Triangle Chapter News

Katie Davidson, President | KCI Technologies
Katie’s time in the SMPS Research Triangle chapter has taught her invaluable leadership skills and has built her a strong foundation of confidence and passion. Since joining SMPS, her professional network has grown exponentially, offering a supportive community that understands her professional role and the expectations that come along with it, as well as sharing her outside-of-work passions, such as Taylor Swift and spending weekends at Kerr Lake.

Most Inspiration People: I have learned a lot from two former SMPS RT presidents – Melissa Richards and Stephanie Jude. They are both accomplished leaders who consistently take the time to offer me thoughtful guidance. I really value their perspective and the way they support my growth and SMPS journey with both honesty and encouragement.

What is one thing you want to learn/accomplish this year? Communicating more confidently and directly (and using fewer exclamation marks in my emails!)

Podcast recommendation: Crime Junkie. Can I be BFF with Ashley Flowers + Brit in my next life??

Lauren Gessner, President Elect | S&ME
Being part of SMPS Research Triangle chapter and serving on the Board has connected Lauren with an incredible group of people whose relationships, support, and shared experiences have had a meaningful impact on her career. The education, resources, and leadership opportunities through SMPS have helped her grow with confidence and develop both professionally and personally.

Most Inspiration People: Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, a company she built from the ground up with no formal business training and limited resources.

New Year’s Resolution: To spend less time on my phone at night, I've picked up needlepointing and it has been such a fun hobby!

Victoria Edwards, Past President | Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Victoria’s involvement in our chapter has helped build a foundation for her career in AEC marketing. Through volunteering, she has built not just a network for her professional career, but also made industry friends and found impactful mentors that have helped her grow in the industry and personally. 

Tried & True Stress Reliever: When I need to decompress after a busy week I love a pot of tea and an escape to the spa.

Stephanie Jude, Treasurer | Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company
Throughout her long tenure in the Research Triangle Chapter, Stephanie has held many different leadership roles.  She strongly believes that SMPS, as a whole, offers unique value to AEC marketing, BD, and communications professionals through specific educational programs and networking opportunities. Active participation as a volunteer and a Board member takes it all to the next level by increasing your professional network and developing leadership skills.

Podcast recommendation: Mel Robbins Podcast

Tried & True Stress Reliever: Escaping within a good book

Cameron Batson, Secretary | Barnhill Contracting Company
Cameron’s experience with SMPS Research Triangle—both as a member and a Board member—has been incredibly rewarding. She has benefitted from the deep professional connections to the invaluable industry insights, the benefits have been endless.

Most Inspiration People: I would say my mom and my sister. They’ve mastered the art of the 'career-life' balance, proving that you can be ambitious about your career without sacrificing the boundaries that allow you to show up for your family and yourself.

New Year’s Resolution: To be more present. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of work and family life, so I’m practicing mindfulness to slow down and truly appreciate the 'now' instead of constantly moving through a to-do list.

Anna Colwell, Director of Communications | Timmons Group
Camaraderie, meaningful connections, and continuous learning are the biggest takeaways that Anna has from being part of the SMPS Research Triangle community. Being surrounded by peers who are equally invested in AEC marketing creates an environment where we can share ideas, build relationships, and collectively move the industry forward.

Book recommendation: I have soooo many book recommendations—I am a proud paper-copy enthusiast. Reading Lolita in Tehran, The Bluest Eye, and Educated have each influenced me greatly and offered thoughtful perspectives that encouraged personal reflection and growth.

Tried & True Stress Reliever: The gym. Stepping away, even for 30 minutes, helps me reset mentally and reduce stress. Maintaining a consistent routine a few times a week has allowed me to stay proactive in managing stress.

Briana Carter, Co-Director of Membership + Chapter Culture | Stantec
Similar to Anna, local connections and camaraderie are two of Briana’s biggest values that she take from being involved in SMPS. She has been involved at the HQ level for quite a while and is excited to bring some of that information and context to our local chapter. 

