News and Insights

For this month's veteran member spotlight, we caught up with Michelle Monnett, Associate Vice President of Business Development at CallisonRTKL.

Name: Michelle Monnett

Company: CallisonRTKL

Title/role: Association Vice President, Business Development

Hometown & Current town: McLean, VA / McLean, VA

Alma Mater(s): Tulane University

Family/pets: A sister and a dog trapped in a cat’s body

Favorite DC-area restaurant: Blue Duck Tavern

Favorite DC tourist destination: American History Museum and the Newseum

Favorite travel destination: Italy

Favorite book – business and/or pleasure: To Kill a Mockingbird

Food you always crave: Cheese, then chocolate

Favorite celebrity/brand to follow on social: Mike Rowe

Favorite app: Tie between GoldenMoji, MyFitnessPal and WeatherBug

Favorite movie: Love Actually (the holidays are probably influencing this selection…)

Currently binging on Netflix: The Crown

When I’m not at work you’ll find me: At my local bar/restaurant in McLean enjoying a good glass of wine; if it is summer, trying to get to a golf course

Dream job: Working for a professional sports team or training golden retrievers

What got you into the AEC industry and what keeps you here?
I started out as an administrative assistant during college for Sverdrup (now Jacobs) and moved into a marketing coordinator position; I have stayed in the industry because of the people I have worked with and currently work with and the opportunities that have been presented to me during my career.

When and why did you first join SMPS, and what keeps you coming back?
I joined SMPS in 1993 on the advice of Carol Borowy, who said it would be good for my career and to meet great people. The people I have met over the years keep me coming back. I have great friendships with several people who I have met through SMPS, both in the Washington, DC area and across the country. I’m very fortunate to have these wonderful people in my life.

What advice do you have for our newer SMPS DC members about getting the most out of their membership?
Get involved in a committee and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone - try something new! You will learn a lot and grow as a person being active in SMPS.

What has been your favorite SMPS DC or SMPS event?
The end of the year event because it celebrates success and achievement.

What part of the SMPS mission to Advocate, Educate, and Connect most resonates with you and why?
Connect because my network started by attending SMPS events and meeting great people who are a valuable part of my network; in turn, those individuals introduced and connected me with other great people.

What is your favorite SMPS DC memory?
I have two. The first: Meeting Tara McCarthy for the first time and wondering why she is staring at me. 😊 The second favorite memory is receiving the Ginny Solomon Golden Tuba Award and then Allison Carney and I getting it back to my office in one piece! Not an easy feat!

Best work-related advice you’ve ever gotten?
From Colin Coyle: “It’s our job to make sure the people in the studio have jobs and keep food on the table for their families.” Colin’s words have stayed with me throughout my career.