SMPS Philadelphia

Just like our city and region, SMPS Philadelphia is a diverse, rapidly-growing chapter. Since our inception in 1982, we have grown to become one of the top 20 chapters in the country, with more than 150 members representing more than 120 firms in or providing services to the A/E/C industry. SMPS Philadelphia’s membership includes marketing and business development professionals working to develop and secure lucrative business relationships. Through networking and shared market intelligence, SMPS members gain a competitive advantage in positioning their firms successfully in the marketplace. We strive to be the leading resource for those working in the built environment with an emphasis on creating strong, personal relationships.

photo featuring SMPS Philadelphia Members at an event

About the Organization

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is a community of marketing and business development professionals working to secure profitable business relationships for their A/E/C companies. Through networking, business intelligence, and research, SMPS members gain a competitive advantage in positioning their firms successfully in the marketplace. SMPS offers members professional development, leadership opportunities, and marketing resources to advance their careers.

Today, SMPS represents a dynamic network of 6,500+ marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,700 design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

SMPS is the only organization dedicated to creating business opportunities in the A/E/C industry. Companies tap into a powerful national and regional network to form teams, secure business referrals and intelligence, and benchmark performance. SMPS was created in 1973 by a small group of professional services firm leaders who recognized the need to sharpen skills, pool resources, and work together to build their businesses.

SMPS’s mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry. SMPS’s vision is to be the vehicle that validates the practice of marketing and business development as essential to the success of all professional services firms. The core purpose of the society is to enrich knowledge and advance practices that build business for professional services firms. The core values that guide the behavior of SMPS are Innovation, Integrity, Life-long learning, Relationships, and Service.

Committees

Involvement with a committee is the best way to get the most out of your SMPS membership while becoming acquainted with other members. Committee participation is the perfect opportunity to promote your firm, gain leadership skills, and advance in your career. In addition, it’s fun and rewarding!

+ Programs

Programs

The program committee is responsible for organizing professional development programs and industry-specific client panels. Responsibilities include topic and content generation, program management and logistics. Director: Kate Petrovich, CPSM

+ Sponsorship

Sponsorship

Committee members solicit sponsorship for monthly programs and special events. Responsibilities include conveying the benefits of annual and program sponsorship opportunities to current and potential sponsors from all facets of the A/E/C industry. Director: Christian Shea

+ Membership

Membership

Membership recruitment and retention is a primary focus of SMPS at a national and chapter level. Philadelphia Chapter committee members are tasked with planning membership drives, special events, welcoming new members, and assisting the chairperson with registration. Director: Deborah Rutledge

+ Communications

Communications

Participate in the development of written, e-mail, and social media communication to advance chapter programming and initiatives. Assist the chairs with coordinated communications planning and outreach to members and non-members. Director: Justin Brugler

+ Certification

Certification

The Certified Professional Services Marketer program is a national initiative that is promoted at the chapter level. Assist in the effort to get more Philadelphia members certified by developing training courses and conveying the benefits of certification. Director: Patty Whalen

+ Mentorship

Mentorship

Mentorship is about support, knowledge, and insight from those with shared experiences. The chapter recognizes that mentorship can have a powerful impact on a professional’s career. SMPS Philadelphia’s mentorship program provides members with 1 to 4 years in the industry an opportunity to pair with an experienced, long-term member of the chapter and A/E/C industry. Director: Amelia Popovic

+ Logistics

Logistics

Arranging the logistics for our chapter programs is a vital role. Coordinating venues for our events, working with our presenters to ensure they have what they need for a successful event, and preparing attendee materials including the session Prezi and handout help to enhance the quality of our attendee experience. Director: Erika Kucowski

+ Outreach

Outreach

Connection with other professional organizations and societies enhance our members’ experience, as well as affording them additional opportunities for networking and professional development. Members of the Outreach Committee will help to forge strong two-way relationships with complementary industry groups and plan joint events to the benefit of both member lists. Director: Danielle Donnelly

Board of Directors

The SMPS board provides vision and leadership for the Philadelphia Chapter. Board members are SMPS members who have decided to take their membership to the next level. We provide programming, networking, and professional development opportunities, as well as all management functions, to serve our members. Please feel free to contact any of us with questions and ideas, or to become more involved. We hope that you will LOVE engaging in our organization in any capacity and that you will gain the network, tools, and resources to help you love your role in the A/E/C industry.

Kate Petrovich, CPSM

Office Manager
Lammey + Giorgio
856-614-9571 | Email | LinkedIn | Twitter

Chrissy Ferrazzano, CPSM

Business Development Specialist, Dams and Levees
Schnabel Engineering
610-696-6066| Email | LinkedIn | Twitter

Afton Pascal, CPSM

Marketing Coordinator
McCormick Taylor, Inc.
610-357-1536 | Email | LinkedIn | Twitter

Michelle Westgate

Solutions Advisor and Business Development
Stambaugh Ness
855-522-8489 x725 | Email | LinkedIn | Twitter

Deborah B. Rutledge

Senior Marketing Associate
PWI Engineering
267-536-3141 | Email | LinkedIn | Twitter

Nicole Smith

Senior Graphic Designer
Pennoni
215-254-7824 | Email | LinkedIn

Patricia Whalen

Marketing Manager
Kelly/Maiello Inc.
215-546-0800 | Email | LinkedIn

Danielle Donnelly

Manager of Business Development
Brinjac
215-931-1463 | Email | LinkedIn

Amelia Popovic

Marketing Coordinator
Keast & Hood
215-625-0099 | Email | LinkedIn

Erika Kucowski

Sr. Marketing Coordinator
Langan
215-864-0640 | Email | LinkedIn

Kayla McCause, CPSM

Business Development & Marketing Strategist
Dragonfly AEC Consulting
972-922-3992 | Email | LinkedIn

Darcy Veneziale, CPSM

Business Development & Marketing Strategist

The Lighting Practice
215-801-1706 | Email | LinkedIn

William Long, PE, CPSM, FSMPS

Bill Long, PE, CPSM, FSMPS

Associate Vice President
P. Agnes, Inc.
215-755-6900 | Email | LinkedIn

Elizabeth Paul, CPSM

Communications Director
AIA Philadelphia
215-569-3186 x104 | Email | LinkedIn | Twitter