PELI - Texas Society of Professional Engineers

WHAT ALUMNI SAY

"This program offers an excellent opportunity to expand the leadership skills for professional engineers in an environment that is interactive and engaging. Not only will you learn lifelong leadership skills, but lifelong friendships as well. I cannot say enough great things about it."

Clay Barnett, P.E., CFM

Vice President, Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
Northeast Texas Chapter | PELI Class 2

"The invaluable leadership skills and tools gained through PELI have been a game changer in many ways. The ability to lead myself and others well, navigate difficult conversations, and develop client partnerships were some of my key takeaways."

Ronke Osibajo, P.E., CFM, ENV SP

Senior Utility Project Manager, HDR, Inc.
Greater Houston Chapter | PELI Class 11

"PELI was an exceptional leadership program that afforded me the opportunity to learn and practice new people skills to use both at home and work. The professional relationships that I developed with TSPE leaders across Texas continue to this day."

Harold Cobb, P.E., F.NSPE

Senior Principal, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Greater Houston Chapter | PELI Class 1

"The PE Leadership Institute was an overall great experience. The series of hands-on coursework provided me with relevant leadership training as well as networking opportunities. The many benefits and relationships I formed have continued for years after my class ended."

Jennifer LaFoy, P.E., CFM, ENV SP

Senior Project Manager, Halff
Dallas Chapter | PELI Class 3

"Everyone has a unique leadership style and different perspectives. This class taught me various aspects of becoming a great leader and how we can improve ourselves and the team. Additionally, each session provided practical applications to enhance our communication skills. Participating in interactive activities and real-world scenarios gave me valuable insights into effective leadership practices, and I learned how to foster a collaborative team environment."

Sapan G. Khatri, P.E., ENV SP

Project Engineer - Transportation, TranSystems
Greater Houston Chapter | PELI Class 13

Discussion Groups

Dialogue with other key leaders in TSPE about crucial leadership topics

Personal Advancement

Grow and stretch as a professional leader and position yourself for advancement

Leadership Growth

Apply the learning to improve and enhance your ability to lead and manage others

Self-Improvement

Become more self-aware of your strengths and areas for growth

Shape the Future

Help shape the future of the engineering profession in Texas

SESSION 1: LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
January 8-10, 2026 | TBD
This session relates to the engineer’s personal leadership qualities. We will explore personal "ownership” and accountability, credibility and trust, as well as insight and passion. You will learn and develop personal attributes effective for leading and influencing others.

SESSION 2. LEADERSHIP IN MANAGEMENT AND THE ENGINEERING PROFESSION
February 5-7, 2026 | TBD
This session explores ways that engineers make a difference in and through their organizations. We will examine methods for inspiring vision, creating change, developing others, and executing strategies. As a part of this session, you will learn how to define and influence your organizational culture.

SESSION 3. LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATION SKILLS
March 5-7, 2026 | TBD

This session focuses the skills needed to conduct difficult conversations with clients, employees, peers, and bosses. You will learn and practice effective dialogue skills. The learning will be applied to both internal and external negotiations.

SESSION 4. LEADERSHIP WITH TEAMS AND CLIENTS
April 30-May 2, 2026 | TBD
This session examines the qualities of cohesive teams and methods for making your teams more effective. In addition, we will explore client relations and ways to move toward trusted advisor relationships.

SESSION 5. COMMITMENT TO A PERSONAL 100-DAY PLAN
June 18, 2026 | Margaritaville Beach Resort, South Padre Island, TX
This session culminates the program with the presentation of your own personal development plan. You will share your commitments and receive feedback and encouragement for implementing your plan. As a part of this program you will meet and dialogue with alumni and encourage future PE Leadership Institute participants.

Facilitated by CrossGroup:

Mark Cook, Ph.D., CrossGroup

Amelia Yant, MEd, CPC, CrossGroup

The PE Leadership Institute is unique to TSPE. The CrossGroup has been retained to develop the program and will facilitate each highly participatory session, allowing participants to interact with the principals from the CrossGroup.

For decades, Mark Cook, Ph.D. has been assisting organizations to improve performance excellence. At the core of their customized solutions is a rigorous approach to analyzing an organization’s current condition and providing answers that fit. They are known for their ability to apply leadership concepts to the world of engineers both personally and organizationally. Mark Cook, Ph.D. and Amelia Yant, MEd, CPC facilitate all sessions.

The CrossGroup has specialized in serving A/E firms for twenty years. They have developed and delivered a variety of leadership programs for firms that are recognized as exemplary leaders in the profession, including firms such as Parkhill, Freese & Nichols, Halff, BGE, Thomas & Hutton, HRGreen, TSPE, and ACEC.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2025-26 PELI program are currently closed.

FILL OUT OUR PELI INTEREST FORM

How many people will be in each class?
Each class will be limited to 20-member participants. Participation will be limited to one person per firm/company in any one class.

What is the program structure?
Each session begins at noon on Thursday and ends at noon on Saturday at Canyon of the Eagles in Burnet, TX. The last session will take place in conjunction with the TSPE Conference held annually in June. Participants must be able to fully participate in all classes.

How much does it cost?
The registration fee is $3,000. This does not include travel, lodging, or dinner expenses. Scholarships are available for public sector members. Scholarships can be used to cover the registration fee or the equivalent amount to reimbursable travel expenses such as lodging and mileage/airfare.

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