Journey to Fellow: Benefits of Being a Fellow

Jeanne LeBron, F.SAME is the Business Development and Strategy director for AtkinsRéalis’ federal business unit. Named a Fellow in 2008, she currently serves on the Academy of Fellows Executive Committee, and is spearheading the Journey to Fellow initiative to increase awareness and interest in Fellowship.

Cindy Lincicome, F.SAME, a member of the Pikes Peak Post and Denver Metro Post, served as the 103rd National President of SAME, May 2022 to May 2023. Currently Immediate Past President and Chair of the Academy of Fellows, Lincicome joined SAME in 2004 and was named a Fellow in 2017. Professionally, she is President & CEO of TLI Construction Inc.

Within SAME, Lincicome has served in leadership roles at the local, regional and national levels, including Centennial Commissioner (2019-2021); SAME National Vice President (2017-2019); Chair, Membership Community of Interest; Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President; Pikes Peak Post President (2011-2012); Denver Metro Post Vice President (2010-2011); Frontier Post Vice President (2009-2011); and Chair of Rocky Mountain Regional JETS (2013, 2010, 2008, and 2005).

During her years of service to SAME, she has been awarded the President’s Medal (2020, 2015), the President’s Coin (2016), the Post Service Medal (2011), and RVP Medal (2009, 2006). She also has received the Fort Carson Post Commander’s Recognition (2019, 2017, 2015), the U.S. Public Health Service Chief Engineer’s Recognition (2009), and the AMEC Small Business Advocate Award (2009).

With a career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) since 1992, has served in the Kansas City District, Huntington District, Europe District and currently with the St. Paul District. Over this time has led and overseen multi-million-dollar Civil Works and Military projects and programs throughout both the United States and Europe.
Currently, serves as the Assistant Deputy District Engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District. In this capacity, he is responsible for advising and leading the senior district officials to execute the district's program and perform business and strategic functions.

Erickson is a registered professional engineer and certified project management professional. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University (1989), a master’s degree from Utah State University (1991).
Involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) began in the 1990’s as young professional, throughout the years he has served from participant to post president. Inducted into the SAME Academy of Fellows on 10 May 2022.

Mark Handley is a senior vice president at AECOM in the National Governments Business line supporting over $1B/year in federal contracts covering the full range of Architecture - Engineering, Design and Construction services. He is the National Accounts leader of a high performing, cross functional team of senior professionals driving growth through strategic initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Villanova University and a master’s in civil engineering/construction management from Stanford University.

He had a distinguished 32-year career in the Navy, retiring as a Read Admiral in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps. Prior to his retirement from the Navy, he commanded the First Naval Construction Division (Seabees). He previously served as Vice Commander, Navy Installations Command and Director of Shore Readiness for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics) in Washington DC; Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid Atlantic; and numerous engineering and leadership positions throughout his naval career.

He is a professional Engineer and a Past President, Society of American Military Engineers. He has received numerous military awards throughout his Navy career including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3) and Bronze Star.

He is married to Dr. Holly Handley. They currently reside in Virginia Beach, VA, and they have three wonderful children.

John Remus has been Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management office since August 2017. His office, which is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division, is located in Omaha, Nebraska.

John and his staff regulate Missouri River mainstem reservoir system. The Missouri River mainstem reservoir system is the largest reservoir storage system in North America with a total storage of 72.4 million acre-feet (89.3 billion cubic meters). The reservoir system consists of six dams and reservoirs and is designed and operated to serve the authorized proposes through periods of high runoff and extended extreme drought. The authorized purposes are flood control, navigation, hydropower, water supply, irrigation, recreation, water quality control, and fish and wildlife.

John has spent more than 35 years working in all aspects of water resources engineering, primarily in the Missouri River basin. Prior to coming to the Northwestern Division, he was the Chief of the Hydrologic Engineering Branch for the US Army Corps of Engineers’, Omaha District where he was responsible for resource management and engineering and scientific support to the water resources mission of the Omaha District.

