Join us for In the Driver’s Seat with John Cooper, a candid conversation about leadership in public works today. Guided by moderator Tim Ross, this session goes beyond theory to share real experiences, lessons learned, and practical approaches you can apply in your own career.
John Cooper didn’t start his career in a leadership role—he started in the field, inspecting projects and learning the work firsthand. Today, as a vice president at GBA, his perspective has shifted. The decisions carry more weight, the impact is broader, and the answers aren’t always clear. Leadership isn’t black and white. And as an engineer, that’s been one of the biggest adjustments he’s had to embrace: learning to operate in the gray.
What you can expect to learn about:
- Change Management—How to build buy-in, navigate resistance, and keep teams moving forward when change is inevitable
- Communication and Delegation—How to lead without doing everything yourself, balancing support, accountability, and the realities of being a people-focused leader
- Leadership Development—How to grow your leadership skills beyond your day-to-day role, including the impact of mentorship and involvement in organizations like APWA
Whether you’re early in your career or stepping into greater responsibility, this session offers a real-world look at leadership and what it takes to keep growing.
Speakers/Panelists
John Cooper
Vice President
GBA
Lenexa, Kansas
Moderator
Tim Ross
Proficiency Level
Advanced
Registration: Free for members; $99 for nonmembers
Instructions for joining the webinar will be emailed to you the day prior, and day of the event.
LAST DAY TO REGISTER: 12:00 p.m. Central Time June 22, 2026
Refund Policy: Online Education Program–Cancellation/Refund Policy