The newly elected members of SAME’s National Leadership Assembly has been announced!
SAME’s National Leadership Assembly national election completed on April 15, 2026. On the ballot for this year were candidates for President-Elect, Vice President, and Elected Director. All members of the Society were eligible to cast a vote.
The elected candidates will take their oath and join the other members of the National Leadership Assembly at the 2026 JETC in Portland, Ore. The Society’s national governing body include Regional Vice Presidents, Chairs of the Communities of Interest, other national officers (Vice President, Past President, President) and Elected Directors, as well as Appointed Directors. The President-Elect automatically ascends to SAME President the following year. Elected Directors serve in a three-year term.
Learn more about SAME’s National Leadership Assembly and national leadership.
Welcome Incoming SAME President Ben Matthews
Benjamin Matthews, P.E., F.SAME, will be sworn-in as the 107th SAME National President at the 2026 JETC in Portland, Ore. Currently President-Elect, Matthews has held a series of successfully more senior leadership roles within SAME over the last decade. Formerly a civil engineer officer with the U.S. Air Force, Matthews over the last 20 years has supported projects and led teams across the federal/defense sector with industry, including now as a vice president with AtkinsRéalis. He was invested into the Academy of Fellows in 2016.
2026 Elected Board Members
President-Elect
Brig. Gen. Patrice Melançon, P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
Owner, CWG Consulting
Vice President
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
Summer Gladden, CF APMP, DBIA, LEED AP, F.SAME | (Young Professional)
Lt. Col. Chris Knutson, CEng, P.E., FICE, FInstRE, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
Director, Europe Defence and Security, Jacobs
Susan Thames, F.SAME, Director – Federal Market Lead, Miller-Remick LLC
Senior Master Sgt. Brad Wilson, USAF
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