|
|
||
|
Interested in supporting SMPS Colorado’s annual Marketing Excellence Awards event through sponsorship? Opportunities are now available at a variety of levels to sponsor our MEA event while providing for recognition and promotion of your firm in a well-attended forum. Please reach out to the MEA Committee if you have any questions or would like to discuss additional options for sponsorship.
 SIGN UP TO BE A SPONSOR TODAY |
We're so excited to announce our nominees!
SMPS Colorado is excited to announce our nominees for Firm Leader, Marketer, and Business Developer of the Year! Help us congratulate the following individuals for their significant contributions to the marketing and business development professions in the A/E/C industry. We hope you can join us at the Marketing Excellence Awards on May 16th as we formally announce our winners and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Colorado's top A/E/C firms and professionals.
The Firm Leader of the Year nominees were recognized by others as technical leaders whose influence has significantly impacted marketing and/or business development departments within their firms. They bridge the gap between the technical profession and the marketing world through collaboration, mentorship, and support while whole-heartedly supporting the SMPS mission: "Business Transformed through Marketing Leadership."
The Business Developer of the Year nominees were nominated by their industry peers. These individuals are recognized by others as those who stand out in the profession of A/E/C business development, and who have had significant success in securing professional services work.
The Marketer of the Year nominees were nominated by their industry peers. These individuals are recognized by others as those who stand out in the craft of marketing and communications in the A/E/C industry, and who have made significant contributions toward promoting professionalism.
The Member of the Year nominees were nominated by their industry peers. These individuals are recognized by others as those who have made the greatest difference to the success, reputation, health, or function of the Chapter in the past year.
MEA Emcee:
Lisa Dimino White
Author/International Speaker/Podcast Host/Certified Professional Coach
The Joy Seeker
Known as “The Joy Seeker,” Lisa inspires and provides strategies for people to seek out, create, and spread joy every single day.
Lisa has written a best-selling book, hosted two podcasts, and frequently speaks at conferences and events internationally. She also works as a certified professional coach and officiates weddings of all sizes. She is a highly sought after podcast guest, and has appeared on nearly 100 shows worldwide to share her effective joy strategies.
Because people are pretty darn amazing and too often don’t recognize their own greatness, she has made it her mission to change this conception. No matter what challenges people are faced with, she can help them find joy by knowing where to look.
Located in Colorado, Lisa is a premier member of the Women Speakers Association. She knows how to captivate participants by telling powerful stories, sharing lots of laughs, and even tossing in a little bit of magic.
MEA Judges:
Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM
Everest Marketing
Barbara helps AEC firms build effective marketing/communications programs. She advises, educates, and coaches marketing and business development teams, including proposals, interviews, research, planning, promotions, and management. She’s a veteran AEC strategist, writer, thought leader, innovator, trainer, and mentor.
Barbara has worked for construction, engineering, construction management, and architectural firms. She is a Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Past President, Fellow, and Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), and is a Trustee of the SMPS Foundation. She is the 2022 SMPS Weld Coxe Marketing Achievement Award recipient, the Society’s highest honor for leadership and exemplary service in research, leadership, education, communications, and innovation.
In 2023, she and industry veteran, Craig Park, FSMPS, Assoc. AIA, published The Architecture of Vision: Leadership in Your Professional Practice, the AEC industry’s most current research-based resource and proven framework for personal and professional success.
Julia Meade, CPSM
Director of Marketing and Business Development
Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects
Julia Meade, CPSM, is a dedicated mentor and organizer with the relentless energy to drive change, creativity, and growth. Julia has a strengths-based approach to life, learning, sharing, and working with others. She’s happiest when focused on quality and working with and for the best. By discovering what each person naturally does best and empowering them to do it, she helps individuals, teams, and groups grow and thrive.
After a 10-year career in foster care/social work, Julia signed on as a temp secretary at an architecture firm. Here, Julia asked the director of business development what else she could do to stay busy. The answer started Julia down the path to her 25-year career driving sales, marketing, communication, and growth in the A/E/C industry.
A lifelong pursuit of education and the ability to utilize new skills are motivators for Julia. Her passion for novel and inspiring experiences has provided her with career and life-enriching lessons. Julia’s desire to learn new things and gain professional experience led her to achieve her CPSM certification and become a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.
Julia was an SMPS Dallas/Fort Worth board member for over seven years, serving in different roles, including the Chapter President. She was instrumental in initiating the formation of the SMPS Fort Worth Chapter and served as a resource during the formation of the newly launched SMPS North Texas Chapter.
Cynthia ReMine, CPSM
Principal, Marketing & Business Development Director
Reaveley Engineers
A respected and influential marketing professional within the Utah A/E/C industry, Cynthia Re’mine leads Reaveley’s Business Development and Marketing team with a focus on strategically growing our business and improving corporate communications. With over 25 years of industry experience, Cynthia finds ways to spearhead firm initiatives like never before. Known for her motivational prowess and innate mentorship abilities, Cynthia empowers her colleagues to amplify their leadership potential and make a meaningful impact within the company and beyond. Her dedication to fostering success and building loyal teams underscores her commitment to propelling Reaveley Engineers to new heights in corporate communications and business growth.
Donald Butchko, CPSM
Manager | Marketing
Bowen Architecture
Donald Butchko, CPSM is Manager | Marketing at Bowen, a Cleveland-based architecture firm. His background is in theater, but he fell into the AEC industry when a temp agency sent him to a construction office in Queens by mistake. He has been with Bowen since moving back to Cleveland in 2013, starting in the print room and eventually leading all marketing endeavors. Bowen’s 2019 rebrand and 2023 website redesign were recognized by the SMPS Northeast Ohio Design Awards and the SMPS Heartland Pinnacle Awards. He is currently the Co-Chair of the Education Committee for SMPS Northeast Ohio. He served for 2 years as a founding member of the Society’s DEI committee and has recently been appointed to the Society Professional Development Committee. He sings with the North Coast Men’s Chorus, northeast Ohio’s largest LGBTQ+ member organization, and served on their board as Member Advocate for two terms.
