Fall Into Autumn Kickoff
Posted on Oct. 13, 2023 / Event Recap / Subscribe 0
SMPS DC stands out as an exceptional organization, full of individuals on their unique AEC marketing journeys. This association facilitates our shared learning, growth and the opportunity to collectively impact our respective firms through marketing leadership. To see all of us come together to celebrate was truly a night to remember, so thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.
Our annual kickoff represents the start of the chapter’s incoming Board. The 2023–2024 Board of Directors are sure to lead us through another fantastic year: Abby Harrington, President; Suzanne Swistak, President-Elect; Amy Cuddy, Past President; Laura Okell, Treasurer; Courtney Messick, Secretary; Amanda D’Luhy, Career Advancement; Jen McGovern, Chapter Advisor; Kaitlyn Sweigard, Communications; Amanda Haven, Education; Karen Cotton, Member Engagement; Alana Alsop, Procurement; Stephanie Murdoch, BDRT/SMRT; and Jessica Gillette, our Director of Special Events, whose team is responsible for putting on this successful event.
The Fall into Autumn celebration would not have been complete without the help of our event sponsors, so a special thank you and shout out to Hensel Phelps and Substance 151 for supporting SMPS DC.
As per our tradition, we celebrated the awards of two individuals who have offered exceptional volunteer service to the chapter. The first is the Rising Star Award—the Rising Star recognizes chapter members with fewer than five years of experience who have shown dedication to our chapter through volunteerism and committee involvement. This year’s recipient is an incredibly creative, energetic, and motivated marketer who is widely respected both within their company and the SMPS DC community. They have made significant contributions to our chapter through their involvement in the Communications Committee, developing social media posts and content for the chapter, as well as their involvement in the Special Events Committee, helping plan events just like this one.
This person is a staple at nearly every event for the chapter, always willing to manage registration tables, greet new members, and make everyone feel a part of our community. In 2023, the chapter proudly recognized Samantha Finelli of Hensel Phelps with the Rising Star Award.
One of our chapter’s oldest traditions and most prestigious honors is the Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award. It recognizes a current chapter member whose accomplishments and impact on our profession are something for us all to aspire to and admire.
Winners are selected based on their high standards of marketing excellence, leadership in the community, contribution to firm marketing efforts, creativity in the field of marketing, and outstanding contributions to the DC chapter.
Congratulations to Justin Jacobs (Walter P Moore) for being awarded the 2023 Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award! Justin's dedication, exceptional work ethic, and outstanding professional competence make him an exemplary recipient of this prestigious award.
Justin's involvement with the SMPS DC chapter has been impressive. Not only has he served as the Past President of the chapter, but he has also made significant contributions to the Sponsorship Committee by successfully bringing in several chapter sponsors. Additionally, his commitment to mentorship and willingness to connect with others demonstrate his dedication to both personal and professional growth.
Justin Jacobs truly embodies the qualities of a business developer who prioritizes understanding his clients' needs before making any sales pitches. His recognition with the Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award is well-deserved, and it reflects his outstanding contributions to the field and the SMPS DC chapter. Congratulations once again to Justin Jacobs!
A few quotes from fellow colleagues on Justin’s impact on our chapter and the people that make our chapter special:
“Justin has been a great friend and comrade in the industry for over 10 years. He was the one who first encouraged me to be a part of the BOD many years ago and ultimately the reason why I am here now as President-Elect. His dedication to the industry and commitment to his work have helped to propel not only him but others further in their careers and I am thrilled that he is receiving this distinguished honor.” — Suzanne Swistak, ECS
“When I think of SMPS, Justin is one of the people that think of first. Throughout my involvement with SMPS DC, he has always been a welcoming presence. An active person by nature, you know he is always up for anything that gets him outside and moving, be it golf, a long bike ride, skiing, or even a long run (even though I could never keep up with him) and he finds ways to build that in to his business development activities any chance he get. He is so talented at what he does and we are so happy that he made the leap to join us 2 years ago.” — Beth Bryan, Walter P Moore
He is a true networker, and always up for an adventure (seriously - I saw him ride his bike 40+ miles a couple of weeks ago). I admire the way he forms and fosters connections in our industry, and appreciate the time and attention he puts into helping out fellow marketers. — Kate Attilio, DAVIS Construction
“This individual has played a big role in my career success – they are the reason why I joined SMPS! I reported directly to this person at a previous firm, and they were one of my favorite supervisors. This individual is incredibly passionate about business development in the AEC industry and works tirelessly to propel their firm to the next level. Additionally, they are always willing to help out a friend, make a connection, offer mentor support and is just an all-around great person to be around. Well deserved!” — Jessica Gillette, ABC Virginia
“I don’t think this guy has ever met a stranger! He’s a fantastic business developer who understands how to make people feel comfortable, while keeping his firm’s strategy in mind.” — Jen McGovern, VHB
“He is a true marketing and business development professional in the AEC industry—a testament to his unwavering dedication, extensive knowledge, and exceptional relationship skills. Over the past 10+ years, I've had the privilege of working with him in various roles: from serving on the board together to planning the SMPS Build Business chapter event, and further collaborating with him as a professional colleague. His vibrant and energetic presence is truly enjoyable, leaving a lasting positive impression on everyone he interacts with. — Alex Heilsek, Architecture, Inc.
“I have relied on him for many things during our time together at SMPS DC and he always delivers. He has been a fearless sponsorship chair, steady and inclusive president, a thoughtful advisor and a fast and fun friend - watch out for him on escalators! I feel lucky to have met him a decade ago at my first Build Business and event more so to have spent almost every year since then serving the chapter together. Welcome to the tuba club, my friend! Thanks for showing us all how to do the work hard / play hard thing right.” — Laura Ewan, Hickok Cole
Congratulations to Justin on this very well-deserved recognition!
We already have a great lineup of upcoming events with many more to come! We hope to see you at one or more of them:
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Architecture, Engineering & Construction – October 25
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Washington DC
Housing in the DMV – November 8
Clyde’s of Gallery Place, Washington, DC
Senior Marketer’s Roundtable: A Job Title Doesn’t Make a Manager a Leader – Defining Your Influence
November 15, Virtual
**SAVE THE DATES**
Project Tour: Capital Jewish Museum – November 3, 2023
Guru Guidance + New Member Meetup – November 29, 2023
More in 2024: A Networking, Charity + Comedy Extravaganza – January 19, 2024
To view all photos from this event, click here.
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