Pearls of Wisdom
Everyone has a story to tell about their journey to fellowship and lessons learned along the way. We hope the AOF 30th Anniversary Pearls of Wisdom testimonials inspire you to achieve your goals and aspirations.
Fellows, Want to Submit a Pearl of Wisdom?
Visit the submission portal to contribute your personal reflections.
The more you give, the more you receive. As a Fellow, please continue to support your local Post or a regional Post nearby. You can help by connecting them to speakers for a program, reviewing annual reports, assist in planning and implementing a STEM or IGE event, volunteering at a summer camp, mentoring fellow board members. Our efforts as Fellows are noticed and go a long way to support Posts. Be the Fellow that shows up and delivers. The rewards gained will sustain our Posts and Society for the next 100 years.
Beth Harris Durscher, CPSM, FSMPS | Fellow since 2020
Joe “BO” Bocchino, F.SAME
- Want to find out what makes people tick? They are what they were when. No one shakes their childhood
- Never tell a federal contracting officer how to contract
- If you see trouble ahead, slow down. In might go away
- Don’t keep score. No one really cares
- Look the part. You’re a professional
- Read the room. Act accordingly
- Take good hand written notes. Keeps your memory sharp
- Remember … people are cheap, lazy, and selfish by nature. Anybody who acts differently is motivated by something
- There are no secrets. People got big mouths. Various reasons
- “Loyalty” is the largest word in my vocabulary
Fellow since 1995
Will Boudra, F.SAME
Think Big and Don’t Give Up – Creating the Pacific Industry Forum
In 2004 when I retired from the navy, I returned to Hawaii and reaffiliated with the Honolulu Post. I soon jointed the Post Board of Directors as 2nd Vice President for Sustaining Membership. During all my 8 years in the Honolulu Post while on Active Duty up to that point, I wished that we had an even like Capitol Hill Week since most people in Hawaii are unable to attend CHW due to the long distance. Our Post had an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the scholarships. I proposed to the Honolulu Post Board of Directors we create an all-day workshop and invite the three services, INDOPACOM J44, the Coast Guard and others to attend and brief their MILCON and major Sustainment programs to the Post Sustaining Members as a return on their membership investment in SAME. I proposed that we keep the golf tournament and make the event a two-day affair. The Post BoD agreed and the Honolulu Post 2-day Pacific Industry Forum (PIF) was ‘born’ in 2005 with attendance near 100. The event was so popular that industry personnel in addition to Sustaining Members asked to attend. The Post agreed and by 2024, attendance had peaked over 500 which reached the capacity of the event location. After the highly successful 2024 Pacific Industry Forum, SAME HQ announced that on the 20th anniversary of the PIF, they wanted to join with the Honolulu Post and host an INDO Pacific Regional Summit in 2025 in lieu of the PIF. This pearl of wisdom is meant to inspire members to ‘Act on your Dreams’ and don’t give up. The Honolulu Post’s Pacific Industry Forum is now one of the major government-industry events hosted annually by SAME. It is a huge return on the industry investments in SAME and a major source of funding for the Post Scholarship fund.
Fellow since 2008
John Constantinide, F.SAME, Department of the Air Force
Every conversation, activity, meeting, committee membership, and leadership position is an opportunity be your best self in that moment. Those who are exceptional may not understand the path, but their actions create a story that shows a local impact that spreads. And, it starts with your best you in the moment.
Fellow since 2024
Patrick Coullahan, F.SAME, Retired Military and Civilian Engineer
Mentorship is one of the most rewarding parts of being a member of the Society of American Engineers–it is nothing new, but it is such an important mutual learning process it must be embraced. It does not need to be formalized, but it does take energy and active engagement. Being a fortunate Protege myself of many SAME and Military Engineering luminaries over the years has helped me to succeed with their sage advice on people, engineering, construction, and military missions, and in turn has enabled benefitting even more from sponsoring, coaching, and becoming better together in Mentee-Mentor relationships. Take the effort to become a Subject Matter expert, adding credence to mentoring activities through the written word, conducting seminars/presentations to share knowledge. The payoff will continue for generations of military engineers.
Fellow since 1995
Jeff Davis, F.SAME
Get actively involved in local SAME Post, identify an area to provide value, make small contributions regularly, be prepared to say no to good things so you can say yes to the best things, sustain it, allow things to develop from there.