Joy Woo, FSMPS, CPSM, LEED AP
Senior Director
Urban Land Institute
Joy Woo is a collaborator who helps people and communities thrive. She has over three decades of experience in the A/E/C industries providing strategic planning, marketing, and program management. Joy has been recognized as a fellow in the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), is a trustee for the SMPS Foundation, and is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM). She has served as a juror for the SMPS Marketing Communications Award (MCA) program multiple times. In addition, she is a LEED AP, and a certified life coach. Joy previously served on the Advisory Board of Cal Poly Pomona’s Women in Leadership Executive Education Program. Joy holds an MBA degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences (minor in English), both from the University of California, Davis.
Larisa Forester Gilday, CPSM, Associate AIA
Client Strategies Director
Staples Construction Company
Larisa is known for embracing eternal positivity, new ideas, innovative techniques, diverse cultures, and constant growth. She uses these to guide firms in international client growth and market expansion. Driven to try new things and meet new people, Larisa has visited nearly a dozen different countries, and has lived and worked in a few of them. This cultural shift in approaches, processes, and outcomes has not only expanded her cultural horizons but has made her much more adaptable in her strategy-building techniques and her ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of personalities. After studying in a Côtes-d’Armor commune, painting in the Louvre, setting a Guinness World Record, establishing a city holiday, opening a new design office, and developing and implementing business development and marketing departments and their strategies for AEC firms, she is always ready for another adventure.
In addition to serving as the SMPS/LA Secretary, Larisa is the 2021 President of CREW Los Angeles, a CREW Network Council Member, serves on the NAIOP Awards Gala, and is a judge for the Society for Collegiate and University Planning, the Society for Marketing Professional Services Marketing Communication Awards, and the Association for Accounting Marketing Awards.
Larisa graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Master of Science in Marketing, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a minor in French Language and Literature, and a certificate in Systematic Inventive Thinking. She also studied International Business, Architecture, and Art History at the American University of Paris.
Leah Boltz, FSMPS, CPSM
Principal / Marketing
Bettisworth North Architects and Planners
Leah Boltz, FSMPS, CPSM, has 24 years of experience in communications, marketing, business development, and strategy within the architecture, engineering, and technology sectors. She is a principal and owner at Bettisworth North Architects and Planners in Alaska, one of only three non-technical firm owners in the state. She leads the firm's marketing, business development, and community outreach, in addition to managing the Anchorage office.
Leah has been an SMPS member since 2011 and helped found the Alaska Chapter, where she now serves as chapter advisor. She has served on multiple SMPS national committees, including helping to create the SMPS MAX platform, serving on the Fellows Committee, and co-creating the "Path to Principal" program for non-technical professionals. She was honored as an SMPS Fellow in 2022, an Anchorage ATHENA Society awardee in 2024, was a Top 40 Under Forty, and is past president of Anchorage Rotary Club.
Outside of work, Leah is a dedicated community volunteer, co-founding the Parks for ALL initiative for inclusive play, and serving on multiple community boards.
Melanie Meeks, CPSM
Partner
Meeks Marketing
Melanie has 22 years of experience in the A/E/C industry, specializing in the development of marketing strategy, client development and project pursuits. She is a Certified Professional Services Marketer, served as President of SMPS Houston and worked as the Director of Client Development at Kirksey Architecture prior to launching Meeks Marketing in 2013. A wife and mom of three, she can often be found running carpool to baseball and play practices, or relaxing with a good book.
Paula Ryan, FSMPS, CPSM
Senior Director, Marketing & Business Development
Schooley Caldwell
As an experienced marketer, Paula is passionate about her career in the A/E/C industry. She has decades of experience in the six domains of marketing practice for professional services firms. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Ohio State University, Paula has been instrumental in helping firms drive growth and succeed in a highly competitive marketplace. She served as the 2015-2016 Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) President after serving on its Board of Directors as the Fellows Delegate and At-Large Delegate. She is also a Past President of the SMPS Foundation and the SMPS Columbus Chapter.
Known for her dedication to advancing her profession, Paula frequently speaks on marketing and business development. She has given presentations to organizations such as the AIA Ohio Valley Region, AIA Columbus, AIA Michigan, PSMJ, the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio, the Buildings Exchange of Central Ohio, SMPS, and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Paula is Co-Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and is on the executive committee for Building Worthington’s Future. She is a past volunteer for Columbus Humane, a past member of The Ohio State University’s Construction Systems Management Industry Advisory Council, the Advisory Council of Camp Mary Orton, the Greater Columbus Chamber’s Downtown Council, the Development Board of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and the Junior League of Columbus. She is the recipient of the Business First of Columbus “40 Under 40” award and the SMPS Columbus Chapter’s Board of Directors Choice award.
For more information, please contact:
Kimberly Wybenga, CPSM, Committee Chair
LSE Builders Group | [email protected]
Josh Miles, Committee Co-Chair
Bold Brand | [email protected]
Jaime Clark, Committee Co-Chair
Small Giants | [email protected]
Photos and/or video will be taken at the event. By taking part in the event you grant SMPS Colorado full rights to use the images resulting from the photography/video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for fundraising, publicity or other purposes to help achieve the group's aims. This might include (but is not limited to), the right to use them in their printed and online publicly, social media, press releases and funding applications. If you do not wish to be photographed please inform an event organizer.
SMPS Colorado | P.O. Box 446 Eastlake, Colorado 80614 | 303-991-1968 | [email protected]
© Copyright 2025 SMPS Colorado