In our member spotlight, Tim Asimos, CPSM, sat down for a virtual chat with the Society. Tim, who’s chief marketing officer and principal for Timmons Group, has been in the AEC industry and an SMPS member for 20 years.

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. After starting my career as a marketing manager in the AEC industry at a civil engineering firm, I spent nearly 13 years as an agency consultant for AEC firms. My six years of in-house marketing management have provided me with a unique and invaluable perspective as a consultant. It has always been my secret weapon. In September, I joined Timmons Group as chief marketing officer and am excited to bring my experience as both an advisor and consultant to dozens of AEC firms over the years. The chance to bring my journey full circle and return to the firm where I started in the AEC industry is truly amazing, and I look forward to the future.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? One of my mentors early in my career told me to embrace opportunities that come along, because every role prepares you for the next. This has proven true in my career. A lot of the time, especially early in our careers, we can place too much weight on job titles. In those foundational years, it’s more about expanding your knowledge and skills and gaining perspectives. When I look back on my resume, I don’t see a perfectly scripted career path on paper, but what I learned and how I grew in each role has perfectly prepared me for where I am today.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve given? I’ve always encouraged people to outgrow their job descriptions. Of course, learn your role and execute all those job duties with excellence. But don’t stop there! Continuously look for ways to add value to your team and company. Identify places you can contribute, tasks you can perform, and ideas you can bring to life that don’t necessarily fit neatly in your job description. In other words, don’t wait to be asked. Make yourself invaluable.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? I joined SMPS in my very first week in the AEC industry, and it has been an invaluable resource for professional growth, community, and knowledge sharing ever since. I’ve found SMPS to be my tribe, with so many people who share similar experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Whether it’s the local chapter programming, the regional conferences, or national events like Amplify A|E|C, SMPS provides AEC marketers a unique opportunity to learn and grow, and to feel understood and supported. Having been engaged with SMPS at many levels over the years, I can attest that there are so many people behind the scenes, in the crowds, and on stage who are passionate about elevating the profession of marketing in the AEC industry and making a difference in their firms.

What would you still like to accomplish in your career? While I’ve seen the profession evolve greatly, there’s still more work to do. I’m dedicated to transforming marketing and business development at my firm, and I’ll continue to invest in SMPS and use my voice to elevate the role of marketing in the AEC industry.

What’s on your bucket list? I’d love to see the Amalfi Coast of Italy with my wife. We’re also a theme park family, so there are several parks on the to-do list that I hope to cross off one day.

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? I love Thai food. I could eat it every day, and it’s truly a shame that I don’t!

In our member spotlight, Alexandria Ballew Monroe sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Alexandria, who’s events & marketing communications manager for San Antonio AGC, has been in the AEC industry for three years and an SMPS member for two.

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. For 2025-2026, I was voted on to the SMPS San Antonio board of directors as special events director! I’m so honored to be working with so many talented industry professionals and bringing our chapter members together for exciting events.

What has been one of your most meaningful projects? In 2023, I handled the planning, marketing, and execution of the San Antonio AGC Centennial Gala, celebrating 100 years as an AGC Chapter. It was a monumental occasion that we held at the beautiful Tobin Center for the Performing Arts with over 600 guests in attendance including elected officials from the city and state. I’m so proud of that event, and it was a wonderful experience to see so many of our members come together for such an important celebration.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? The best revenge is success. My parents have always impressed this upon me. Put your energy into what you can control, not into worrying about what others think of you.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve given? If no one saves you a seat at the table, pull up your own chair.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? I have met so many incredible, gifted, and kind people through SMPS San Antonio. Not only has it educated me more regarding the AEC industry, but it has given me a community of like-minded professionals to grow with.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. In my off hours from being an events & marketing communications manager (AKA chaos coordinator), I’m also an associate artistic director for a pre-professional ballet academy. I didn’t step into my role at AGC with a background in construction. Instead, I come from a background in the arts with an M.A. in Art History and the Art Market. I think my arts education and experience has helped me be a more strategic marketer and given me creative ways to approach situations.

What’s on your bucket list? I want to explore Egypt and see the pyramids.

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Coffee! If you see me without a coffee in hand, I’m probably in dire need of emotional support.

In our member spotlight, Megan Scott, FSMPS, CPSM, sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Megan, who’s director of strategy at Etica Group, has been an SMPS member for 20 years and in the AEC industry for just as long.

