To provide transparency and expand member engagement, SMPS HQ provides an executive summary of the board of directors’ discussions and decisions following each regular meeting. The eight-member board of directors meets at least four times each fiscal year to fulfill its responsibility of governing the Society and advancing the strategic needs of our members, the organization, and the A/E/C marketing profession. The meeting typically also includes the SMPS Foundation president and the senior management staff.
Our volunteer leaders and senior staff met for their first in-person meeting since early 2020. The meeting took place from June 14–16, 2021, and the following are the key issues discussed:
- The work of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force. The board also adopted a new DEI philosophy and policy (see below).
- Discussion on future opportunities for growth and engagement.
- Quarterly update on the finances and operations.
- HQ moving to new office space.
- Build Business 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- A discussion on the development of the CPSM and SMPS Fellows programs.
- Plans for an in-person Chapter Leadership Symposium in 2022.
- Regional conferences development initiative.
- A report from the SMPS Foundation on its initiatives.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 2021.
If you have any questions regarding these matters or the Society’s board meetings, please contact SMPS Chief Executive Officer Michael V. Geary, CAE, at michael@smps.org.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Philosophy and Policy:
SMPS recognizes, respects, and values the dignity of all people. We are united in our stance against all forms of injustice and inequity. SMPS commits to actively champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our organization, the firms we represent, the communities we serve, and the architecture/engineering/construction (A/E/C) industries. We are intentionally working to increase participation in our organization and the A/E/C industries by underrepresented groups; advocate for recruitment and retention of professionals of all backgrounds by creating inclusive and welcoming environments; and promote equality and opportunities for advancement in the Society and industry overall. Together, we can transform our businesses, enhance membership experiences, and influence change in our communities.
We recognize that our diversity is reflected by our different people and firms. We believe our varying ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ages, levels of experiences, physical abilities, and other differences benefit us as individuals and as an organization. In SMPS, we will organize and promote programs and activities that espouse our beliefs and increase awareness, understanding, recruitment, and participation of diverse persons and firms.
