SAME Board of Direction Election

Alyssa Agustin, PMP
Program Manager / Oceanographer, Sea Engineering Inc.

Primary Post: Honolulu

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Advisor, Indo-Pacific Regional Summit (2025)
• Co-Creator, SAME Hawaii STEM Camp (2025)
• Student, SAME Leader Development Program Class (2024-2025)
• Co-Chair, Pacific Industry Forum (2023-2024)
• Co-Lead, Hawaii Post Young Professionals Group
• Board Member, Honolulu Post

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Regional Vice Presidents Coin (2024)
• SAME President’s Coin (2024)
• Honolulu Post Appreciation Award (2024)
• SAME Young Professionals Stipend, JETC (2022, 2023)

Statement of Commitment

Building on my contributions to SAME at the local and national levels, I am committed to serving the Society as an Elected Director by advancing initiatives that align with SAME’s mission and strategic priorities.

My vision includes strengthening STEM outreach programs, supporting the Society’s strategic pivot to the Pacific, and enhancing collaboration between government and industry to address emerging challenges in national security and infrastructure resilience.

One of my goals is to contribute to the growth and development of SAME’s STEM programs. My ongoing work with the Honolulu Post to create a new STEM camp on the North Shore of Oahu has provided invaluable insights into the impact these programs have on inspiring the next generation of engineers and leaders. As a member of the STEM Outreach COI, I am committed to leveraging these experiences to support the growth of STEM programs Society-wide.

As a technical professional with a master’s specializing in Physical Oceanography, I aim to bring my skills to support SAME’s initiatives. I will contribute technical expertise and innovative approaches to address pressing challenges like climate adaptation and infrastructure sustainability. These efforts will ensure that SAME remains a leader in advancing solutions that benefit both military and civilian communities.

Another focus of my leadership will be to assist SAME with its strategic pivot to the Pacific. As the region grows in importance for national security and economic stability, SAME’s role in supporting Pacific-region Posts and fostering partnerships is more critical than ever. Based in Hawaii and working as a Physical Oceanographer, I have firsthand knowledge of the region’s unique challenges, including climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and regional security. My professional experience navigating the intersection of federal contracts, regulatory permitting, remote field work, and private-sector project management positions me to effectively communicate with many stakeholders.

Finally, I am committed to serving as a bridge between government and industry, strengthening bonds during these uncertain times. SAME’s role as a convener of diverse stakeholders has never been more vital, and I will use my leadership experience to facilitate meaningful dialogue, build partnerships, and advance solutions that address our nation’s most pressing challenges.

I believe leadership is not only about serving effectively in the present but also about building a pipeline of future leaders who are equipped to continue advancing SAME’s mission. Through mentorship, encouragement, and fostering a collaborative environment, I will empower others to step into leadership roles, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our shared goals.

Lt. Col. Ryan Elliott, Ed.D., P.E., CVS, USAF (Ret.)
Managing Partner, RHA LLC

Primary Post: Emerald Coast

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Gulf Coast Regional Vice President (2022-2024)
• South Central Deputy Regional Vice President (2020-2022)
• Emerald Coast Post President (2020-2021)
• Vice President/Streamer POC, Emerald Coast Post (2018)
• Treasurer, Tokyo Post (2001-2002)
• Secretary, Carolina Midlands Post (1997-1998)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Presented multiple RVP medals during my time as the RVP and DRVP
• Successfully submitted multiple Emerald Coast Post members for RVP medals
• Successfully submitted Emerald Coast Post member for SAME STEM award

Statement of Commitment

I will serve the Society in whatever capacity deemed most appropriate. I intend to continue my work with the Leader Development Program and the Leader Development COI. I also would like to focus on ways to improve not only Post membership but, more specifically, Post member involvement and engagement. We have many small and medium Posts where there are a handful of members doing all the work. I want to work with Posts and the National Leadership Team to develop programs that encourage members to get involved and get their hands dirty. The more Post members we can get donating even a few hours a month, the more our Posts and our Society will be able to accomplish. This problem area will resonate with many of our most active members, and anything we can do to increase active involvement in our Society will help us achieve the goals of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Each of the three SAME Strategic Plan goals will be easier to meet with increased Post membership and active Post member involvement, something I am excited to work on to support the Society.

There are many major aspects of SAME and the Strategic Plan that are of interest to me and where I believe I can add value. Understanding the requirements and responsibilities of an Elected Director, I would look forward to contributing to the National Board of Direction’s vision and help drive it to success. I bring years of experience being part of boards where we leverage leadership and are constantly seeking to improve governance and gain efficiencies. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work it takes to get the mission done.

As the Managing Partner of a small business, I can confirm that I am committed to supporting my role as an Elected Director by donating my time and attendance to SAME activities and national events.