This included design of flood control, channel stabilization, environmental restoration and navigation projects throughout the upper Missouri River basin. The Hydrologic Engineering Branch is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of 26 smaller tributary projects, and provides data collection and data base management support to Northwestern Division for the operation of the six main stem Missouri River projects.

In his more-than-30-year career, John has served as a river engineer, as a project manager, a contracting officer’s representative, a section chief, and branch chief. John is Chair of the Corps' Committee on River Engineering, has been a member of several research and development field review groups. John has worked on projects in 48 of the 50 United States, and worked internationally in Afghanistan, South America, and Asia. John is a member of American Society of Civil Engineers, and is a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers.

John was born and raised in west-central Nebraska. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1982 and a Master of Science degree in engineering in 1985, both from the University of Nebraska. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Nebraska.

John enjoys golfing, and doing general carpentry work with his son.

Ms. Turek became the Director of Sustainability at altafiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell) in September 2021 and is responsible for environmental sustainability throughout the organization, including subsidiaries Hawaiian Telcom and CBTS Inc. Her primary focus has been crafting and implementing the company’s climate action plans towards their target of net-zero carbon emissions in 2040. Prior to joining altafiber Ms. Turek was the Director of Sustainability Services at Woolpert, Inc. where she worked with the military, DHS, universities, businesses, and airports to create and implement sustainability and resiliency plans and to design LEED & green buildings. She is an Air Force veteran and a Fellow in the Society of American Military Engineers. Ms. Turek holds a BS in Civil Engineering, a Masters of Nonprofit Management, and a MS in Environmental Engineering and Science.

Allison oversees Installation Restoration and Munitions Response Programs on Navy and Marine Corps installations in the Navy’s Southwest AOR. She has been with the Navy for 20 years. Allison is a licensed Chemical Engineer in California and has a master’s degree in engineering management. She also served as the Camp Director for SAME’s Navy Construction Camp at Port Hueneme from 2019 through 2023.

Fun Fact: Allison wakes up at 4:30 AM to get a jump on the day and exercise before work.

Ben oversees a federal civilian portfolio, providing strategy and execution for 20+ agencies. He was elected as a SAME National Vice President in 2023 and is a key member of the National Leadership Team and Executive Committee. Last year, Ben worked with SAME’s Technical Community of Interest leaders on translating passion to support the Strategic Plan. Now, he is working with the Human Capital COIs on how to identify, inspire, connect, and retain future leaders.

Fun Fact: Ben had more overseas assignments than US assignments in the US Air Force.

Dr. Loomis’ work can be found at more than 70 federal installations and campuses worldwide and has resulted in 52 design awards. She served in senior leadership positions with several federal agencies, culminating as the Executive Director for the Coast Guard’s Shore Infrastructure Logistics Center. Paula currently leads the SAME Industry-Government-Engagement initiative Planning for Future Federal Facility Innovation.

Fun Fact: Paula recently returned from Peru and Ecuador, visiting Machu Pichu and the Galapagos Islands.

Matt leads his team with a focus of “Quality versus Quantity” approach to problem solving. This is the same approach he brings to his volunteer service within SAME. Matt is a past Post President and was he was honored with the National Young Member Medal award in 2018 for outstanding leadership and accomplishments in support of SAME’s mission. He also served on the National Board of Direction from 2019 to 2022.

Fun Fact: Matt is an avid 90’s ska/punk music enthusiast.

Beth supports the growth of a federal client portfolio, building and maintaining relationships and cultivating a professional nationwide network. She currently serves on the Academy of Fellows’ Executive Committee as Deputy Chair of Internal Affairs. Beth strongly believes that the more

you give, the more you get. She encourages others to be active in the professional societies they join to gain the maximum benefit, for both their personal and professional development and growth.

Fun Fact: Beth is one of three female SAME members to achieve fellowship in both SAME and SMPS.