To bolster our commitment to serve our members, the Society has expanded and hired three new employees at HQ in Alexandria, VA. Amanda Smith and Semra Ergun have joined the knowledge and professional development department, and Lauren Waldron has joined the marketing team.
Amanda K. Smith has spent the last 18 years in the nonprofit sector, developing and curating professional development programs for the adult learner across multiple career levels. She currently serves as vice president, knowledge and professional development for the Society and oversees educational events and products. Throughout her career, Amanda has worked across multiple industries, including health care, commercial real estate, food service, and broadcast media. Her specialties include instructional design and content development. Amanda also serves on the board as president and spokesperson for the Alliance for Women in Media, National Capital Area Chapter where she develops media professionals through career development initiatives. Amanda attended Montgomery College where she received her degree in Business Management Studies.
Lauren H. Waldron is the associate director of marketing for the Society. Lauren brings extensive experience in marketing, communications, and public relations from her time at associations, other nonprofit organizations, and professional services firms. Formerly, she managed the marketing of non-dues revenue and professional development programs at the National Association of Social Workers. She also served as a deputy spokesperson of an Am Law 100 law firm, where she worked in public relations and communications. Lauren earned her B.A. in Communication and American Government from George Mason University and has a certificate in Digital Media and Marketing from Duke University.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Semra C. Ergun has an extensive background in media, advertising, marketing, and event management. For more than a decade, she has managed and led multiple events for top companies and organizations. Some of these firms include Yelp, Under Armour, iHeartMedia, Six Flags America, and Redskins (ESPN Radio), as well as nonprofits such as the Public Education Network and USAction. She has a passion for logistics, organizing and executing fun and educational events. During her free time, Semra enjoys doing improv comedy, voice acting, making pottery, hiking, and blogging. She also volunteers as director of event logistics for the Alliance for Women in Media, National Capital Area Chapter to help empower women and build leadership opportunities. Semra attended Towson University where she received a B.S. in Mass Communications and Public Relations.
For more information, download the full press release, or if you have any questions, please contact Tina Myers, CAE, at tina@smps.org.
