times and through challenging times. I see this in Committee Meetings, Peer Groups, and regular communication among our members. I witnessed this firsthand. Another thing I appreciate about GBA members is our willingness to share experiences with each other so we can all learn together and elevate our profession together. In part, I was prompted to prepare this lesson learned in response to the sharing I observe each day as Director and this is why GBA Case Histories are so important.

If you have other best practices to share about computer security or technology in general, please let me know. I appreciate your support and willingness to elevate our profession.

GBA Business Technology Committee

In the ever-evolving landscape of the geoprofessional industry, artificial

intelligence (AI) continues to drive innovation, efficiency, and curiosity.
GBA’s Business Technology Committee is producing a six-part series to educate
GBA members on the implications of AI on the geoprofessions. The articles,
written by Enrique Farfan, Ph.D., P.E. ENV SP (HDR), explore how this technology works and its potential uses.

The fourth article in the series focuses on superprompts – elaborate commands to secure relevant responses from large language models (LLMs). LLMS are like mischievous genies that require precise requests. Without precision, a genie might place caveats on a wish, and so will LLM when generating a response.

The article provides examples of responses from prompts versus those from superprompts, as well as general guidelines to observe when prompt writing.

How people communicate will computers has come a long way. Technology professionals no longer just need to understand coding language – they need to be able to generate precise superprompts for communicating with LLMs. Focusing on this crucial skill will allow users to leverage AI for problem solving and future innovation.

READ “SUPERPROMPTS: HOW TO TALK WITH THE GENIE AND KEEP IT IN THE BOTTLE”

See the previous articles in the series:
AI Unveiled: The Wizardry Behind Chatbots and Intelligent Systems
How Large Language Models Work: In a Nutshell
The Ghost in the Machine: Hallucinations

GBA is transitioning to a new Association Management System on Monday, July 8 to ultimately enhance communication and better serve our members. While we don’t anticipate any interruptions as we transition reference documents to the new platform and test the new system, there may be some unexpected gaps in access to member benefits and our library of resources.

If you experience any issues finding or downloading GBA resources, please contact the office at info@geoprofessional.org or 301-565-2733 and we will send you the resource you need.

We look forward to bringing you more information on how our new system will provide a streamlined experience for your GBA membership needs!

GBA is committed to promoting the value of geoprofessionals and we want to see it through your eyes. The 2024 GBA Photo Contest is NOW OPEN and this year’s theme is “A Day in the Life of a Geoprofessional”.

Geoprofessionals perform a wide variety of valuable services on significant projects in diverse and often awe-inspiring locations. Each day in the life of a geoprofessional is different, but every one results in the world becoming a better place.

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 tell us what being a geoprofessional means to you by sharing a day in your life, behind the scenes.

Contest Begins – July 1, 2024
Contest Ends – August 31, 2024

Submit photos to: GBA Photo Contest Submission

One (1) Overall grand prize winner will receive:
• A $100 Gift Card
• A photo mention in GBA NEWSlog
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event
• Winner’s 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 an upcoming GBA event
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

One (1) Overall second runner-up winner will receive:
• A $50 gift card
• A photo mention in GBA NEWSlog
• Runners Up Certificate
• Recognition at an upcoming GBA event
• 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 an upcoming GBA event
• Category Winner Certificate
• Mention on GBA’s digital presences

Submission information and contest rules HERE

Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Committee

Just as its tail shows you where a comet has been, CoMET Tales – developed and now updated by GBA’s Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Committee – will show you where other CoMET professionals have been and what they’ve learned along the way.

CoMET Tale 1 provides updated guidance on clarifying who is responsible for providing facilities to initially cure concrete strength test specimens used for acceptance on project sites.

CoMET Tale 2 describes opportunities for CoMET professionals to visit with design professionals in charge to educate them on the differences between curing methods and discuss alternative testing methods.

Both documents will help CoMET firms stand out by taking initiative and helping project owners, design teams, and constructors recognize the value of their services.

DOWNLOAD CoMET Tale 1: Initial Curing of Concrete Cylinders in the Field HERE

DOWNLOAD CoMET Tale 2: Field Curing Versus Standard Curing of Concrete Cylinders HERE

These updated resources are available at no cost to GBA members. If you’re an employee of a GBA member firm and need to set up your account, please click here. Contact info@geoprofessional.org with questions.

Does your business support geoprofessional consulting services? If so,  there is an opportunity to highlight your expertise to the best and most effective geoprofessional firms in the industry at GBA’s 2025 Fall Conference, April 24-26 in Savannah, Georgia. Sponsorship of the 2025 Annual Conference gives businesses the opportunity to maximize brand awareness, increase visibility, and reinforce their reputation.

The GBA 2025 Annual Conference provides a platform to get in front of and create meaningful connections with well-established decision makers and up-and-coming geoprofessionals who will impact the industry for decades to come.

“We found the GBA community at least as smart, warm, and eager as we knew to expect and the  conference program was one of the very best I have experienced,” said Rachel Hile-Broad,Performance Consultant at the Hile Group, a sponsor of GBA’s 2024 Annual Conference. “The return on time, energy, financial) investment could hardly be clearer and the Hile Group is looking forward to make GBA a professional home.”

The event features a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers; GBA’s signature Round Table Sessions with topics relevant to today’s business environment; and several social events that allow for extensive networking.

“GBA plays a vital role in serving geoprofessional firms to develop, grow, and enhance their staff and their business,” said David Gagne, CEO of Metafield by Agile Frameworks, a sponsor of GBA’s 2024 Annual Conference. “These events allow us to hear from and engage with our market first-hand. The value GBA provides to the industry through addressing industry challenges and bringing people together is worth investing in!”

