SAME National Leadership Assembly Election

Summer Gladden, CF APMP, DBIA, LEED AP, F.SAME | (Young Professional)

Principal, Lead Marketing and Proposal Specialist, CDM Smith

Primary Post: Central Virginia

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President (2023-2025)
• SAME Executive Committee (2023-2025)
• Vice Chair of Communications, Membership COI (2025-Present)
• 2030 Strategic Plan Implementation Team (2024)
• Vice Chair of Communications, Leader Development COI (2021-2025)
• Vice Chair of Communications, Young Professionals COI (2019-2024)
• Central VA Post President (2019-2020)
• Secretary, Central VA Post (2015-2018, 2024-Present)
• Publicity Director, Central VA Post (2015-Present)
• Golf Tournament Chair, VA Post (2016-Present)
• Mid-Atlantic Small Business Outreach & Industry Event Committee (2022-Present)
• Wind, Water & The Warfighter IGE Event Committee (2019-2022; Co-Chair, 2023)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Fellow (2026)
• SAME National Coin (2024)
• SAME Young Professional Medal (2023)
• DBIA Designated Design-Build Professional (2022)
• SAME Leader Development Program Graduate (2021)
• Outstanding Young Professional, SAME Central VA Post (2020)
• SAME RVP Medal (2018)
• SAME RVP Coin (2017)
• Outstanding Member Award, SAME Central VA Post (2016)

Statement of Commitment

I am eager to build upon my previous experience to continue serving the Society. My passion lies in helping Posts succeed and inspiring people to get involved with the Society. This commitment to fostering engagement and success within SAME has been a driving force throughout my involvement with the organization.

My leadership experience at the Post, Regional, and National levels makes me an ideal candidate for the role of elected director. I have had the privilege of working closely with various facets of the Society, including Posts, COIs, the Board of Direction, and RVPs. This comprehensive understanding of the organization’s structure and operations enables me to assist with the most critical initiatives at any level. My ability to navigate and contribute to different areas of SAME ensures that I can effectively support the Society’s goals and objectives.

I know implementation of the new strategic plan will continue to be a critical priority for the next year. I am prepared to address the challenges of doing so head-on by leveraging my experience and understanding of the Society. By working collaboratively with other leaders and members, I am confident that we can develop people, deliver solutions, and drive partnerships.

In addition to my focus on the strategic plan, I am most passionate about helping Post leaders succeed. Posts are the backbone of SAME; their success is vital to the overall health of the Society. I would like to work with Posts to provide the support and resources they need to thrive by working with Regional Vice Presidents and as part of the new Academy of Fellows pilot program for Posts that could benefit from assistance. This includes offering guidance on best practices, facilitating communication between Posts, and helping to identify and address any challenges they may face. By empowering Posts, we can create a stronger, more cohesive Society under the 2030 Strategic Plan.

I believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute. I plan to encourage members to take on leadership roles, participate in events, and contribute to the Society’s mission. By fostering a culture of involvement and inclusivity, we can ensure that SAME continues to grow and thrive.

Lt. Col. Chris Knutson, CEng, P.E., FICE, FInstRE, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
Director, Europe Defence and Security, Jacobs

Primary Post: United Kingdom

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, International COI (2014-2021)
• Founding Member, UK Post (2017)
• President, UK Post (2024)
• President, Scott Field Post (2012)
• President, Tularosa Basin Post (2010)
• Programs Volunteer, Kaiserslautern Post (1999-2002)
• Programs and Membership Volunteer, Hampton Roads Post (2002-2004)
• Frequent Speaker, Presenter, Contributor at SAME Events

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Fellow (2020)
• Fellow, Institution of Royal Engineers (2022)
• Fellow, UK Institution of Civil Engineers (2021)
• Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America, Transatlantic Council (2018)
• SAME RVP Medal (2017, 2012)
• SAME Communities of Interest Appreciation Award (2016)
• District Award of Merit, Boy Scouts of America, Lewis & Clark Council (2014)
• Young Engineer of the Year, South Dakota Engineer Society (2004)
• Federal Management Fellowship, National Society of Professional Engineers (2002)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. European Command (earned 2006-2009)

Statement of Commitment

I am committed to advancing SAME’s mission by focusing on outcomes that directly benefit defense infrastructure planning, programming, and delivery. My vision aligns with the SAME 2030 Strategic Goals, particularly in driving partnerships, delivering solutions for critical infrastructure, and developing people to strengthen our technical workforce.

