SMPS CT 2026 Annual Meeting Recap: A Year of Growth, Recognition, and Connection
Posted by Communications Committee on Jul. 16, 2026 / Events / Subscribe 0
SMPS Connecticut celebrated our members with our Annual Meeting, Professional Achievement Awards, and Diversified Client Panel, three programs in one afternoon. This program truly captures what makes this chapter special: dedicated volunteers, a strong sense of community, and a genuine curiosity about where our industry is headed.
Annual Meeting: Looking Back and Looking Ahead
As President of SMPS CT, I opened the meeting the same way we open every board meeting: with a mini team-building activity. This year's question: what's your walk-up song? Mine is "All I Do Is Win" by DJ Khaled. A few of you shared that your song choices would be from Andy Grammer, Queen, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, and Pitbull. All solid choices!
SMPS CT is an entirely volunteer-run organization with about 100 members across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, all of whom are AEC marketing and business development professionals. Nearly half bring 15 or more years of experience, and most join because a leader at their firm encouraged them to get involved.
A few highlights from the year:
· Construction Career Day: Hosted by ABC Connecticut, members spent the day with middle and high school students, giving them a glimpse inside another side of the Construction industry through a marketing lens.
· Networking Socials: No agenda gatherings held around the state
· NERC: Diana Alcazar of Hoffmann Architects + Engineers won a free registration and later blogged about her first NERC experience.
· Member-driven programming: AI, InDesign training, Branding in Motion with Jon Schlesinger, a Fireside Chat with Diane Petra, and BD Bites with Sam VanSchoick.
None of this happens without our volunteers, committee chairs, and 2025-2026 Board of Directors, including Chapter Advisor Ruth Millward, an SMPS CT member for 34 years. Looking ahead, Hilary Nieukirk steps into the President role in 2027, and the call for nominations for the next Board is coming soon.
Professional Achievement Awards
The Professional Achievement Awards celebrate members who go above and beyond for the chapter, and this year's honorees represent the full range of leadership at SMPS CT, from rising talent to decades of industry impact.
Grace Waldvogel Member of the Year was awarded to two recipients this year:
· Keegan Burch, Marketing Specialist and Social Media Coordinator at David Evans and Associates, was recognized for her leadership on the Communications Committee and her willingness to jump in wherever needed.
· Adam Thibeault of Downes Construction, recognized for his role in organizing social events, welcoming new members, and encouraging others to get the most out of their SMPS experience.
The Trail Blazer Award, which celebrates someone forging their own path early in their career, went to Erica Burns, recognized for her initiative, professionalism, and willingness to speak up and contribute new ideas.
The Chapter Leader Award, honoring lasting impact on SMPS Connecticut, was presented to Alex LeBreche of Pare Corporation, recognized for his integrity, collaboration, and steadfast commitment to the chapter's mission.
The James Brancroft Lifetime Achievement Award went to Michael Ayles, FAIA, an AIA Fellow and current President of AIA Connecticut whose greatest legacy, as his citation noted, is the people he's mentored and inspired.
Congratulations to all of this year's honorees, and thank you to our Professional Achievement Award sponsors, CES, Pare Corporation, Antinozzi Associates Architecture + Interiors, Downes Construction, and David Evans and Associates, along with door prize sponsor Flow Tech.
Diversified Client Panel
The afternoon closed with our Diversified Client Panel, moderated by David Barkin, FAIA, Chief Architect for the State of Connecticut, alongside panelists Michael Goman, Reaghan Schicker, Ted DeSantos, and Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno, representing healthcare, housing, real estate, and construction.
Key takeaways from Aline Halle and Susie Mehring:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Annual Meeting, Professional Achievement Awards, and Diversified Client Panel. These events are only possible because of our volunteers, sponsors, and members who show up ready to learn from one another. We can't wait to see you at our next event.
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