YA Group
Leadership Summit
Internal · Invitation Only
May 11 — 13 · 2026 · Nashville, TN
Vol. 01 / Issue 2026
Internal · Invitation Only
Decisive Advantage Series
YA Group Leadership & Growth Summit 2026 — Nashville Music City artwork featuring the summit title, an acoustic guitar overlaid on the Nashville skyline with radiating sun rays, and the theme statement One Team, One Future, One YA
A note to attendees

Welcome to the summit.

We’re looking forward to spending the next three days together in a focused experience designed to strengthen leadership, align our vision, and shape the future of YA Group.

This summit marks a pivotal moment for our organization. Our theme — One Team. One Future. One YA. — reflects our commitment to unity, collaboration, and shared success. This is more than a series of sessions. It is a meaningful investment in our people and a catalyst for building a stronger, more connected organization.

Over the next three days, we will move beyond individual departments and focus on the power of cross-collaboration — unlocking the Decisive Advantage that comes from operating as one unified team.

The future of YA Group is being defined right now — and it starts with each of you.
Theme · 2026 Summit
Live from the summit

Moments. As they happen.

Photos and posts captured across the three days. View, download, and add your own to the official album — and tag your social posts with #YALeadershipSummit2026 and #OneYA.

Open the photo album View · download · contribute
Live · May 11 – 15
Ray Young, Linda Young
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA Ray Young, Linda Young
New year, new logo
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA New year, new logo
Rick Whitworth, Chris Crawley, Fred Lyons, Kevin Yandell
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA Rick Whitworth, Chris Crawley, Fred Lyons, Kevin Yandell
The pillows are a hit!
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA The pillows are a hit!
Wade Bushman, Michelle Couture
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA Erinn Bushman, Wade Bushman, Michelle Couture
View & add
your photos.
Open the photo album →
#YALeadershipSummit2026 · #OneYA Tag yours on social · or upload to the album

Three days to define the next chapter.

By the numbers
03
Days
Of focused leadership work, from registration through closing awards.
06
Practices
Convened across Engineering, Corporate, Government, Construction, BD, and Recon.
09
Sessions
Plenary, breakouts, report-outs, and an evening event “Live at the Analog.”
01.
Future
One unified team unlocking a Decisive Advantage. Our theme. Our charge.

The Agenda

A choreographed three-day arc — opening with welcome, building through cross-practice breakouts, and closing with alignment and awards. All times Central. Rooms noted with each session.

Day 01
Mon · May 11, 2026
Arrival & reception.
2:00 — 6:00 PM
RegistrationPick up your name badge and welcome kit.
Lobby
6:00 — 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception & DinnerOpen the summit together with cocktails and a seated dinner.
Evelyn’s / Lobby Bar
Day 02
Tue · May 12, 2026
One team. One future. One YA.
7:30 — 8:30 AM
Breakfast
Lyric A + Hall
8:30 AM — 12:30 PM
One Team. One Future. One YA.Align on Strategic Direction, Strengthen Our Cultural Foundation, and Operationalize One YA.
Lyric Ballrooms B & D
12:30 — 1:30 PM
Lunch
Lyric A + Hall
1:30 — 4:00 PM
Practice Breakout SessionsSix concurrent practice rooms. Find yours below.
Concurrent
Engineering & ArchitectureEdison 1
CorporateEdison 2
Government ServicesEdison 3
Construction ConsultingLyric B & D
Business DevelopmentMcGavock
Accident ReconstructionBoardroom
4:00 — 5:30 PM
One Team. One Future. One YA. | Report OutsGroup report outs on cross-collaboration opportunities and operationalizing “One YA.”
Lyric Ballrooms B & D
6:30 — 10:00 PM
Live at the AnalogA YA Group Leadership & Growth Summit Country Bling experience.
Hutton Hotel
Day 03
Wed · May 13, 2026
Leading forward, together.
8:00 — 9:00 AM
Breakfast
Lyric A + Hall
9:00 — 10:30 AM
Leading Forward, TogetherThe day’s anchor session — from alignment to action.
Lyric Ballrooms B & D
10:30 — 11:20 AM
Breakout Sessions · Round 1Three concurrent sessions. Find your group below the agenda — everyone visits all three topics by the end of the day.
Concurrent
Group ALeadWell @ YAEdison 1
Group BDriving Value through Cross-CollaborationEdison 3
Group CLeading for Financial SuccessEdison 2
11:20 — 11:30 AM
Break
11:30 AM — 12:20 PM
Breakout Sessions · Round 2Groups rotate to the next topic.
Concurrent
Group ALeading for Financial SuccessEdison 2
Group BLeadWell @ YAEdison 1
Group CDriving Value through Cross-CollaborationEdison 3
12:20 — 12:30 PM
Break
12:30 — 1:15 PM
Lunch
Lyric A + Hall
1:15 — 2:15 PM
Breakout Sessions · Round 3Final rotation — everyone completes all three topics by the end.
Concurrent
Group ADriving Value through Cross-CollaborationEdison 3
Group BLeading for Financial SuccessEdison 2
Group CLeadWell @ YAEdison 1
2:15 — 3:00 PM
Closing Session & AwardsWe close as one team — celebrating the work and the people behind it.
Lyric Ballrooms B & D
Day 3 · Wednesday, May 13