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. We recently won a small study for a new client based on an e-newsletter. It was so rewarding to know content marketing resonated with the decision-maker enough for them to reach out, meet with us for the first time, and hire us.

What has been one of your most meaningful projects? In preparation for moving our headquarters in 2022, I developed an in-depth brand awareness campaign about the growth of Etica Group over the years. It touched on the addition of services, staff size, key clients, and features of our new office. While at a non-industry event, someone knew who we were from our LinkedIn posts. It was such a great feeling.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? Do what you say you are going to do. Don’t make excuses, just get it done to the best of your ability.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve given? Don’t be afraid to delegate up. I don’t particularly care about hierarchy structures. If someone needs help with something, they need to ask for it. Even if that means asking your boss, or your boss’s boss; ask for help when you truly need it.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? I truly believe I would not be the professional I am today without SMPS. I was fortunate enough to have a boss when I entered the industry tell me membership, attending events, and joining a committee were requirements of the job. It helped me learn new skills, build a local, regional and Society-level network, and mold me into the person I am today. SMPS is a unicorn. The members all work to help one another learn and grow, despite being a competitor. It’s been so great to be a part of this group for 20 years now.

Which SMPS member benefits or resources have helped you? All of them! Volunteering at my local chapter helped me build a network immediately upon entering the industry. Many of those people have become friends. The CPSM program provided a major impact on my career growth. A constant for me over the years has been reading the Marketer. It always had great information in it and content I can share with a co-worker to help them understand something better.

Serving as an MCA juror has been inspirational to learn what other firms are doing, and the impact marketers have made at their firms. Learning labs (complimentary webinars for members) are a great way to get in some extra CEUs during the day.

Probably most important to me is the network I built when I served as SMPS Indiana’s president from 2013-2014. My President Leadership Symposium (PLS) class, the Conductors, still have a large group of us who stay in touch and serve as resources for one another. I love my fellow Conductors and seeing our growth and success.

How has the CPSM designation benefited you and your firm? When I heard of the CPSM program, I dove right in. I was 25 working at a small firm and the only marketing professional. Studying for the CPSM exam broadened my knowledge and skillset immensely. It helped me gain confidence to tackle projects I didn’t have experience in. I’m so thankful I invested in myself by earning my certification. Markendium, which I bought even though I already have my CPSM, is a wealth of information. It’s great to pull out as a resource for myself, or to have coworkers read certain sections. I would highly encourage anyone contemplating it to buy Markendium and start studying today.

How has becoming an SMPS Fellow changed or elevated your professional role? I’m regularly asked what my degree is in since I am a partner at Etica Group, and having credentials after my name demonstrates the value and expertise I bring. There’s more to the industry than just the regularly known technical professional suffixes, and I’m happy to help educate people about what it means to be a Fellow in SMPS. Beyond that, I have thoroughly enjoyed access to the Fellows programming and cohorts provided through SMPS and participating in technical organizations like AIA and ACE Mentors.

What would you like to accomplish as an SMPS Fellow as it relates to the Society or AEC industry? One of the letters of reference on the Fellows application is to be from someone the applicant has mentored. Many people I talk with have talked about how important a mentor was in their career growth, but not everyone has access to finding a mentor. I’ve been lucky the Indiana Chapter has had a highly successful mentorship program. As a Fellow, I would like to help take this to a larger scale. I’ve co-chaired a regional SMPS program with Cindy Culbertson, another Fellow from the Indiana chapter, these past 18 months in conjunction with SMPS Greater Cincinnati and Southeast Michigan. This has been a pilot program for how a regional mentorship group can work, and I’d like to use my role as a Fellow to help spearhead the growth of it to other regions as a model for increased participation in SMPS.

What would you still like to accomplish in your career? So many things. While I’m grateful to have made it to be a partner at my firm, I want to continue to see us grow and improve. I’m excited right now about working on our new five-year strategic plan and I am looking forward to being a part of guiding and executing the plan.

Within SMPS, I’m currently excited about finishing up as co-chair of a regional SMPS program (Indiana, Southeast Michigan and Greater Cincinnati). I’d love to continue to grow the model and possibly help take it to other regions.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. I had an opportunity to swim in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials’ pool inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in 2024. It was so cool to not only swim inside of a football stadium, but to be sharing the water with the Olympians. A former Olympian was on the deck talking with us and taking photos. Quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What’s on your bucket list? I think my entire bucket list is about traveling! I want to see the northern lights, go to Alaska, the Mendoza Valley of Argentina, and Antarctica.

