Congratulations to the 20 newly selected members of the 2026-2027 Leader Development Program (LDP), which will begin their year-long professional development training this May at the 2026 Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo in Portland, Oregon. The class is the eighth cohort since the program was established in 2019.
Developed with support from the SAME Foundation, LDP identifies and cultivates talent from within SAME’s membership to address the nation’s grand challenges. The program supports the development of the next generation of world-class military, government, and industry leaders for the Society and our nation through a curriculum of hands-on training, study, and active engagement in new opportunities. Participants will explore individual strengths, team dynamics, and discover their potential personally and professionally.
Visit the LDP page for more information about this prestigious program, its curriculum, and the impact made by previous class participants.
The full 2026-2027 LDP Class includes:
- Antonio Alaimo, AFIMSC, Middle Atlantic Region
- Morgan Bruno, P.E., Ahtna, Pacific Region
- Rudy Caron, Harriman, Northeast Region
- Shierly Caceres, LEED AP, Pacific Rim Constructors, Pacific Region
- Joseph Chung, RA, WSP, Northern Tier Region
- Matt Coan, PG, Aerostar Environmental and Construction, Missouri River Region
- 1st Lt. Matthew Cristi, USAF, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, California Region
- Melanie Delano, Wiley Wilson, Middle Atlantic Region
- Lt. Kristen Durham-Young, USCG, Pacific Region
- Kelsey Edwards, Bhate, CPESC, Texas Region
- Master Sgt. Xavier Gemba, USA, Southwest Region
- Jason Hu, HDR Engineering, Northern Tier Region
- Maj. Chris Jankowski, P.E., PMP, USAF, Southwest Region
- Zac McIntosh, P.E., Terracon, Carolinas Region
- Nick Overby, P.E., PMP, HDR, Carolinas Region
- Kimberly Silvester, P.E., J-U-B Engineers, Rocky Mountain Region
- Lt. Hom Sharma, Ph.D., P.E., USPHS, Ohio Valley Region
- Dylan Spriggs, Black & Veatch, Tennessee/Kentucky Region
- Summer Roseborough, RS&H, Southeast Region
- Lt. j.g. Karly Vial, CEC, USN, Europe Region