Fellow since 2016
Roland DeGuzman, F.SAME
SAME is a tremendous platform for hiring. I served in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) for 25 years and I valued the strong network of former Navy CEC officers around the world. I was always told that this network would help me land my first job after leaving the military. But for me, SAME helped me find my first job. I met a retired Army officer at an SAME event and I told him I was hanging up my Navy uniform. He sent my resume to a friend from his days as a Major and the rest is history: I got an interview, and they hired me pretty quickly. Don’t get me wrong, my Navy CEC network helped me land this job: my experience was what the company needed, and my connections confirmed my skills and expertise. But SAME helped me get in the door in the first place.
Fellow since 2023
Lisa Thoele Dugan, F.SAME, RS&H
The SAME community is full of brilliant, well-informed, and caring professionals. Lean into that network. Wisdom is knowing that, while you may know a lot, there is also a great deal you don’t know.
Fellow since 2022
Beth Harris Durscher, F.SAME
The more you give, the more you receive. As a Fellow, please continue to support your local Post or a regional Post nearby. You can help by connecting them to speakers for a program, reviewing annual reports, assist in planning and implementing a STEM or IGE event, volunteering at a summer camp, mentoring fellow board members. Our efforts as Fellows are noticed and go a long way to support Posts. Be the Fellow that shows up and delivers. The rewards gained will sustain our Posts and Society for the next 100 years.
Fellow since 2020
Mercedes Enrique, F.SAME, MBA, CMS Corporation
Leadership is about service—service to others, to a mission, and to the future. Through my journey with SAME since 2004, I’ve witnessed the power of collaboration in strengthening our national security and infrastructure. Whether engaging industry and government or fostering the next generation of STEM leaders through the SAME Foundation, I’ve learned that the greatest impact comes from bridging gaps, embracing innovation, and mentoring those who will lead tomorrow. Success isn’t just about expertise; it’s about relationships, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Fellow since 2021
Ann Ewy, F.SAME
I would encourage folks, mentors and mentees alike, new grads to recent retirees, to truly listen. If someone is giving you advice, listen and take it all in. Then you can decide what to do with that advice. If someone is telling you stories, just listen and you may hear something that prompts an idea or gives you a different perspective.
Fellow since 2015
Bill Grip, Higher Education Solutions Leader, F.SAME, MBP
Thinking back a few years, I didn’t think much about being a Fellow nor did I really know what a Fellow was. I knew I valued being a member of SAME and simply kept raising my hand to volunteer and contribute regardless of where life took me and my family. Low and behold, I was very fortunate to be selected.
The key to the success of any organization is the strength of its members and their willingness to raise their hands and contribute. SAME has grown to be the organization it is today through that very strength, and it will continue to grow only through the continued willingness of its members to contribute, add value and enjoy working around first class professionals. In my mind, this is why I keep raising my hand after 40+ years of membership.
So to the aspiring Fellows of the future, keep doing what you’re doing…. keep raising your hand, adding value and having fun doing it…… let’s together make the next 30 years of the AOF as fruitful, if not more so, than the first 30!
Fellow since 2012
Mark Handley, F.SAME
“Never be surprised by predictable events”
All too often, we find ourselves hoping for great outcomes, but we know from experience that things rarely go as planned. That is where leadership needs to step in. The best leaders anticipate problems and are ready to address them. So don’t be surprised when things go south and you need to correct your course. Stay well connected with your teams and create a trusting environment where they bring their toughest challenges to you early. (“Bad news never gets better with age”).
Fellow since 2017
Mike Herman, F.SAME, PE, BG (CA-Ret)
My career has been helped at every stage by my mentors, both military and civilian. In my thirties, I was mentored by a member of my firm in his seventies. He knew so much about our profession, and was willing to share it. He inspired me to someday try to be as good a mentor to those who would look to me as the “old guy”. Mentorship includes connecting, teaching, counseling and inspiring others, particularly those who share our profession. It typically results from an informal connection, and often lasts beyond the formal work relationship. I am fortunate to still be in regular contact with some of my mentors from more than 40 years ago. I believe that SAME is a great place to find a mentor
Fellow since 2015
Patrick Hogeboom, F.SAME
Some men dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them.’ This quote continues to inspire me. There is joy in achieving success and I recommend celebrating milestones and achievements. It is the journey (training, leader development) that makes the accomplishment so rewarding. I am often asked why I wanted to become an SAME Fellow. Although I did not dream of becoming a Fellow, I always knew I would eventually be one. I had decades of active SAME involvement, but it was only after a highly respected mentor suggested I prepare the Fellow nomination that I did so. Even though I was the only Active Duty Army Fellow for several years and overcame not been selected for SAME positions and recognitions due to my military service, I continue to serve. Please enjoy the journey, the accomplishments will come. SAME AOF Class of 2018, ‘No commitment statements just results
Fellow since 2018
Steve Houser, F.SAME, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc
One of my earliest career learning experiences came from a heavy equipment foreman–“you’ve got to want to before you can”. It applies to so many situations and it’s served me well through the years when falling into a procrastination mindset!
