SMPS is pleased to announce that Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM, 2021-2022 SMPS Austin president, has been recognized as the 2023 Chapter President of the Year. Janki was honored at Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, during an awards ceremony on August 10, 2023.
The Chapter President of the Year Award recognizes an SMPS chapter president who has demonstrated excellence in leadership while serving the chapter and its members. The nomination process includes both self and peer nominations and must be submitted by a current SMPS member.
Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM, is the director of business development at Kirksey Architecture in Austin, TX. As president of SMPS Austin, Janki elevated the chapter by igniting a sense of belonging. Under her leadership, SMPS Austin became a must-attend organization and a space that exemplified the Society’s vision.
Beyond increasing engagement, Janki sought to enhance the format of chapter programs by providing attendees opportunities to make meaningful connections and bring value to their firms. This created an engaging space for everyone from the private to the public sector.
To Janki, belonging needed to connect members to representation: this led to 75% of all programs and 100% of all panelists including women and BIPOC members. At the conclusion of Janki’s presidency, SMPS Austin had expanded its reach dramatically. Janki’s passion for belonging has resulted in a stable future for SMPS Austin.
Longtime SMPS member and part of the SMPS Austin board from 2021-22, Gabriela Mier states, “Janki is the most humble, encouraging, and supportive professional I know. She has led with grace and deserves to be recognized for it.”
Marion Thatch, FSMPS, CPCC, adds, “The role of chapter president is more than simply managing your local chapter. During her presidency, Janki stayed active with several organization and tirelessly worked to help the Society, her chapter, and other chapters, all while maneuvering through an unprecedented year.”
Congratulations, again, to Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM!