Podcast Recommendation: The Hummingbird Effect Podcast. I had the pleasure of being a guest on the show, but I truly enjoy hearing other people’s stories and the little shifts that they have done in their companies that have really shifted their marketing and brand! 

Trang Vu, Co-Director of Membership + Chapter Culture | VHB
Trang has been committed to the SMPS Research Triangle chapter since she moved to North Carolina from Virginia in 2019. Even during the toughest time for every chapter, with social distancing hindering educational and social events, she knew the importance of staying connected and the chapter leaders and committees invited her in. SMPS Research Triangle has given her so many connections on the professional front but also genuine friends who she can celebrate the wins and commiserate on the challenges together.

New Year’s Resolution: To be more intentional about not doom scrolling. There are so many ways to take in information in the era of mini computers at our fingertips. It’s so easy to go down a bleak rabbit hole these days. My goal is to seek out and share the positive news going around me. 

Most Inspiration People: Michelle Obama. She has an amazing way of being a humble inspiration. She is resilient, genuine, uplifting, and seems to have an unwavering devotion to exuding grace, poise, and a little sass.

Alexa Bowser, Director at Large | Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
Alexa joined the AEC industry and SMPS Research Triangle in January 2019 and she hasn’t looked back! During her time volunteering on committees and serving in leadership roles within SMPS Research Triangle, she has found invaluable support, networking opportunities, and lasting friendships during her time with SMPS.

Morgan Thomas, Co-Director of Events | LS3P Associates Ltd
Morgan’s involvement in the SMPS Research Triangle has given her mentorship, friendship, support, and community. She’s built long lasting connections and, reminiscing on her time in the Chapter, if she hadn’t joined SMPS in 2022, she wouldn’t be the same person or have the incredible connections that she has today.

Most Inspiration People: I have so many! First and foremost, my mom is my biggest inspiration, mentor, and supporter. I completed the SMPS mentorship program a couple of years ago, and it introduced me to several incredible mentors, including Melissa Adams, Nikki Ricketson, and of course, our current President, Katie Davidson. Each of them has played an instrumental role in offering guidance and helping me grow into who I am today. Outside of family and work, I’m inspired by Hoda Kotb, former Today Show anchor and host. She sets an example of what it looks like to take leaps, follow your heart, and choose joy. I often pick up one of her quote books when I need a little inspiration in my day.

Podcast Recommendation: Good Hang. On tough days especially, Amy Poehler and her guests remind me to smile and laugh. I also want to give a shoutout to LS3P’s podcast Human Scale. I learn something new about our incredible employees in every episode. It sparks great conversation and helps us feel more connected across all our offices.

Lauren Whitmore, Co-Director of Events | McAdams
If you’ve been to an SMPS Research Triangle event in the last three years, you’ve experienced Lauren’s creativity in every detail. She pours her passion for creating a pleasant and engaging experience into every event for our chapter members. She is a natural networker and is passionate about continuing to organize exciting and informative events for our chapter.

Rebecca Riina, Director of Education | Accenture Infrastructure & Capital Projects
Serving as SMPS Director of Education has strengthened Rebecca’s leadership skills while deepening her understanding of the evolving AEC marketing landscape. It’s expanded her network of inspiring industry professionals and sharpened her ability to develop meaningful, strategic programming for the benefit of our members. She finds it to be incredibly energizing to collaborate with peers who “get” the unique challenges of AEC marketing and provide programs to navigate those challenges.

Most Inspiration People: Lee Anne Nance. What I find most inspiring about Lee Anne is her exceptional ability to connect with people. She has a rare presence that makes others feel genuinely heard and valued. In addition to her interpersonal strengths, she possesses one of the most impressive strategic minds I have encountered. I had the privilege of working under her leadership, and she set a standard I continue to aspire to - demonstrating that strong leadership can be both decisive and deeply compassionate.

Tried & True Stress Reliever: When things get crazy, you can find me somewhere deep in the woods hiking with my dogs!