Fellow since 2014
Michael Huffstetler, F.SAME, DLR Group
Selflessness, authenticity, generosity, empowerment… I believe all are characteristics of a SAME Fellow. The Fellows I was blessed to be mentored by – Kurt Ubbelohde, Roger Wozny, Cindy Lincicome, Mark Handley – demonstrated these traits effortlessly! As a SAME member for several decades, I did not see myself as becoming a Fellow, but over time and through the eyes of these heroes, I began to. Fellow is not a destination, it’s a pathway to even greater service, and one of the most impactful ways to continue that service, as with all leadership, is to start seeing others not where they are but instead where they can be. ‘Passing it forward’ is more than simply mentoring and the sharing of knowledge or advice. It challenges all of us to consistently serve as an example to others, and to focus on LISTENING first (hearing with a learning intent). This reveals glimpses into their strengths which we can then encourage them to explore and amplify.
The military taught me many things, but one of the most important was service and responsibility do not wait for us to be fully “prepared.” We often learn through and by doing, even when we feel unprepared. The gap filler and enabler are the trust and confidence our mentors genuinely express in us as they nudge us forward. Selflessness, authenticity, generosity, and empowerment. Pure Magic!
Fellow since 2021
Charysse Knotts, F.SAME, P.E., PMP, LEED AP
Always engage with everyone… all the time. Always offer a helping hand… with a smile. The thanks and appreciation you receive in return are as motivating as the motivation and mentoring you give others.
Fellow since 2021
Sharon Krock, F.SAME, SPWS, Schnabel Engineering
Always sit up front.
I learned this pearl of wisdom somewhat by accident early in my career, but it has proven valuable time and time again.
- You never know who you are going to meet because the “important” people sit up front; the speakers, the leaders, and VIP guests.
- There are always seats available up front.
- It makes the room look more balanced and is a compliment to the speakers.
- You can actually read the slides.
- It will encourage you to pay attention and make eye contact with speakers and aforementioned important people. They will remember you.
- Others will see you sitting up front and deduce that you are important too. Sometimes they may even ask how you got to sit up front!
Lastly, and part of our responsibility as Fellows: If you are one of the important people, invite others to join you for the same reasons mentioned above.
Fellow since 2014
Jeanne LeBron, F.SAME, AtkinsRealis
Fellowship has afforded me opportunities to network with many who would normally have been outside my pay grade. I’ve been on task forces working directly with Service Chiefs; on committees with decision-makers from industry and government agencies; I’ve had access and ability to influence ideas that would eventually become policy. SAME has helped me grow personally and professionally. My career has benefited from being a Fellow. I know I would not be as successful had I not fully participated in SAME and all that it has to offer.
Fellow since 2008
Jay Manik, F.SAME, Retired
Mentoring the next generation of SAME leadership and providing meaningful opportunities for growth are two key pillars of the SAME Fellows core reason for being, and these have helped me focus my time and effort in SAME during my time as a Fellow. Being mindful of succession planning within your Post through a thoughtful program of mentoring and growing the next generation of SAME leaders will keep our Society vibrant for the next 100 years.
Fellow since 2007
Ben Matthews, F.SAME, Michael Baker International
As members consider their journey to Fellow, they often face the same questions. What’s in it for ME? What’s in it for MY FIRM? What’s in it for SAME? While it is a great recognition, the Fellows designation is also a reminder about why we are involved in this Society. There are five elements in the Fellows charter that I try to embody every day…supporting the mission and strategic plan, being a role model and mentor, supporting our Posts, and being patriotic. I firmly believe since my time as a young professional that SAME rewards you exponentially from the time/energy that you put into it. As for my employer? It is not about the publicity, but people do equate all the great things that Fellows do to the firms that support them. Bottom line: When the SAME Fellows and membership rally around key issues it is possible to create waves of volunteer energy to drive partnerships, deliver solutions, and develop people.
Fellow since 2016
Ed Mears, F.SAME, HDR
Show up and listen. If your not invited, get a friend to invite you. Listen to learn the needs of an organization and you may find (hear) where you can meet the organization’s need. Then…volunteer.