Find your group.

Three groups rotate through three sessions across the day. Find your name to confirm your group, then follow the schedule for your group below. Topics are tied to rooms, so each group visits all three.

Edison 1LeadWell @ YA
Edison 2Leading for Financial Success
Edison 3Driving Value through Cross-Collaboration
Group A 33 attendees
10:30 LeadWell @ YA Edison 1
11:30 Leading for Financial Success Edison 2
1:15 Driving Value through Cross-Collaboration Edison 3
  • Al AlcalaInvestigative Services
  • Andrew PetersConstruction Consulting
  • Bill McConathyBusiness Development
  • Camden HendersonEquipment Services
  • Chris BowdenConstruction Consulting
  • Christine StoneBusiness Development
  • David AmoriEngineering Services
  • David BeardConstruction Consulting
  • David VandewaterGovernment Services
  • Ed ShahnasarianTHL Partners
  • Frank McColmGovernment Services
  • Jeff JonesConstruction Consulting
  • Jeff MorenoConstruction Consulting
  • Josh HeinrichCorporate
  • Justin KapisakConstruction Consulting
  • Ken TandyAccident Reconstruction
  • Kristin WinfordCorporate
  • Lauren WhitfieldBusiness Development | Accident Reconstruction
  • Lyn CrabtreeConstruction Consulting
  • Marc LoweryConstruction Consulting
  • Mark CantalamessaConstruction Consulting
  • Megan ReeseEngineering Services
  • Nadine PizarroCorporate
  • Paola SullivanGovernment Services
  • Ravi MehtaCorporate
  • Richard DethlefsEngineering Services
  • Richard TriConstruction Consulting
  • Rita RyersonCorporate
  • Roderick KiddCorporate
  • Tim FerrisTHL Partners
  • Trina GoreBusiness Development | Construction Consulting
  • Wade WilsonAccident Reconstruction
  • Will KleinConstruction Consulting
Group B 32 attendees
10:30 Driving Value through Cross-Collaboration Edison 3
11:30 LeadWell @ YA Edison 1
1:15 Leading for Financial Success Edison 2
  • Amanda LoweAccident Reconstruction
  • Anthony DanzaEquipment Services
  • Autumn ConnotBusiness Development
  • Beau MenardEngineering Services
  • Blake KapisakConstruction Consulting
  • Brian McKennaBusiness Development
  • Brian WalkerGovernment Services
  • Carmen Acosta-BaezGovernment Services
  • Chris CrawleyContent Services
  • Demi GallardoEngineering Services
  • Erin MayberryFinance
  • Fred LyonsConstruction Consulting
  • Hassan RabbaniCorporate
  • Jasmine PirakBusiness Development
  • Jeff DornerConstruction Consulting
  • Joe KrinerConstruction Consulting
  • Josh ShieldsConstruction Consulting
  • Justin PetzoldCorporate
  • Kevin KapisakConstruction Consulting
  • Lara DethlefsEngineering Services
  • Linda YoungCorporate
  • Marc JohnsonForensic Accounting
  • Matthew WatsonConstruction Consulting
  • Michelle CoutureEngineering Services
  • Pete TrzybinskiPlanning & Construction Advisory Services
  • Ray YoungCorporate
  • Rob Senecal IISurety Services
  • Ron PerleyConstruction Consulting
  • Sarah RhorerCorporate
  • Stephen PanoffAccident Reconstruction
  • Timothy EpleeConstruction Consulting
  • Vince FratinardoEngineering Services
Group C 28 attendees
10:30 Leading for Financial Success Edison 2
11:30 Driving Value through Cross-Collaboration Edison 3
1:15 LeadWell @ YA Edison 1
  • Amie NortonBusiness Development | Accident Reconstruction
  • Ashley SelfAccident Reconstruction
  • Becky PopeCorporate
  • Brandon WeyerConstruction Consulting
  • Byron EarlsConstruction Consulting
  • Christina PaolissoBusiness Development
  • David SpearBusiness Development
  • Diane ViodesBusiness Development
  • Evan PerleyConstruction Consulting
  • George McCluskeyEngineering Services
  • Jeff EidsonConstruction Consulting
  • Jeremy JonesConstruction Consulting
  • John KowalikBusiness Development
  • Jud WooddyBusiness Development | Accident Reconstruction
  • Kevin YandellConstruction Consulting
  • Laura DowlingCorporate
  • Lucas BeyerBusiness Development | Accident Reconstruction
  • Mario FarnesiConstruction Consulting
  • Meagan ClarkBusiness Development
  • Morgan ReaganConstruction Consulting
  • Owen RosenboomEngineering Services
  • Rachel BilyCorporate
  • Rick WhitworthConstruction Consulting
  • Rob SpiesTHL Partners
  • Ross HartsockConstruction Consulting
  • Shawn MartinConstruction Consulting
  • Steve LehmanConstruction Consulting
  • Wade BushmanCorporate
Tuesday evening · Music City

