Chapter Leader News
September 2025
This newsletter is updated monthly to inform chapter volunteers of Society happenings and relevant information for chapter management.
A message from SMPS and SMPS Foundation CEO Marci D. Thompson
SMPS HQ
Marci D. Thompson
“Buckle up for an extraordinary year. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.”
Thank you, chapter presidents and leaders, for stepping into—or continuing—your leadership journey with SMPS!
With this role, you’re shaping the future of your chapter, inspiring your board, and creating impact that will last well beyond your term. You’re also part of something bigger: over 1,500 volunteers, 58 chapters, and more than 7,500 members who make up our SMPS community. Together, we are advancing One SMPS and positioning our profession for sustained growth.
Along the way, you’ll celebrate wins big and small, navigate challenges with resilience, and discover the fulfillment of leading a chapter that thrives because of your dedication.
On behalf of SMPS HQ, thank you for saying “yes” to leadership. Your creativity, commitment, and vision will carry your chapter to new heights. We’re here as your partners, honored to be companions in your success.
So, as you begin and continue this adventure, buckle up for an extraordinary year. Your journey starts now, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make.
Here’s to a bold, bright, and unforgettable experience. And remember, SMPS HQ is here if you need us, because your success is our priority.
– Marci D. Thompson
Chapter Leader Spotlight
Business Development Analyst
Turner Construction Company
SMPS Northeast Ohio
Member since: 2022
What inspired you to take on a leadership role at SMPS Northeast Ohio?
I love being part of a team and watching people grow. It was a no-brainer for me.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get more involved?
Just jump in! If someone really wants to get involved, then reach out to someone in the chapter until you get a response back. Ask to be part of meetings and calls so you can get involved, then listen and observe! Take in as much as you can and ask questions. Accountability starts within.
How has volunteering influenced your career trajectory?
SMPS has allowed me to build my network as well as expose me to how other companies are structured. This has allowed me the opportunity to learn more about different levels and positions throughout our industry. Ultimately, seeing beyond where my feet are.
As a chapter president, which HQ resource did you leverage most?
Chapter Leadership Symposium (CLS) was an absolute game-changer! I was able to meet with the neighboring chapters in person and develop a strategy to benefit all of us. For example, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio had programs on the same day. To provide more value and benefit to our members, we selected days that would allow opportunities for attendance and participation across the three chapters. By working together, we all contributed to a better experience for our members, especially those with offices and clients in locations across the region.
September featured articles
SMPS is looking for dynamic speakers to take the stage at Amplify A|E|C 2026—and we’d love your help spreading the word! This is an opportunity for A/E/C marketers, business developers, firm leaders, and client partners to share innovative ideas, proven strategies, and real-world results with peers across the country.
Encourage your members to submit proposals that are:
Vendor-neutral and practice-tested
Packed with actionable takeaways and grounded examples
Designed to engage participants and spark new thinking
Presenting at Amplify A|E|C is a chance to gain visibility, connect with top professionals, and shape the future of the A/E/C industry.
📌 Please share this with your chapter members and networks—the call is open now!
The SMPS annual membership meeting will be held virtually on November 5. Joined by SMPS staff, SMPS President Dr. Paula Raymond Stamp, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM, and SMPS Foundation President Michele R. Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP, will review the current fiscal year and share initiatives for the next. You’ll also hear from President-Elect Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP, on his vision for the upcoming year when he becomes SMPS president on January 1, 2026. Registration will open soon for this complimentary virtual event.
Last month, SMPS HQ hosted Navigating the Digital Transition, a town hall to reflect on the first 60 days of HQ’s new platform, re:Members. In this session, we shared what we’ve accomplished, key progress points, and the improvements made based on feedback. We also answered common questions and what to expect next. If you missed it, don’t worry! You can watch the recording at your convenience. If you have any questions after viewing, please reach out to Bryan Lipps, SMPS director of membership, at bryan@smps.org.
Speaking of HQ’s digital transition, please encourage your members to log in and check their profiles for accuracy. We don’t want them to miss out on any professional- or industry-relevant news coming their way from SMPS!
The SMPS Foundation continues to deliver intelligence and insights for our members to navigate a highly competitive marketplace. As a benefit of SMPS membership, many Foundation publications are available complimentary. Spread the word about the SMPS Foundation’s most recent projects:
- Client Experience in the A/E/C Industry: In partnership with Client Savvy, a Clearly Rated company, this report examines the current state of Client Experience (CX) in A/E/C firms, offering insights into CX structures, benchmarks, outcomes, and best practices
- Emerging Trends: Developed in partnership with FMI Consulting, this publication explores how collaboration, client experiences, and strategic leadership are shaping the A/E/C industry
If you’re interested in featuring the SMPS Foundation’s insights, expertise, and thought leadership at a future event or session, let them know! From industry trends and original research to engaging speakers and rich content, the Foundation offers a wealth of knowledge to help elevate your chapter’s programming. Reach out to foundation@smps.org for more information.
If your chapter members are looking for the latest in AI, tell them about our AEC.AI™ summit next month in Denver. With the AI world constantly changing, there’s always something new to learn. Participants will leave with templates, checklists, and a ready-to-use AI action plan. Seats are limited so let your members know!
Your 2024-25 chapter financial report is due to SMPS HQ by September 30, 2025. Please make sure to complete and submit your report by the deadline to accountspayable@smps.org.
Also, don’t forget that your chapter’s education reports are due September 30, 2025. Please send those to volunteers@smps.org.
Check out the ShopSMPS store and grab some SMPS merchandise. Choose from mugs, tote bags, and other specialty items. Custom chapter items are available for order upon request.
Chapter Leadership and Membership Training: For your planning, various learning opportunities will take place in September/October:
- Membership Recruitment: September 25, 1-2 p.m. ET
- Membership Retention: September 18, 1-2 p.m. ET
- BillHighway, two offerings:
- Star Chapter, two time offerings:
SMPS HQ Membership/re:Members Office Hours
We invite chapter leaders to meet virtually with HQ staff to address membership and re:Members questions:
- Starting October 2, 2025
ICYMI
- SMPS Northeast Ohio’s recent Yappy Hour highlights
- SMPS HQ town hall: Navigating the Digital Transition
- SMPS annual calendar for volunteers: check out upcoming events
- A/E/C Unplugged: Catch up on the series
SAVE THESE DATES!
All Aboard! Developing an Effective Marketing Training Program
September 18, 2025
Virtual webinar
AEC.AI™
In-person event
October 9-10, 2025
Sheraton Denver Downtown
Denver, CO
Amplify 2026: Call for Proposals
October 25, 2025
Submission deadline
Regional Conferences
Various 2026 dates
Amplify A|E|C 2026
July 27-29, 2026
Las Vegas, NV
Student + A/E/C
Online learning series
Chapter Demographics
The migration from MemberMax to Re:members require us to reimagine the chapter demographics report. In the interim, the May 2025 report is the latest and should be referenced.
Questions regarding chapter membership data? Please reach out to membership@smps.org.