During my 30-plus years of membership in SAME, I—like many other Society members—have held leadership roles. SAME has provide me countless opportunities to lead, has understood when I needed to step aside or back due to career or life necessity, and has always been there, a constant, filled with exceptional servant leaders and motivated members. I look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge to furthering the Society’s National Strategic Plan and serving as a volunteer leader in the role of Elected Director.

Throughout my career, I have championed the importance of the A/E/C industry in supporting the defense sector. The ability to acquire at speed and produce at scale is essential for maintaining mission readiness and national security. SAME’s goal to “drive partnerships through focused industry-government engagement” resonates deeply with my experience. I have enabled collaboration and engagement between military and defense industry partners across the U.S., UK, Europe and NATO, fostering multidisciplined collaboration between public and private sectors.

Throughout my time in SAME leadership roles, I have sought to achieve the active participation of both government and industry members through robust and active programs. While at Scott Field, we focused on monthly and annual “anchor” events so that membership could maintain momentum in networking both B2G and B2B. While in the UK, the focus was on expanding the tent to get British business and government members supporting the U.S. A-E program actively involved – again, through events. While in the International COI and Europe RVP roles, it was the same: a program drumbeat of events and activities that excited the membership, making it easier for them to say “yes” to being actively involved in planning and sponsoring.

• I plan to serve the Society in my role as Elected Director by using my deep international experience, knowledge of developing and executing high-impact and exciting programs, and my broad network to further the reach, benefits and outcomes of our overseas Regions and Posts.
• I also plan to serve in my role as Elected Director by leveraging my diverse network to support SAME’s vision of elevating Communities of Interest as “Solution Laboratories” and ensuring that Posts and Regions remain responsive to their environments. I will work with Energy & Sustainability, Resilience, and Warfighter Engineering COI’s to develop CUI/CNI specific content in order to generate enhanced B2B and B2G collaboration on what is a highly critical capability gap across modern society for the next major conflict.
• Finally, I plan to serve in my role as Elected Director by offering my experience and perspectives to the Leader Development and Young Professionals COI’s, offering my time to support to each as they deem necessary.

By leveraging my international experience and dedication to partnership, solution delivery, and people development, I am prepared to contribute actively, supporting the Society in addressing the challenges facing the U.S. globally, ensuring our Society remains at the forefront of supporting national security and engineering excellence.

Bobbi Lang

Primary Post: Omaha

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, SAME Membership Committee (2024-Present)
• Deputy RVP, Missouri River Region (2025-Present)
• SAME Foundation Silent Auction Committee Volunteer (2025-Present)
• Key Leader, Omaha Post Student Mentoring Program
• Key Leader, Student Chapters at Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln and Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Vice President of IGE, Omaha Post (2024-Present)
• SAME STEM Camp Mentor (2022)
• Communications Chair, Greater Kansas City Post (2018-Present)
• Membership Chair, Greater Kansas City Post (2021-2023)
• Sponsorship Committee, Omaha Post Industry Day (2017-Present)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Leader Development Program Graduate (2025)
• Omaha Post Golden Eagle Award (2024)
• SAME RVP Medal (2024)
• Omaha Post Presidential Award Recipient (2023, 2019)
• Sarpy Country Leadership Class  (2020-2021)
• Communications Chair, DBIA Nebraska Chapter (2024-Present)
• Omaha Post Rising Star Award (2020)

Statement of Commitment

My first job was at a family-owned grocery store, where I learned the power of volunteerism. Employees were encouraged to join marathons for the March of Dimes, answer phones during Easter Seals telethons, and build canned food sculptures for the local food bank. As my professional career grew, so did my commitment to service. I discovered that volunteering did not just benefit the organizations I supported; it helped me grow personally and professionally through the various experiences I was exposed to.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteering and in my involvement with SAME has been the relationships that I’ve built. I’ve connected with business partners, leadership mentors, and most importantly, friends. These connections have inspired me to continue growing while helping others do the same. I have learned so much from those who have guided and mentored me, and I want to pay that forward by supporting others on their journey. At the same time, I’m committed to helping the Society thrive and grow into the future.