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Chocolate.

In our member spotlight, Reagan Branham, CPSM, sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Reagan, who’s chief marketing officer at HERA laboratory planners, has been in the AEC industry for 14 years and an SMPS member for 12.

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. I just joined the SMPS Marketer Editorial Committee. The group brainstorms article ideas for the publication and we have the first opportunity to write about topics of interest. It’s the perfect marriage of my journalism background with my knowledge of AEC marketing. (I spent 14 years working at newspapers.)

What has been one of your most meaningful projects? I just finished a year-long profile series where I interviewed co-workers with interesting hobbies or passions that enhance their professional work. External feedback through social media was extremely positive, and internally people loved reading about their coworkers and looked forward to the next profile. The series made the profiled individuals proud of their value to the firm and each article helped us all feel even more connected.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? I read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg at a time in my career that I really needed to hear the message about women literally (and figuratively) taking a seat at the table. The message of believing in ourselves and the ideas that we bring to conversations and the decision-making process really resonated with me. Don’t relegate yourself to a chair off to the side. The other important takeaway was to find a workplace that supported me having that voice. I feel very fortunate to have found a company that encourages and values my opinion.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve given? Not exclusively professional, but I tell my daughter that it’s okay to not like everyone. It’s also okay that not everyone likes you. I’m a people pleaser, so the second part of that advice is challenging for me.

How has SMPS helped you, your career, and/or your firm? SMPS membership alone is not enough; you must also be involved. I’ve met so many great people through SMPS. Sometimes those connections help link me with a new job or project opportunity for my firm. Just as often the connections introduce me to a new restaurant or recipe to try. All are valuable and make for a great community.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. I started in AEC marketing as an avenue to become an interior designer. I was a newspaper graphic designer at the time, taking interior design classes at night. A former co-worker was leaving a marketing coordinator job and thought I’d be a good fit to fill her spot. I was not terribly interested in it but hoped to get a foot in the door and work my way over to interiors. Here I am 14 years later, quite happy with my decision to stay in marketing.

What’s on your bucket list? I’m an avid traveler and have two major destinations at the top of my list: Southeast Asia and an African safari. Nothing planned for either … yet!

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Dr Pepper Zero. It’s my coffee.

In our member spotlight, Marta Dabrowski, CPSM, sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS. Marta, who’s marketing manager for WSP USA, Inc., has been in the AEC industry for 15 years and an SMPS member for 11 of them.

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. Over the past year, I’ve focused on developing a new mentorship program for SMPS Connecticut, which officially launched in September 2025. Mentorship is something I’m deeply passionate about, and seeing the program come to life has been incredibly rewarding. I’m very proud of how it has evolved and the impact it’s already beginning to have within our chapter.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. I enjoy traveling and have visited more than 30 countries. I love exploring new places and learning about different cultures.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? Embrace the power of saying “yes.” Taking on things that felt a little outside my comfort zone, like stepping into the role of SMPS Connecticut president, ended up being some of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Saying yes has opened doors I never expected and helped me grow in ways I might’ve missed otherwise.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? SMPS has been a meaningful part of my career. The connections, support, and leadership opportunities I’ve found through the community have helped shape me as an A/E/C marketer. Getting involved in committees and stepping into different leadership roles has allowed me to build new skills and meet people who’ve had a real impact on my professional journey. It’s also important to me because it gives me a chance to support others in the same way. Overall, SMPS has strengthened my abilities and the value I’m able to bring to my firm.

Which SMPS member benefits or resources have helped you? There are so many SMPS member benefits and resources that have helped me along the way. The webinars and professional development programs help me stay current with industry trends, and the MySMPS community is amazing for connecting with people and sharing ideas. I also really enjoy the conferences (such as the Northeast Regional Conference) which are always high‑energy and filled with great takeaways. Getting involved as a volunteer has been especially meaningful and has helped me expand my network.

If you’re a CPSM, how has the designation benefited you and your firm? Earning my CPSM designation meant a great deal to me. I reached a point in my career where I was ready to take on more responsibility and expand my role, so studying for the CPSM exam was a great way to push myself to fill in gaps and sharpen my skills. Earning the certification gave me a big confidence boost and the knowledge I gained through the process benefited both me and my firm.

