President's Message: August 2024
Hello Members!
August may feel like the dog days of summer, but in SMPS it represents a season of change as we prepare to welcome the next wave of Chapter leaders who take office September 1. In recent weeks our Board has been focused on retrospection, strategic thinking, and execution planning — not to mention a whole lot of event organizing! — all in the pursuit of our mission: to advocate for, educate, and empower A/E/C professionals for leadership and life-long learning.
It has been a privilege to serve you as Chapter President this past year, and as I reflect on my experience, one word keeps coming to mind: appreciation.
1. Appreciation for the power of our professional community
I’ve had the chance to connect with many of you this year, and what I have seen has been impressive! I’ve seen marketers leading the way and pushing the envelope with innovative campaigns and emerging technologies. The depth of knowledge, the boundless connections, and the richness of experiences and advice we share with each other is truly extraordinary. What I appreciate most, though, is how often we meet each other with empathy and offer support. In a fast-paced, demanding industry, having a community that not only challenges us but also uplifts us is invaluable.
2. Appreciation for the complexity of the industry we work in every day
SMPS members are out there sleuthing out opportunities, uncovering client needs, and guiding firm leaders through dynamic markets where the only constant seems to be change. This year, SMPS San Francisco brought you programs on topics like sustainability marketing and mental health not just because they were new and different, but because these topics increasingly affect the day-to-day work of marketers and business developers. (The next program in our sustainability marketing series is coming this fall—stay tuned!)
3. Appreciation for the dedication of our volunteers
We are an all-volunteer organization, and of our 250+ members, more than 50 are active volunteers. Seeing them follow their passion and develop their talents while delivering value to our members has been an absolute privilege. To those of you who are wondering how you can get more involved: join a committee! We have many volunteer roles to choose from based on your skills, interests, and time commitment. Your involvement is not just welcome—it’s vital to the continued success and vibrancy of our chapter.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to the 2023–24 Board of Directors who have been amazingly creative and leadership partners in a year that has seen our Chapter accomplish so much. Volunteer leadership in a non-profit is a unique kind of professional challenge: we take it on because we care about this community and learn a lot through the experience. Please join us at the Annual Chapter Celebration next week as we break down the Chapter’s many accomplishments this year, celebrate member milestones, and welcome the 2024-25 Board of Directors.
To all our members: thank you for your contributions, which make our community so dynamic and vibrant. One of the greatest joys of my term as President has been getting to meet so many of you and witnessing firsthand the passion and creativity you bring to this profession. It’s been an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to seeing the amazing things we’ll accomplish together in the years to come.
With appreciation,
Justin Nagy, CPSM
President, SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Marketing Director at Stok
