First Word - August2026

Better Communication for Stronger Connections Summary The GBA Inclusion Advancement Committee continues its conversation on effective communication by exploring how evolving language, adaptability, and intentional word choice contribute to stronger professional relationships in the geoprofessional industry. Moderator Rob Howard and panelists Dee Watson, Kent Bannister, and Margaret Panatera discuss the role of curiosity, active listening, and positive intent in reducing misunderstandings before conflicts arise. Through practical examples from geotechnical, environmental, and engineering practice, the panel shares strategies for creating cultures where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and contributing to productive collaboration. Our Moderator: Rob Howard, PE - Vice President/Geo-Technology Associates, Inc. (GTA) Our Panel: Dee Watson, B.A.Sc., SHRM-CP – Human Resources Administrator/Geotechnincal Consultants Inc. Kent Bannister – President, CEO/Trek Engineering Margaret Panatera - Principal/GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Lessons Learned: Stay curious when language and expectations evolve Replace assumptions with questions Listen to understand, not to respond Small wording changes can have a big impact Create space for every voice to contribute Model the culture you want to see Lead with positive intent and humility Inclusion grows through daily interactions, not declarations Calls-to-action: The Power of Words: Inclusive Language in the Geoprofessions Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Brad Nielsen, PE – Project Manager/Kleinfelder Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #111 - Incomplete Characterization of Site Conditions Costs Everyone! Summary Working as an expert consultant, the member firm found evidence of incomplete geotechnical and environmental characterization of the subsurface conditions at a site adjacent to a river. Also disturbing were the stated findings of a third-party independent consultant Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Understand and consider the geologic setting before beginning a project. Complete investigations using methods appropriate for the site conditions. Standard split spoon sampling does not give appropriate data in soils with cobbles and gravel. Don’t skimp on lab tests. Be careful in statements regarding dewatering unless the designer has experience in this analysis. Local regulations may require specific environmental laboratory testing for a variety of reasons. Make sure the engineer understands all the requirements and completes appropriate sampling and testing especially if they are responsible for permitting. Train staff not to do work that is beyond their experience or expertise. Understand the Standard of Care. Calls-to-action: Download Case History #111 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #73 - The Professor Did Not Do His Homework Summary The Member Firm conducts a forensic investigation of duct bank concrete that was “spaded” instead of vibrated to consolidate. A professor, hired by the other side, alleged that the Member Firm’s project manager was negligent in her forensic assessment. The professor’s lack of field experience and the fact that he developed his own Standard of Care damaged his credibility affecting the outcome of the case. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Experts Should Perform the Way Experts Are Supposed to Perform One Good Test Is Worth a Thousand Expert Opinions An Expert Should Visit the Construction Site Relevant References Are Essential Establish the Standard of Care the Right Way Experts Must Not Be Advocates Be Prepared for the Hired Guns’ Clichés Calls-to-action: Download Case History #73 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #98 - How Did That Get There? Summary Member Firm provides geotechnical engineering services and CoMET for a new project on the site of an existing shopping center. CoMET services were provided “as needed” for demolition of the shopping center. A few years after the completion of construction, one of the three new retaining walls deflected significantly. Investigation of the backfill led to some surprises. On cue, the owner sued to reclaim the repair costs Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Beyond the Go/No-go Analysis Quality Assurance Is Not Quality Control Defining Terms Is Essential No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Spot-checking Elevates Risk Reusing Existing Materials May Create Special Risks Constructors May Not Implement Adequate QC Effective CoMET Documentation Describes What Was and Was Not Observed Communication at All Levels Can Be Critical Rely on Experienced Legal Guidance “Agreeable” Experts Are Always Available Claims Are a Business Issue Alternative Dispute Resolution Works Calls-to-action: Download Case History #98 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed episodes will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful. Links to resources referenced: Safety Alert: Managing Wildfire Smoke and High Heat New Best Practices: Empowering Early Career Professionals New Case History #118: Luck Isn’t a Direct Control GBA Podcast Episode: Case History #13: Litigation For Collections...A Lose-Lose Scenario Inaugural Ascend Class Graduation Try or Share ChatGBA GBA Photo & Video Contest

GBA Case History Series – Case History #13 - Litigation For Collections...A Lose-Lose Scenario Summary The Member Firm provided two oral proposals for geotech studies to the architect for a 10-story building – one assuming spread footings beneath the one-story basement while the other proposed deeper borings for possible deep foundations. The owner authorized the former and the firm provided appropriate recommendations plus mentioned an alternative for deep, drilled-and-underreamed piers to potentially save money although excavation and construction problems might develop. Construction of deep drilled piers began and caving problems developed requiring multiple but smaller piers for which the owner suggested the Member Firm help with the additional costs. The Member firm pushed back and the owner dropped the issue. Months later, the same owner began a second project and after submitting the geotech report, the owner went silent. The Member Firm filed a claim against the owner to collect their fee and the owner, in response, filed a claim against the Member Firm for negligence on the first project. The Member Firm and owner settled with the owner accepting “defense costs” and paying the Member Firm their fee. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Do Not Submit Oral Proposals Do It Right or Don’t Do It at All Insist on Effective Communications How Dare They! Does Not Apply Professional Firms Should Respond Professionally Don’t Rely on Others to Protect You Use the “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations” Label When Appropriate Do Not Sue a Client to Collect Money Owed Calls-to-action: Download Case History #13 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

