2026 SAME National Leadership Assembly Election: March 1 to April 15

Voting for 2026 National Leadership Assembly Election is Open Through April 15

2026 SAME Election Webpage (members will be asked to log in to vote)

The 2026 SAME national election is running from March 1–April 15. This year’s ballot includes candidates for President-Elect, Vice President, and Elected Director.

For 2026, there are six Elected Director candidates vying for four spots. Vote for any four candidates (at least one Young Professional member will be elected; if more than one are among the highest four vote-getters they each will be elected). And while Vice President and President-Elect candidates are running unopposed, voting for these individuals is an integral part of SAME’s governance, and affirms the membership’s confidence in the Society’s leadership.

To learn more about each candidate, their leadership experience within SAME, and read their statement of commitment, visit the official election webpage.

Voting for SAME’s national leadership is an integral part of the Society governance. Help ensure a strong future by voting for your next leaders today. After you cast your ballot, make sure to download your “I Voted” sticker to show off your Society pride! (Note: Members may only vote once; if you have issues with voting, contact questions@same.org)

President-Elect

(vote for one)

Brig. Gen. Patrice Melançon, P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)

Owner, CWG Consulting

Vice President

(vote for one)

Col. R. Scott Grainger, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)

Associate Vice President, RS&H

Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, P.E., F.SAME, USN (Ret.)

Director of Defense Programs, HDR

Elected Director

(vote for four)

Summer Gladden, CF APMP, DBIA, LEED AP, F.SAME | (Young Professional) | Principal, Lead Marketing and Proposal Specialist, CDM Smith

Bobbi Lang | Client Relationship Manager, Olsson

Susan Thames, F.SAME | Director – Federal Market Lead, Miller-Remick LLC

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

Brandi Smith, CQM | Vice President of Federal Programs, Cornerstone Engineering Inc.

Senior Master Sgt. Brad Wilson, USAF | Senior Enlisted Leader, 176th Civil Engineer Squadron (Alaska Air National Guard)

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

Lt. Col. Chris Knutson, CEng, P.E., FICE, FInstRE, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)

Want to learn more about SAME’s legacy, including a list of all those who have served as Society President over the last century? Discover more at www.same.org/society-history.

Visit the official election webpage to cast your vote, today!

Cast your Vote! SAME 2026 National Election