In our member spotlight, Kathleen Held, CPSM, recently sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Kathleen, who’s CEO/president at Cini-Little, has been an SMPS member since 2006. In this spotlight, she shares her favorite part of the job and how SMPS has helped her career.
How long have you worked in the A/E/C industry? I’ve worked in the A/E/C industry for over 30 years. I started during college, and upon graduation, joined Cini-Little full time. I’ve progressed from marketing coordinator through various roles to become CEO, president, and majority owner. Ironically, when I first started, I was told there was no career path for me at the company.
How long have you been an SMPS member? I joined SMPS in 2006. It wasn’t initially supported for my role at Cini-Little, and with my third son born in 2005, I didn’t have much time for events. But I recognized that membership is about engagement, not just having the card. I’ve been with SMPS Washington, DC ever since.
Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. Being recognized as Foodservice Equipment & Supplies (FES) magazine’s 2025 Top Achiever Consultant is something I’m incredibly proud of. As the only person leading one of the world’s largest consulting firms who isn’t a foodservice designer by background, it’s truly validating. I’ve spent five years immersing myself in the design side—learning equipment, building industry networks, and speaking the language my team uses. Having peers recognize this growth is unbelievable.
What’s your favorite part of the job? I’m passionate about how our work shapes environments where people create lasting memories around food. These spaces host family moments, business meetings, and chance encounters that matter. I also love working with my team—Cini-Little truly is a family. When I became CEO five years ago, I told everyone to buckle up for changes after my 25 years as an employee. They’ve been amazing partners on this journey, and it keeps getting better.
What has been one of your most meaningful projects? Developing the foodservice design certificate with the FCSI Education Foundation at Western Kentucky University has been incredibly meaningful. Combining my passions for mentoring and education to create career pathways has been fulfilling. Seeing students’ “aha moments” when they discover this career possibility is a feeling you can’t replicate.
Another rewarding project with the foundation has been FEED, which helps educate industry professionals on working effectively with foodservice consultants, creating smoother projects and better outcomes for everyone.
What’s the best advice you’ve received regarding your career? “You get more with sugar than vinegar.” I’ve learned that approaching people with kindness and genuine interest in their expertise yields much better results than making demands. Asking someone to share their knowledge creates a completely different dynamic than simply requesting a deliverable.
Why is SMPS membership important to you and how has it helped you and your firm? I wouldn’t be CEO of Cini-Little without SMPS. After joining in 2006, I quickly became active in committee work and board leadership. The organization taught me crucial skills in leadership, marketing, and communication through its programs and leadership opportunities. When I became chapter president, the President’s Leadership Symposium was transformative for my leadership abilities.
Beyond personal development, SMPS has given me an invaluable network of peers to exchange ideas with—something especially precious when you’re in a specialized field or small firm.
As a CPSM, how has certification benefited you? The CPSM certification required mastering all six domains of practice. Some professionals only have experience in three or fewer areas before certification, so it forces you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines you’re weaker in.
Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. People are often surprised to learn I have four sons. What might be more surprising is that I’m an excellent marksman—I have an amazing eye and shoot extremely well. I also competed in archery for a while.
What’s on your bucket list? Writing a book to support the foodservice design course we developed at Western Kentucky University is definitely on my bucket list. We’re planning to expand this program to other universities, and creating educational resources to support that growth is a priority for me.
Guilty pleasure: What can you not live without? Coffee is essential, but more importantly, I can’t live without my network of peers and mentors, my great team, and a sense of humor. You can’t be a great leader without a great team—it’s not about doing it alone but about empowering others. And some days, you just need to laugh.