There are only limited sponsorship spots available, so inquire today!

SEE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HERE or contact us to create a customized solution that fits your company’s needs. Email barb@geoprofessional.org for more information or with questions.

Learn more about GBA’s 2025 Annual Conference.

GBA is thrilled to share that Past-President (2017-2018) Charles “Charlie” L. Head, P.E., P.G. (Sanborn, Head, & Associates Inc.), has been selected as the recipient of this year’s Professional Practice Ethics & Leadership award, presented jointly by GBA and the American Society of Civil Engineers. This award honors the accomplishments of a licensed professional engineer who displays outstanding engineering ethics and leadership.

“I can’t think of an award I’d be more honored to receive than an award for ethics and leadership,” Head said. “It’s been both a thrill and pleasure to serve in a number of leadership roles throughout my career and to give back to the profession wherever and whenever possible.”

Charlie founded Sanborn, Head, & Associates Inc. with three colleagues in 1993 and currently serves as that firm’s Chair of the Board of Directors. Sanborn Head has grown from a company of four to 170 employees. He is proud to have been a champion of the firm’s unique culture all along the way.

   “Throughout my career, I’m constantly amazed at the dedication of the professionals that I meet and work with,” Head said. “Their passion for what they do and the commitment to always doing the right thing has been inspiring. I can’t think of a richer or more rewarding career.”

Mr. Head’s leadership reaches far beyond Sanborn Head, as he has served on multiple non-profit boards  in New Hampshire and is a graduate of the highly selective Leadership New Hampshire, Class of 2017. He volunteered his time for 14 years on the Advisory Board of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and served as the Founder and Chair of the inaugural UNH Alumni Conference in 2010, a biennial event that brings alumni, students, and faculty together for a multi-track conference, and is still successfully being held today.

As GBA President in 2017-18, Mr. Head led the association’s adoption and launch of a new strategic plan that propelled GBA forward. Charlie’s tenure focused on finding ways to create new value in GBA membership; producing highly relevant educational and reference materials; and developing training modules and customized coursework.

Charlie was appointed to GBA’s prestigious Council of Fellows in 2020.

“GBA has provided the strong foundation for what I’ve been able to accomplish throughout my career. My peers – including many GBA leaders – have made the defining difference in my career.”

Recently, Head demonstrated his continued dedication to leadership by developing and facilitating Sanborn Head’s inaugural Leadership Program in 2022-23. He is dedicated to leading the two-year program again beginning in 2025.

“Leadership can be both bold and visible or it can be quieter and more supportive,” Head said. “But either way, it provides an opportunity to really give back and make a difference. And I’ve always found, what you get in return will be as much or more than what you give.”

Mr. Head received his bachelor’s degree in geology from St. Lawrence University, a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire, and a master’s degree in civil and groundwater engineering from Colorado State University.

“This award should be dedicated to the many professionals who have provided me with such great support and mentorship,” Head said. “It should be also dedicated to my family, including my three kids and my wife Lindy, who showed patience, love, and support throughout my career.”

Guy Marcozzi, P.E., D.GE, LEED AP BD+C (Verdantas)

As a reader of NEWSlog and GBA NEWS, there’s a pretty good chance that you are one of our core members and we appreciate your commitment to GBA. Thank you for all you do for us and for this opportunity to serve as your President this year.

May begins the new business year for GBA. In GBA’s long history we’ve had 54 prior Presidents including some of the iconic figures in our industry, each trying to lead the organization for current and future relevance in delivering for our member firms. Through the years, GBA has been driven and nimble in tackling the big business issues we all faced including finding viable professional liability insurance, risk management best practices, as well as business optimization including leadership and ownership transition, commoditization, and most recently recruiting.

I’ve personally benefited from more than 30 years of meeting attendance, Peer Review, FOPP, and lots of other ways and welcome this opportunity serving on the Board to try to repay the efforts of so many others that made my experience special. I’m humbled to be part of it and promise to do my best to help GBA remain strong and deliver relevant and timing content and services for you.

Under recent former presidents Thomas Blackburn, P.E., G.E., F.ASCE, F.ACEC (Blackburn Consulting) Leo Titus, P.E. (ECS Group of Companies), and Matt Moler, P.E. (S&ME) we largely completed the goals of our prior strategic plan with tangible outcomes, including expanded engagement through our committees and the launch of our “Career Continuum,” which assures that every GBA member will be able to find and engage in activities and materials directly relevant to their career stage.

We have another cyclical opportunity this year to continue repositioning GBA members for current and future success as we are entering a strategic planning year. Our world is changing rapidly, driven by technology and demographics, such that some of the old paradigms may no longer be effective, requiring us also to change. But how? Change is hard for lots of reasons, not the least of which is recognizing that change is here and seeing through our normal environment to view change objectively with its challenges and opportunities. These circumstances are best addressed together in a group, as no one single individual or organization has a broad enough perspective to do so. It’s in these situations that GBA has excelled because of our nimble size, trusting peer to peer relationships for sharing best practices. and a tradition of not hiding from the hard things.

Your Board will dedicate its Summer Board meeting in early June towards the facilitated development of our next strategic plan. We have already started this process by conducting a poll of members in the late fall on what they see as future challenges and opportunities. Additionally, we solicited Big Ideas from our leaders who participated in the Winter Leadership Summit in February 2024, where we engaged a facilitator to challenge our thinking.

We always welcome new ideas and if you have some and would like to share, please  feel free to reach out to me at guy@verdantas.com.

In the meantime, we will keep delivering useful and timely content and opportunities to engage with your fellow geoprofessionals! Thanks for your membership and engagement.