Live at the Analog.

A country bling night. Best-dressed wins.

The summit’s headline evening — a deliberately offline, in-person celebration of Music City, built for connection. Leave the laptops behind, come ready to listen, talk, and meet the people you’ll be leading alongside for the next chapter.

Wear your country bling: cowboy boots, hats, buckles, fringe, denim — all welcome. There’s an award going to the best dressed of the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ & logistics.

Quick answers to the questions we hear most. If you don’t see what you need, ping Rita — details below.

How early can I check in? +
Registration opens at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 11 in the lobby. Guest room check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
How late can I check out? +
Please check out of your rooms before 11:00 AM on Wednesday. Bring your luggage to the front desk or Edison A, where it will be stored until the summit concludes.
What should I bring? +
A notebook or device for taking notes, and an open mindset. Come ready to engage, contribute, and collaborate across teams.
What is the dress code? +
Business casual attire is recommended throughout the summit, including the Tuesday evening event.
Are meals provided? +
Yes. Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the summit, as outlined in the agenda. Please notify the team in advance of any dietary needs.
Will there be networking opportunities? +
Yes. The summit is intentionally designed to encourage meaningful connections through shared sessions, meals, and evening events.
What is expected of me as an attendee? +
Active participation. Engage in discussions, share your perspectives, and collaborate across teams — your voice is critical to shaping our collective future.
Venue & directions

Find your way to Music City.

Three days at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville’s West End — between Music Row and Vanderbilt, a short walk from the dining and music venues that give the city its name. All summit programming happens on the Lyric and Edison floors.

Hotel Hutton Hotel
Address 1808 West End Avenue
Nashville, TN 37203
Programming Lyric Ballrooms B & D, Lyric A + Hall, Edison 1/2/3, McGavock & Boardroom
Luggage Check out before 11:00 AM Wednesday, then drop your luggage at the front desk or Edison A — stored until the summit concludes.
Open in Google Maps
The Hutton Hotel · Lyric & Edison
Questions, requests, dietary needs

Reach out to Rita.

For additional questions, accommodations, or anything else summit-related, your point of contact is below. Don’t hesitate to reach out before, during, or after the event.