What would you still like to accomplish in your career? I’d love to continue growing as a leader, both within my firm and in the A/E/C community. Mentorship has become such an important part of my professional life, so finding more ways to support and develop others is a big goal for me. I also want to keep expanding my skills so I’m always looking for new challenges that push me to grow. There’s still a lot I’m excited to learn and do.

What’s on your bucket list? There are plenty of places I still want to explore, and England and Scotland are at the top of the list right now. I’m hoping to finally make that trip happen this year!

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Ice cream is definitely my guilty pleasure. If I’m somewhere new, I’m absolutely hunting down a local scoop.

In our member spotlight, Amber Burke sat down for a virtual chat with SMPS HQ. Amber, who’s marketing manager for Engineering Economics, Inc. (EEI), has been in the AEC industry for 30 years and an SMPS member for just as long!

Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of. Since joining EEI, I’ve had the opportunity to support key initiatives at a pivotal growth stage for the company. Recent highlights include contributing to a successful brand refresh, leading the Deltek CRM conversion, and helping build a strong, collaborative marketing and business development team. I’m currently leading an open asset integration initiative to streamline and accelerate proposal development, improving efficiency, consistency, and speed to market. Alongside this work, I continue to source new leads and assist with business development to support EEI’s continued growth and expansion.

Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. Giving back to my community is important to me, which is why I volunteer my time and marketing expertise with my local woman’s club. Through fundraising, scholarships, and service initiatives, we work to strengthen families and create lasting impact.

What has been one of your most meaningful projects? One of my most meaningful experiences has been working on projects where I’m involved from the ground floor, bringing the right team together, guiding the effort through proposal and interview, and ultimately seeing the engineering services bring the vision to life. Renovation projects are equally rewarding, especially when existing spaces are thoughtfully reimagined and given new purpose. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch both new and renovated projects progress from concept to completion and to know they’re making a real, positive impact on the community. A great example is the Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. Being part of that project was especially thrilling, seeing the arena open in 2018 and later watching the Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2021 made it even more meaningful.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? Everything in marketing is perception. Every touchpoint shapes how clients see your firm, projects, people, responsiveness, and consistency. Strong marketing builds confidence in your ability to deliver long before a conversation ever happens. It’s all in the details. If it’s visible, it matters. Paying attention to details means being intentional at every touchpoint.

What the best professional advice you’ve given? Commit to continuous improvement and lifelong learning. In AEC marketing, change is constant, tools, platforms, and client expectations evolve rapidly. Sustainable success requires professionals to be proactive in expanding their knowledge through industry thought leadership, business literature (books), SMPS engagement, and ongoing professional development. This approach builds careers that are not only relevant today, but adaptable, resilient, and positioned for long-term impact.

Why is SMPS membership important to you? It’s important to me because it connects marketing professionals who truly understand the unique challenges of the AEC industry. Through SMPS, I’ve gained access to industry-specific education, best practices, and a strong professional network. It’s helped me grow my skills, stay current on trends, and approach my work more strategically. For my firm, SMPS has provided valuable insights into positioning, pursuit strategy, and client-focused marketing, ultimately strengthening how we tell our story and compete in the market.

Which SMPS member benefits or resources have helped you? The most important SMPS benefit to my career, both professionally and personally, has been the nationwide network of marketers. Having access to peers across the country who are willing to collaborate, support business development efforts, and serve as trusted resources has been invaluable. Just as meaningful are the friendships built through SMPS, which have become one of the greatest resources in my professional career.

If you’re a CPSM, how has the designation benefited you and your firm? While I’m not currently a CPSM, it’s a designation I fully intend to pursue. I actively invest in my own professional education, along with my employer. I believe continuous learning is essential in marketing where strategies, tools, and client expectations evolve constantly. I make it a priority to stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging approaches, so I can bring fresh, relevant ideas to my firm. The CPSM designation aligns well with how I already approach my role, focused on strategic thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What would you still like to accomplish in your career? I’ve always been drawn to international business, and one of my long-term goals is to help expand my firm’s presence globally, whether that’s through international partnerships, new markets, or cross-border collaboration. Being part of that kind of growth, and helping my company scale beyond its current footprint, is something I’d find incredibly rewarding.

What’s on your bucket list? I’m excited to continue progressing in my career by taking on increasingly complex challenges, expanding my leadership responsibilities, and making a meaningful impact through my work. Long term, I’m motivated by opportunities to help shape strategy, mentor others, and contribute at a senior leadership level to EEI’s success.

Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? Spin class at 5 a.m.; I can’t live without it.