On July 1, 2024, I stepped into the role of CEO with gratitude, responsibility, and maybe an extra coffee or two. Every day, and often hourly, I reflect on the purpose behind SMPS: transforming business through marketing leadership. Our mission is part of every conversation with firm leaders, Society volunteers, and alliance partners.
At its core and simply put, SMPS champions A/E/C marketers and business developers. You’re the ones driving impact, fostering innovation, and building the future for your firms.
In a recent Marketer article, I talked about how value is the true driver of meaningful, lasting growth. When we lead with value, the rest follows: successful projects, retention of talent, and the list goes on.
At SMPS, we see the value in A/E/C professionals and it’s our goal to provide the resources needed and help prepare for leadership roles. From launching programs like AEC.AI™ to expanding our Human Experience in Business initiatives, SMPS amplifies voices and shows what’s possible when there’s expertise and equity in the room. In fact, anything is possible when people feel empowered.
This year, we also took bold steps to strengthen the future of our industry, acquiring ElevateHER, joining the ACEC Engineering Workforce Consortium, and formalizing a national partnership with the ACE Mentor Program of America. Each move represents our commitment to expanding access and doing our part to stimulate the workforce of tomorrow.
Our Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) credential continues to raise the bar, empowering more than 1,200 professionals with the skills to influence strategy and earn a seat at the table. And our SMPS Fellows program honors those who’ve advanced the profession through leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact.
SMPS believes so strongly in the impact marketers and business developers make that we created a holiday just for you. A/E/C Growth Professionals Day shines a spotlight on your vital contributions. While it’s officially celebrated one day in January, we honor your leadership every day, because the future of the built environment depends on it. This year, we also elevated our commitment to chapter leadership by evolving the Chapter Leadership Symposium and launching the first-ever Presidential Leadership Development Certificate. This new recognition is an investment in the future of SMPS and a celebration of those stepping up to lead with vision and purpose.
As an organization, we’ve never been in a better position to meet the future. Through our resources, as well as insights and research from the SMPS Foundation, we’re helping our members and their firms thrive. But we’re not doing it alone. Our volunteer leaders are the lifeline of the organization, helping us build a community ready to take on the opportunities of tomorrow.
I’m proud to be part of this great organization, one that believes in the power and purpose of our members. Thanks for allowing me to go on this journey with you.
Article written by Marci D. Thompson, chief executive officer of SMPS and the SMPS Foundation. She can be reached at marci@smps.org.