Fellow since 2020
Gen. Patrice Melancon, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), CWG Consulting
When I think about pearls, I envision something that has taken a long time to create, something that is very pleasing to the eye, and something that is very durable. This is what I envision mentoring to be. It’s not about a quick-fix phone call, it’s about developing a trusting, enjoyable relationship between a younger person and a maybe-not-so-young person with the intention of sharing wisdom. That relationship can be beneficial both ways, but typically is to help the younger person develop their skills in their profession. That relationship, if developed properly can be very durable! I hope I can continue to serve as a mentor within SAME, as well as other areas of my life, well into my retired years!
Fellow since 2014
Gerald Morris, F.SAME, Michael Baker International
Everyone is a mentor and everyone is a mentee. The knowledge we have gained and continue to gain from others should be passed along and shared to continue the legacy of SAME and our profession. There are so many opportunities to grow as well give back to others through SAME that we all should be part of something. I know my professional and personal journey would not have been as successful without SAME and its programs that have enabled me to rise in many ways.
Fellow since 2023
Pete Mueller, F.SAME, PE, PMP
When I reflect on my 40 year career and 38 year membership with SAME, I recognize the key role Our Society has had on my professional and personal development! SAME’s Mission, Values and Strategic Goals have consistently nested with and strongly supported the missions and roles I have had in the Army, Private Sector and U.S. Government. My growth, abilities and contributions can be directly attributed to members of this Society who engaged me and drew me into this superb organization since the beginning of my professional career. My Father, BG Bachus, Commanders, Coworkers, Society Members and Leaders engaged me and helped me see the value and opportunities provided by serving and participating in SAME.
As members and Fellows in Our Society, never miss an opportunity to recruit, engage, educate and mentor others so they have the opportunity to learn, contribute and thrive in Our Society and the A/E/C community!
Fellow since 2016
Sid Osgood, F.SAME, U.S. Coast Guard
I never really thought about or considered being a Fellow…my road to it was a unique one, and one that took about 4 tries to get it right. I’ve always been passionate about SAME and the role it plays in bringing industry and government together and providing mentorship for emerging leaders in engineering. I went to SAME meetings in high school before I was even a member, as my Dad, also a SAME Fellow, would drag me along to cool engineering talks and site visits. That is a big part of why I chose to become an engineer and to serve our country for over 30 years. When I was first nominated, I was a bit incredulous, but also honored. As I considered it, I really thought it would honor the memory of my Dad to follow his legacy, so I applied. Took me a few more nominations and tries, but for me, it was never about the title, or even about the legacy. The real value of becoming a Fellow is that it increased my network to some amazing other leaders and positioned me to give back in many ways, namely in mentoring the next generation of engineers. I’m really glad I stuck with it and now feel honored to be a member of the great AOF class of 2022!
Fellow since 2022
Col. Charlie Perham, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.), Matrix Design Group
I was reluctant initially, but one of my mentors (Sal Nodjomian) encouraged me and nominated me. After a failed attempt in 2019, I became a Fellow in 2020. For me, being a Fellow opened the door to being on the National Leadership Team (NLT) and ultimately the President of the Society. The benefits of serving on the NLT and Board of Direction for nearly 10 years is impossible to measure: personal and professional growth, deeper friendships, a significantly expanded professional network, increased visibility for my firm, and most importantly, knowing I’m still contributing to our national security.
Fellow since 2020
Timothy Scheffler, F.SAME, Deputy Chief, Engineering Division, Air Force Global Strike Command
Our profession is one of practiced collaboration, communication, and cooperation. The trades in our profession do not execute their crafts in isolation, they do so as apprentices and masters. As engineers, we learn first theories and then realities of our practice through implementation under tutelage of those more experienced. Our individual disciplines are often insufficient to yield wholistic solutions, rather we must cooperate within and between diverse, multi-disciplinary teams to achieve our desired goals. Further, we do not conceive, build, or develop for arbitrary purposes, but rather for a service and increased quality of life to our fellow man, our society, and our nation. In this profession, mentoring is a necessity. Never miss an opportunity to learn from the professionals around you and never pass up on an opportunity to encourage and grow the next generation.
Fellow since 2025
Dan Soto, AF Global Strike Command Civil Engineer, US Air Force
Practice getting comfortable with change. It makes you a better leader and follower. It also makes you better professionally and personally.
Fellow since 2020
Colleen Symansky, F.SAME, USCG Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland
Being an SAME Fellow has given me a vast network of likeminded A/E/C Industry professionals. This inlcuded SAME Post ideas, advice, and support as we stood up a new Post in Cleveland, OH. And also expanded my outlook on career planning as look towards the future outside of a uniform. The Academy of Fellows and has also opened up doors for new engineering and industry relationships within my Coast Guard world of work and lending my knowledge and experience to other SAME members has also been very rewarding.
