2024 Topaz Awards Recap: People Award Winners
The SMPS San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Chapters are thrilled to announce the recipients of the People Awards that were awarded at the 2024 Topaz Awards Ceremony. These awards, a symbol of excellence in our industry, recognize outstanding achievements in marketing, volunteering, emerging talent, and business development within the design and building industry. They are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and leadership of our members who have significantly contributed to their firms and the broader community.
San Francisco Marketer of the Year: Vanessa Yust, CPSM
Vanessa Yust, CPSM, is the Chief Marketing Officer at DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors. She was awarded San Francisco Marketer of the Year for her exceptional marketing strategies and innovative campaigns that set new benchmarks in the industry. As a past president of SMPS San Francisco, Vanessa demonstrates extraordinary leadership and commitment to the marketing profession. She guides the overall branding, marketing, and business development strategy across her firm, inspiring teams to provide exceptional client experiences through mentorship and collaborative leadership. Passionate about design and the A/E/C industry, Vanessa is a long-time member and volunteer for SMPS, contributing to the profession and keeping DAHLIN on the competitive edge. Learn more about Vanessa on her LinkedIn profile.
Sacramento Marketer of the Year: Christy Ryan
The 2024 Sacramento Marketer of the Year award went to Christy Ryan, CPSM, who has shattered the marketing and business development ceiling, paving the way for many to come after, by becoming a Principal at her firm, Ascent Environmental. With over 20 years of combined technical and marketing experience, Christy's multifaceted approach to leadership, marketing, and team building skills are second to none. She started her career as an environmental practitioner managing projects and has taken that expertise to train her staff, tailor messaging, and get on winning teams. Over the years Christy has held almost every role in SMPS one could have, mentoring, volunteering, and setting an example along the way of what it means to be humble, generous, and community focused. She is someone everyone in our business should know. To connect with Christy add her on LinkedIn.
Business Developer of the Year: Tessa Nelson
The Business Developer of the Year award for 2024 went to Tessa Nelson, whose exceptional contributions to both strategy and business leadership have propelled the K-12 market at the DLR Group to heights never seen before. Through consistent, community-centric efforts Tessa and her group are leading the way for what education can look like in California schools and beyond. Her communication, technical writing, and leadership skills have earned her this prestigious award. Focused on genuine connections, Tessa cultivates authentic relationships that translate through the team building and proposal process, winning work and satisfying owners. Tessa is a valued member of her firm, as well as the A/E/C industry where she is on several committees and other boards, and her current role as director-at-large for the Sacramento Chapter. To connect with Tessa or learn more about her journey, follow her on LinkedIn.
San Francisco Volunteer of the Year: Morgan Wentz
Morgan Wentz was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for her unwavering dedication to the SMPS community. Formerly the Business Development and Marketing Manager at Rodda Electric, Morgan is now the Digital Communications Manager at DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors. Her tireless efforts in organizing events, mentoring peers, and contributing to various initiatives greatly enriches the San Francisco chapter. Morgan's passion for giving back and fostering a supportive community exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. Discover more about Morgan on her LinkedIn profile.
Sacramento Volunteer of the Year: Andy Larson
This year's Volunteer of the Year award went to Andy Larson, without whom the Sacramento Chapter would most sincerely not function. Over the past several years, Andy has refined the Communications Committee processes and built a team that delivers collateral materials that are not only timely but high quality. He has co-run the committee while also serving the past two years as an active and strategic director-at-large on the Sacramento Board, and is the 2025 President-Elect. If we listed all his contributions to this chapter and SMPS at large, it would consume the page. From CPSM to Mentoring Pathways, his service, selflessness, overwhelming generosity, and unfailing kindness can never be fully repaid. For now, we offer this award as a symbol of our gratitude and respect. To connect with Andy and learn more about his role as Marketing and Recruiting Manager at Cunningham Engineering or his involvement throughout the A/E/C community, click the link to connect with him on LinkedIn.
San Francisco Rising Star: Danni Jones
The Rising Star award went to Danni Jones, whose remarkable achievements early in her career have already made a significant impact. While volunteering with SMPS, Danni was a Marketing Coordinator at SHAH Kawasaki Architects. Her exceptional talent, leadership, and innovative approach distinguish her as an emerging leader in the industry. Danni’s forward-thinking mindset and enthusiasm for her profession promise a bright future. You can learn more about Danni on her LinkedIn profile.
Sacramento Rising Star: Suha Musallam
Suha Musallam exemplifies the spirit of the Rising Star Award through her exceptional contributions and leadership in the A/E/C marketing profession. With just over two years of experience, Suha has already established herself as a creative force, consistently offering innovative solutions to complex problems. As a recent addition to SMPS Sacramento’s Special Events Committee, she is already leading an event, offering her expertise in graphic design, and collaborating with other associations to help raise the profile of SMPS in the greater Sacramento region. She also persuaded her firm to sponsor and moderate an event. Suha's ambition drives her to continuously seek new knowledge and professional growth, making her a valuable asset to the S+B James team and SMPS. Her dedication to the A/E/C industry and her natural leadership qualities make her an exemplary candidate for the Rising Star Award. Her contributions have significantly advanced her firm’s goals and demonstrated her potential to shape the future of A/E/C marketing. Connect with Suha on LinkedIn.
The Topaz Awards ceremony took place at the Commonwealth Club, a beautiful LEED Gold-certified building on the waterfront of San Francisco. The evening was filled with inspiration and celebration, featuring a locally sourced 4-course dinner by Roux Catering and the opportunity to network with industry leaders and fellow professionals in an elegant cocktail attire setting.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients for their exceptional contributions and achievements. Your dedication and excellence continue to inspire and elevate the standards of our profession.