SAME thrives because of its members, and its members thrive because of SAME. As an Elected Director I will work hard to continue to support the Society, especially as it relates to helping our Post Leaders and the members they serve.

If I have the honor of serving as an Elected Director, I will continue to dedicate myself to learning and sharing what I learn to support the 2030 Strategic Plan Goals of Driving Partnerships, Developing People and Delivering Solutions.

Brandi Smith, CQM

Vice President of Federal Programs, Cornerstone Engineering Inc.

Primary Post: Kentuckiana

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, SAME Leader Development Program (2025-Present)
• Co-Chair, SAME Leader Development Program (2024-2025)
• Deputy RVP, Kentucky-Tennessee Valley (2024-Present)
• Kentuckiana Post President (2024-2025)
• Various Committee Roles, Kentuckiana Post: Small Business, Veterans Affairs, Leader Development, and Programs

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Kentuckiana Post President’s Award (2022, 2023)
• SAME Leader Development Program Graduate (2023)
• Technical Director, Sporting Indiana Football Club (2013-2023)

Statement of Commitment

Creating value, connecting people, and serving the A/E/C community guide both my professional and volunteer work. Through my roles as Vice President at Cornerstone Engineering, Past President of the Kentuckiana Post, Deputy RVP, and Chair of the Leader Development Program, I have developed a deep appreciation for SAME’s mission and its ability to advance national security through collaboration and leadership.

Leaders within SAME shaped my own career by encouraging me, challenging me, and helping me find my voice. I am committed to ensuring that others, especially Young Members and mid career professionals, have clear pathways to engage, grow, and serve.

As an Elected Director, I will focus on strengthening leadership pipelines, increasing engagement at every career stage, and fostering inclusive participation across Posts and Communities of Interest. I will also work to strengthen connections between Posts, Regions, national leadership, and federal partners so SAME continues to serve as the trusted integrator of industry and government.

My goal is to build a lasting legacy of leadership development that empowers others to sustain and elevate SAME’s mission for years to come. Serving SAME has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional life, and if selected, I will work diligently to uphold its mission, advance its values, and strengthen the organization for future leaders.

Susan Thames, F.SAME

Director – Federal Market Lead, Miller-Remick LLC

Primary Post: New Jersey

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Board of Directors, SAME Foundation (2020-2025)
• Collaborator, SAME 2030 Strategic Plan Working Group (2024)
• Board Volunteer, SAME Foundation (2018-2020)
• LDP Mentor POC, Curriculum Creator & Program Co-Founder (2018-2019)
• Co-Chair, North Atlantic Regional Conference Industry Day (2016)
• New Jersey Post President (2013-2015)
• Student Chapter Advisor, Rowan University (2015-2023)
• Founder, Rowan University Student Chapter (2015)
• Vice President/Programs Chair, New Jersey Post (2010-2013)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Fellow (2019)
• BG Patrick J. McCarthy Service Award – New Jersey Post (2015)
• NJ Builders Association – Associate of the Year and Iron Man of the Quarter awards (2009)

Statement of Commitment

I have been honored to serve on the SAME Foundation Board for the past eight years with the greatest leaders of our Society. Together, we have accomplished substantial achievements including structure, growth and enthusiasm for the Foundation Board. My term ended December 2025. I find the most natural fit for my next commitment to SAME is to be an Elected Director.