Summary On the first of each month, GBA Executive Director Joel Carson provides an inside look at the latest GBA member resources, events, and news. These short and information-packed videos will make you and your firm smarter, stronger, and more successful! This Episode As part of GBA's commitment to innovation, the July edition of The 1st Wordis delivered using AI-powered avatar technology—one example of how we're exploring new ways to share valuable information with members in a format that is informative, engaging, and easy to consume. Links to resources referenced: GBA Embark Class Graduation Career Continuum Information Women’s Group Learn More ChatGBA Podcast Podcast Reaches 30,00 Downloads GBA Fall Leadership Summit

GBA Case History Series – Case History #10 - It Can Be A Costly Dam, Shame If Clients Won't Take Your Advice Summary The local governmental agency asked the GBA Member Firm to assist during final design and construction of a recreational lake system but then restricted the Member Firm’s scope to only geotechnical engineering. A variety of problems plagued the project and the recommendations of the Member Firm were routinely rejected. Ultimately the governmental agency filed suit against the designers and constructors culminating in a 5½-year legal ordeal with the Member Firm settling for just short of $1MM. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Trust Your Gut Instincts Be Wary When Geoprofessional Services are Assigned to or Assumed by Others Protect Yourself; Don’t Rely on Others Calls-to-action: Download Case History #10 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

GBA Case History Series – Case History #2 - Client's Who Don't Follow Advice Should Be Someone Else's Client Summary The GBA Member Firm performed a geotechnical study for a repeat client, a custom-home builder, to identify potential groundwater problems for construction of a two-story home near the flank of a ridge. It was a hand-shake deal. Despite recommendations for drainage provisions and construction monitoring, the client went silent. Two months after completion, the basement began experiencing cracking, buckling, and water seepage. While admitting he ignored important recommendations, the client representative wanted the Member Firm to contribute money to help pay for repairs. In exchange for a full release, the Member Firm contributed a token amount for the repairs and quickly walked away. Our Hosts: Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Elizabeth is the Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants in Boise, Idaho. Elizabeth has performed and/or assisted with numerous geotechnical investigations throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming managing projects, providing geotechnical design, project quality control, cost and value engineering, and evaluating geotechnical constructability issues. Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Abi is a Project Consultant at SME experienced in managing a variety of steel, concrete, coatings, and nondestructive testing projects. She specializes in managing projects related to DOT fabrication quality assurance reviews but also supports project managers throughout SME’s various service groups. Lessons Learned: Residential Projects Pose High Risk • Foolish Clients Create Risks • Lack of a Written Agreement Creates Risk • Use the Term “Confirmation-Dependent Recommendations” • Settle and move on • Be Wary of Groundwater Issues Calls-to-action: Download Case History #2 Visit the following link to access all of GBA’s Case Histories: https://www.geoprofessional.org/gba-case-histories/ An account is required to download the individual Case Histories, which are free for GBA Member Firms. Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Abi Corbett – Project Consultant/SME. Elizabeth Brown, PE - Principal Geotechnical Engineer/JLT Consultants Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC

Geoprofessional Women's Group Summary: The GBA Geoprofessional Women's Group (GWG) podcast features a panel of women with 5–30+ years of experience discussing the group's founding, purpose, and vision. GWG aims to address ongoing isolation, retention, and leadership gaps for women in the geoprofessional industry. Panelists discuss mentorship, career pivots, work-life balance, imposter syndrome, and the power of cross-firm networking. The group, already 40 members strong, aspires to become a recognized resource for women's leadership in the AEC industry. Takeaways: Women still frequently face isolation, even as industry gender gaps narrow Dedicated peer networks improve retention more than internal firm resources alone Mentorship across career stages benefits mentors and mentees equally Career pivots are normal and do not represent failure or wasted experience Parenthood builds transferable leadership skills, not career liabilities Imposter syndrome often signals growth, not inadequacy Women tend to understate accomplishments; visibility requires intentional practice In-person connection builds trust virtual meetings cannot easily replicate GBA's cross-firm openness uniquely enables honest, competitive-barrier-free dialogue Early initiatives include a retention playbook, mentorship matching, and school outreach Steering Committee The GWG is guided by a steering committee of engaged women leaders across GBA member firms, including: Liz Brown, PE (JLT Consultants) Shana Carroll, PE, LEED BD+C (D.W. Kozera) Catherine Ellis, MBA, PE, GE (Shannon & Wilson) Cassandra Langley (GBA) Keri Nutter, CPG (DOWL) Laura Register, PE, F.GBA (Terracon) Carrie Rodriguez, PE, GE (BSK Associates) Calls-to-action: Learn More About the GWG Visit the GBA Website at https://www.geoprofessional.org for other training resources and reference materials and/or to become a member. Visit https://www.gbapodcast.com for future Podcast Episodes Contact us at [email protected] with any podcast-related questions or comments Subscribe Subscribe to the GBA Podcast https://www.gbapodcast.com/subscribe This episode was produced by the following GBA Members: Tim Rodriguez – COO/BSK Associates Ryan White, PE, GE – Principal Geotechnical Engineer/Apex Companies, LLC