Year-End Reflections from the Board
The SMPS SFBAC Board answers some questions about reflecting on the year, lessons learned, and advice for the future.
Shannon Daggett, CPSM | President
Marketing Manager, Langan
My biggest lesson learned in 2021 is to focus on your strengths. We all have weaknesses, but it’s your strengths that motivate you, reenergize you, and make you feel more confident. A piece of advice I’d give myself a year ago: Difficult people are like bad days. You can’t wish them away. You just have to deal with them head on and move on. Being on the SMPS SFBAC Board has helped my career by giving me more opportunities to step outside my comfort zone. I always remind myself that the more you go outside your comfort zone, the bigger your comfort zone gets. It’s also helped me network more within the industry. I definitely have more tools to help with my career thanks to being on the Board.
Laurie Lumish | President-Elect
Director of Marketing & Business Development, Degenkolb Engineers
Looking back on 2021, I have learned that empathy and tolerance are in short supply everywhere. I am trying to be better at both. If I could tell myself one piece of advice this time last year, it would be: Don’t squander away time thinking that things are going to get better and back to normal. No matter what is going on in the world, you still only have so much time to accomplish your goals. Make things better. My reflection for 2021 is an old one, but worth remembering: Tend to and care for the big things in life—your health, your family, your friends—the small things will always be there. https://youtu.be/SqGRnlXplx0
Allison Halvorson, CPSM | Immediate Past President
Communications Director, Senior Associate, McMillen Jacobs Associates
As I look back on 2021, I can’t help but think about how much can be accomplished in a year. One of my most meaningful accomplishments of 2021 was helping to co-lead the SMPS SFBAC CPSM Study Group, where five of our chapter members ended up passing the CPSM exam and earning their CPSM certifications. As each person passed their exam, I cheered along with them and shared the excitement. It felt good to be part of it and to contribute to advancing the careers of my fellow marketers. As we approach the holidays and make our goals for the new year, it’s an important reminder that some of the most fulfilling and purposeful things in life are what we do for others.
Christina Benedict | Treasurer
Operations Accounting, Swinerton
As I reflect back on 2021, I would say I learned that anything could happen at any moment. Change is always constant. Everything falls into place exactly how it should—be patient. Throughout the year, I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for myself. Instead of setting New Year’s Resolutions, I give myself various obtainable goals to accomplish throughout the year. Being involved with the Board has helped me learn to navigate ever-changing software systems and technology! I've learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for myself.
Cathy Kohatsu | Secretary
Proposal Manager, Swinerton
One of my accomplishments this year was becoming a certified notary. I hadn't studied for an exam in ages, so I was thrilled to receive notice that I had passed! My advice is to seek opportunities to add value when setting goals. As I reflect, I learned it’s better to own up to mistakes and see the silver lining. They are opportunities for positive growth; these life experiences can make us stronger.
Nicole Medina, CPSM | Communications Director
Strategic Pursuits Coordinator, Harris & Associates
If I were to give myself a piece of advice this time last year it would be: Don’t stress – it gives you gray hair! My biggest lesson learned in 2021 was that problems don’t go away—you have to face them and more importantly learn from those uncomfortable situations. Never forget to pick out the lesson learned in everything you do—good or bad, ask yourself “what did I learn from this?” and use that knowledge moving forward. Being on the Board has allowed me to contribute to the success of the Chapter as well as practice my leadership skills. I learned a long time ago that you get out what you put in and contributing to the Chapter has brought me a sense of fulfillment. My biggest accomplishment in 2021 was joining the Study Group for CPSM and passing the CPSM test!
Jillian Grabenstein, CPSM, ENV SP | Membership Director
Senior Strategic Pursuits Coordinator, Harris & Associates
Give yourself time to rest! I think the pandemic made a lot of people feel like they needed to learn new skills or pick-up new hobbies. While that is great, it has also been a stressful time and we all need some self-care. Make sure to give yourself time for you to just relax or do what you love! I accomplished my goal of receiving my CPSM certification! I think advice I would give for accomplishing a daunting goal is to take baby steps towards it because something is better than nothing! Creating a schedule that outlined small steps and was doable for me helped me study and eventually earn my CPSM.
Lillian Martin | Programs Co-Director
Senior Administrative Manager, Swinerton Management & Consulting
Work-life balance is truly something that we have to work hard for. It takes an extraordinary amount of effort, especially during the pandemic when a lot of our homes are also our offices. Cherish your time together with your family. I did not set any New Year’s resolutions for myself this year. But I intend to continue to work on myself, my patience, and my health, so that I can be the best version of me for my family. A goal is a goal! Celebrate yourself and all your accomplishments along the way towards a large goal. My role as Programs Co-Director has exposed me to a great leadership role. Not only have I picked up a number of management skills, I have also expanded my knowledge and network. Lastly, the Board is an incredible addition to my resume. 2021 was a pretty good year, considering pandemic and all. I was able to do some light traveling, which I will never take for granted again. My extra time at home allowed me to be there for my son for important milestones.
Tyler Chartier | Programs Co-Director
Owner, Tyler Chartier Photography
My biggest lesson learned this year is that life is messy sometimes—embrace the chaos, do what you can to make things better, and keep moving! If I were to give myself a piece of advice this time last year it would be this: Slow down and relax a bit more.
Kate Blocker | Outreach & Development Director
Director of Marketing, Blach Construction
Time passes way too quickly, so make the most of it. YOU matter most. Don't stress. Don't get too comfortable or complacent. Have fun, be responsible, and open-minded. Goals are great—and necessary. To set yourself up for successes, be realistic when you set out to achieve them. I have enjoyed expanding my network in the Bay Area A/E/C. Take nothing for granted; life is too short. Embrace those things that bring you joy. Respect others' opinions...disagreement is healthy.