Summer Gladden, LEED AP, CF APMP, DBIA
Young Professional

Lead Proposal and Marketing Specialist, CDM Smith

Primary Post: Central Virginia

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

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

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME National Coin (2024)
• SAME Young Professionals Medal (2023)
• Graduate, SAME Leader Development Program (2021)
• Central Virginia Post Outstanding Young Professional (2020)
• Regional Vice Presidents Medal (2018)
• Regional Vice Presidents Coin (2018)
• Central Virginia Post Outstanding Member Award (2016)

Statement of Commitment

“As an elected director, I am eager to support the implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan. My passion lies in helping Posts succeed and inspiring people to get involved with the Society. This commitment to fostering engagement and success has been a driving force throughout my involvement with the organization. My leadership experience at the Post, Regional, and National levels of SAME 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 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.

One of the key initiatives I plan to focus on as an elected director is the continued support and implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan. As a member of the Strategic Plan Implementation Team, I have a firm understanding of the intent of the 2030 Strategic Plan and how crucial it is for the Society’s growth and development. I am committed to being a strategic plan champion for Posts and volunteers. My goal is to ensure that all members understand the importance of the strategic plan and are motivated to contribute to its success.

I know the implementation of a new strategic plan will be the most 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, I am passionate about helping Posts succeed. Posts are the backbone of SAME, and 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 as part of the new Academy of Fellows pilot program for struggling Posts. 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. Inspiring people to get involved at any level is the reason I am pursuing the elected director position. 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. My vision as an elected director is to support the implementation of the 2030 strategic plan, help Posts succeed, and inspire people to get involved with the Society. With my leadership experience and passion for SAME, I am committed to driving positive change and ensuring the Society’s continued success.”

Lt. Cdr. Aaron Kotlarz, P.E., PMP, CEC, USN
Young Professional

Facilities Engineer, Naval Special Warfare Center

Primary Post: San Diego

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Mentoring POC, Leader Development Program Operations Group (2024-Present)
• Mentor, Leader Development Program Class (2023-2024)
• Programs Committee/Industry Day (2019)
• Treasurer, Pensacola Post (2015-2017)
• Scholarship Committee, Pensacola Post
• Scholarship Committee, Japan Post

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Graduate, SAME Leader Development Program (2021)
• Young Member of the Year, Pensacola Post (2016)

Statement of Commitment

I have been involved in SAME my entire professional career, joining as an ensign and staying involved with Post events my first few tours and joining the board of the Pensacola Post during my time there. I was selected for the 2020–2021 Leader Development Program and grew and developed personally and professionally and have chosen to give back to the Society and program by serving as a mentor in 2023 and now serving as Mentor POC for the Leader Development Program operations group.  I have continued to learn and grow from perspectives I get from frequent conversations with students and mentors in the program.  I have loved that experience and feel that I need to continue my own leadership development by seeking positions of greater responsibility and enhancing the National Strategic Goals of SAME.   My utilization project for the LDP sought to build deeper relationships between the Japan post and the DODEA schools in Japan, conducting several in classroom STEM events at elementary schools in Okinawa.

As an elected director, I would continue to serve by focusing on developing the engineers and tradespeople our country will need now and into the future, from supporting STEM efforts, college outreach, transition, and leader development programs.  I would like to find ways to strengthen those existing programs and find opportunities for collaboration and viewing those programs as a continuum, each an important line of effort contributing to more and better skilled thinkers adapt at solving the problems of tomorrow. 

We must develop interest in the sciences and problem-solving and grow those who choose to contribute to tomorrow’s problems. Demand is increasing for facility and engineering solutions from future warfighting platforms to rapid development of engineering capability and capacity in the cyber domain, SAME and its members are an important part of meeting that demand.

Throughout my career I have sought to prioritize involvement in the Society. Becoming a military engineer is a task greater than professional and service required training and certification, it requires consistent engagement with the broader military engineer community, to build relationships and knowledge in solving the critical problems our country needs us to solve. With this background as both an active-duty servicemember and a young professional, I will bring an important viewpoint to the SAME leadership team. I can support the goals of the Society by bringing government perspective to the board as well as bringing those industry perspectives back to the government side, increasing partnership and capability at both the local and national levels.

Victoria Mechtly
Young Professional

Assistant Vice President/Federal Client Service Manager, Gannett Fleming / TranSystems

Primary Post: Greater Kansas City

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Co-Lead, “AI” SAME National IGE Project (2024-Present)
• Young Professionals COI (2018-2020)
• SAME Executive Committee
• Frequent Speaker/Moderator, JETC and SBC
• Greater Kansas City Post Elected Director
• Greater Kansas City Post Student Mentor Chair
• Greater Kansas City Post Young Member Chair

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Presidents Coin
• SMSP Kansas City Marketer of the Year
• Kansas City Big Brothers Big Sisters Most Wanted Honoree

Statement of Commitment

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Society in various roles. I believe I provided the most impact when I served as the Young Professional COI Chair and on the Executive Committee. There, I was provided with the opportunity to give the Young Professional perspective and bring up the challenges we face in our careers to Society Leadership. This experience not only gave me the confidence to have a voice and understand how SAME operates and functions, I learned how successful leadership is achieved at the highest level. This experience provides me with the tools to hit the ground running for an impactful three-year term.