Prior to serving on the Foundation Board, my experience with SAME was primarily with my involvement and leadership with SAME NJ Post, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and my support of Veterans Programs. I feel I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Elected Director position. I’m also proud of the professional relationships I have made with federal agency personnel, SAME national leaders past and present, and SAME staff.

I plan to serve SAME as Elected Director in several ways. I know the President of the Foundation Board serves as the conduit to our National Board, but I can also provide historical information about the Board and its role. I look forward to potentially having a voice on the R2C Committee as well.

I also plan to serve as Elected Director to increase federal agency engagement. There has been a lot of turnover throughout all the federal agencies with the Deferred Retirement Program and government shutdown. There are new contracting officers and DOD leaders who are new to their roles and who may not be familiar with SAME. I would like to help close the gap.

Senior Master Sgt. Brad Wilson, USAF

Senior Enlisted Leader, 176th Civil Engineer Squadron (Alaska Air National Guard)

Primary Post: Northern Virginia Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, SAME Uniformed Council/Enlisted COI (2021-Present)
• Facilitator, NoVA/DC Posts Leadership and Mentoring Program (2023-Present)
• Organizer, JETC Senior Enlisted Engineer Leader Consortium (2024-2026)
• Board Member, Northern Virginia Post (2022-2025)
• Coordinator, SAME STEM Pathways Program (2023-2024)
• Member, SAME Ranking & Review Committee (2023)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Major General William Gilbert Award Outstanding Civil Engineer HQ Staff Member, SNCO Category (2023)
• Outstanding Airman of the Year, SNCO Category, Air National Guard Readiness Center (2022)
• Outstanding Airman of the Year, SNCO Category, Air Operations Directorate National Guard Bureau (2022)
• SAME Paul R. Smith NCO Medal (2022)
• SAME STEM Champion Award (2022)
• Washington DC Post Young Professional Award (2022)
• SNCO of the Quarter Air Operations, Directorate National Guard Bureau (Q3, 2021)

Statement of Commitment

I am seeking to serve as an Elected Director to help the Society strengthen partnerships, deliver meaningful solutions, and develop people at every stage of their careers. My service across SAME, including leading the Enlisted COI and Uniformed Council, has reinforced my belief that disciplined governance and steady, transparent leadership can advance the Society’s mission. I will bring the same commitment that has guided my work on national committees, resource alignment, and servicemember engagement.

As an Elected Director, I will focus on three priorities: driving partnerships that unify the broader military engineering community; delivering solutions that support long-term financial sustainability and impact; and developing people through programs that create clear pathways for leadership and growth. These priorities reflect both my past contributions and the responsibilities I have embraced throughout my SAME and professional leadership roles.

To drive partnerships, I will work to strengthen collaboration between SAME and peer engineering associations, including the Army Engineer Association, the RED HORSE and Prime BEEF Association, the Navy Seabee Foundation, and Marine Corps Engineer Association. This coordinated effort will broaden professional networks, elevate joint cooperation, and create new platforms for knowledge-sharing.

To deliver solutions, I would advocate for the development of a capital campaign for the SAME Foundation. A successful campaign will provide long-term stability and expand scholarships, leader development, and STEM programs that build the workforce of the future. My experience managing large-scale budgets and contributing to the Resource Review Committee will help ensure that this effort is strategic, accountable, and aligned with SAME priorities.

To develop people, I will continue mentoring across national, regional, and local programs, including the NoVA/DC Leadership and Mentoring Program and LDP cohorts such as the Hawaiʻi STEM Camp at Camp Paumalū. I also plan to develop further the Career Transition Workshop tailored to NCOs and company grade officers. This model will build on the successful model for senior leaders by offering hands-on coaching, regional employer engagement, and realistic transition planning that meets servicemembers where they are in their careers. I further intend to transform the LDP UPIC model into an actionable, systems-based theory of change framework that LDP participants can use as a simple and repeatable program design tool.

SAME has shaped my professional journey, and I am committed to serving in a way that strengthens the Society for the next generation. I look forward to contributing as an Elected Director and supporting the Board in advancing the mission, values, and future of our Society.