Fellow since 2023
Susan Thames, F.SAME, Miller-Remick
In 2019 I became a Fellow. It was the highlight of my career and an acknowledgement that I was on the right path with my leadership abilities. Connection is a very important quality. As I became more involved with SAME, the driving message was volunteer – you won’t regret it. Through my connections with other professionals in the A/E/C industry, I was able to elevate my involvement from the Society NJ Post level to SAME National level and the Foundation Board. When I speak about SAME, I always include in my conversation that we are a family. We have been through memorable times, and we are always there to support one another. Being a Fellow is not only an honor, but an opportunity to utilize your leadership abilities and mentor other members of our Society. It is also an opportunity to identify a gap and lead the charge to fill the gap by leading a conversation with your connections.
I encourage anyone interested in becoming a Fellow, to evaluate their local, regional and national involvement with our Society. Question what leadership roles you held. How have you made an impact with SAME and your local community?
Fellow since 2019
JB West, F.SAME, Retired Civil Engineer
I became a member in 1973 to assist in a Regional Conference hosted by the Ft Wort Post. In 1993 I assisted with hosting a National conference hosted by the Dallas and Ft worth post jointly. As a result of that National conference the Ft Worth Post established a Scholarship fund. I became a rater of candidate applicants. In 1995 I became Chairman of the FT Worth Post Scholarship Program and I held that position until 2023 when I gave up that position so a younger could head up the scholarship. Because of my age I did not want the program to suffer in the event of my death. I still serve as an evaluator. I have held several positions in the Ft worth, Dallas, and Frankfurt Germany Post. I also have served as a regional VP. So with that bit of history, why have I continued to be active in SAME after retiring some 14 years ago. I believe in the goals of the association and enjoy interacting with other Architect and Engineers and keeping up with current trends and projects in the engineering community.
Fellow since 1998
Rick Wice, F.SAME, Sundance Consultants, LLC
Applying to be a fellow reminded me of doing a college application. My wife encouraged me to tough it out. Filling out the application reminded me why I am proud to be an active member of SAME and all the wonderful, dedicated folks I got to know. As the dad, father-in-law and uncle of active USNA grads (OK get in one Go Navy), being a part of AOF keeps me going and wanting to do more beyond my work commitments to support our warfighters and their mission.
Fellow since 2023
Eric Wilbur, F.SAME, Wilbur Consulting
I have found being a fellow opens up a whole new level of connection and networking with proven leaders in the Society and our industry. The level of commitment and dedication of the fellows inspires me to continue to lead, mentor, coach, and serve other members in our Society. And, when I can’t do those things, I am confident I can find a fellow that can and will step in to serve. All this to say that the SAME Fellows are incredible servants who lead our Society to solve the incredible challenges our industry faces.
Fellow since 2022
Senior Master Sgt. James Wirshing, F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
What can you do to ‘Pay It Forward?’ Maybe you can do something like increasing your Post’s membership numbers. Maybe you can do something future-oriented, like working with a Student Chapter or a STEM Camp. Maybe you can find a niche that is meaningful to you, like developing greater membership by enlisted members of all service branches. Maybe you will be inspired to write guidelines for how prospective members can be recognized and encouraged to join and engage with SAME. Whatever you can do, do it. Seek Cascading Synergies!
Fellows since 2024
Heather Wishart-Smith, F.SAME, Wishart-Smith Strategies
From mentors, mentees, and experience, I’ve learned to listen, care, and remember.
I’ve learned that they don’t pay you big bucks to look good in a suit – leaders have the hard conversations and face tough topics head-on.
I’ve learned that you don’t fire people just to get rid of the bad ones, you do it to keep the good ones.
I’ve learned that in safety and ethics, there is no compromise – principles are not like rubber bands that can return to their prior state once they’ve been stretched or bent.
I’ve learned that if you don’t learn from a bad experience, you’re missing out on a good opportunity.
And I’ve learned that one of the best things I can do is help others want the corner office. Because if I’m stressed, overwhelmed, or neglecting my personal life – what kind of role model am I for those who should succeed me?
Fellows since 2009
Don Young, F.SAME, P.E., CCM, MBP
Based on 26 years with USACE and 18 years at MBP, I would like to share two pearls of wisdom: (1) Ensure your organization is not a ‘zero defects’ culture; and (2) Don’t shoot the messenger bringing bad news. Both can negatively impact your team and drown out any initiative or new ideas for the organization. Leadership is a unique set of skills that evolve over time and require a sustained endeavor to remain effective in current and future roles.
Fellow since 2013