As an elected director, I plan to serve where the greatest need exists. Through discussions with the SAME National Leadership Team and in the review of the goals of the new 2030 Strategic Plan, I will work to identify where I can find my value and be that value for Society. If there is no clear tasking from the president, I would like to assist with Generative Artificial Intelligence and explore how each COI can become a leading resource for Industry Government Engagement for this growing technology. While attending the Small Business Conference in 2023, I learned that Col. John Mogge Ph.D., AIA, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), and Paula Loomis F. SAME were presenting on AI as a “Mega Trend” for installations and are seeking ways to engage with the Societies COI’s. Personally, I find this topic fascinating and would like to contribute to their efforts through the SAME AI IGE project. In 2024, I completed the MIT Sloan School of Management + CSAIL Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy Program. This will provide me the unique education and information to assist this effort.

In addition, I would also like to assist with the SAME Foundation. I believe my experience with the Greater Kansas City Post Foundation and working with the non-profit Higher Orbits to establish their foundation and fundraising allows me to bring experience, a different perspective, and a new energy to our greatest opportunity, investing in the future of the Society.

I believe I have just begun my journey with SAME, and there is so much more I can help the Society to accomplish. I hope to continue on this path as an Elected Director for the SAME Board of Direction.

Capt. Steven “Sid” Osgood, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, USCG (Ret.)

Technical Director, Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit Oakland

Primary Post: San Francisco

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, SAME Key Leader Development Commission (2024-Present)
• Fellow Mentor, SAME Leader Development Program
• Member, Resilience COI
• San Francisco Post President (2018-2020)
• Board Member & Fellows Chair, San Francisco Post (Present)
• Member, San Francisco Post Resilience Committee
• Streamer Recorder, San Francisco Post (2019-Present)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Fellow / Selected as Class Speaker for Investiture (2022)
• Department of the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal (2023)
• SAME Regional Vice Presidents Medal (2020)
• Coast Guard Legion of Merit Medal (2020)
• Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medal (2016, 2012)
• Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2008, 2006, 2004, 2000)

Statement of Commitment

With 30-plus years of membership, and increasing national involvement since 2020, including selection as a Fellow in 2022, I am eager to deepen my commitment to the Society’s mission.

My career, spanning 31 years as a Coast Guard officer, followed by civil service with the Army Corps of Engineers, and now as the Technical Director for a Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit, reflects my passion for service to our nation. This public service connection, coupled with my extensive relationships with colleagues in the military and industry has provided me with a unique perspective and strong capacity for collaboration needed to drive partnerships.

My home San Francisco Post has emerged as a leader in the Society addressing threats to our nation’s infrastructure by delivering innovative solutions with a focus on resilience; experience that I can leverage at the national level.

Finally, a primary factor for my continued service in government was to stay involved in mentoring the many talented junior military engineers who will serve as future leaders in our Society. This opportunity to develop people and prepare them for leadership roles in the military, or later in industry as they transition as veterans, remains a cornerstone of my service.

For these reasons, I believe my experience, dedication to public service, and passion for mentorship uniquely position me to contribute to SAME’s strategic goals and lead the collaboration necessary for our continued success.

Lt. Col. Richard Sloop Jr., P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
Sales Director, Fluor Mission Solutions

Primary Post: Tampa Bay

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, Warfighter Engineering COI (2023-Present)
• SAME Executive Committee
• Planner/Organizer, JETC Warfighter Seminar (2023, 2024)
• Member, Speaker, Facilitator, JECO COI (2017-2023)
• Contributor, SAME Contractors on the Battlefield – Joint Engineer Operations Course (2019-Present)
• President, Tampa Bay Post (2019-2021)
• Vice President, Tampa Bay Post (2013-2014)
• President, Little Rock Post (2006-2007)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Hugh K. Coble Project Excellence Award, Fluor (2024, 2022, 2020)
• ENR Southwest, Best Government Project (2022)
• SAME Industry-Government Engagement Award (2022)
• Tampa Bay Post Engineer of the Year (2019)

Statement of Commitment

As an Elected Director for SAME, I intend to expand my support and participation in the Society by building on the engagements established between Industry and the Government through the Warfighter Engineering COI. I envision leveraging these engagements to our Young Professional, Uniformed Members, and College Outreach COIs.

Using the SAME 2030 Strategic Plan as a guide, I intend to Drive Partnerships by expanding SAME’s reach and impact beyond the A/E/C Community into adjacent National Security areas such as Research, Test, Development and Evaluation and the larger industrial and production base.

One of the first actions would be to expand SAME’s strategic partnerships by engaging with like-minded organizations such as the Internation Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

To Deliver Solutions, I intend to seek linkages between SAME’s Communities of Interest, coordinate with the COI leads to identify actionable outcomes. Using the lessons gained from the Construction COI’s progressive design efforts with other COIs, expand similar efforts across other COI lines of effort.

To Develop People, I intend to leverage my position to demonstrate the value of SAME to the Junior and Mid-level active, reserve and guard personnel as well as the upcoming college and university graduates. In addition to continuing my support for the Joint Engineer Operations Course with the ‘Contractors on the Battlefield’ presentation, I intend to expand outreach to entry level and mid-level engineering courses as well as colleges and universities.”