President's Report

The Distinction Between a Working Board and a Strategic Board
In any successful organization, the structure and function of its leadership play a critical role in achieving its mission. At SMPS Southeast Michigan, we’ve made a deliberate choice to operate as a strategic board rather than a working board. This distinction is foundational to how we serve our members and achieve our long-term goals. 

Understanding the Difference 
A working board and a strategic board differ significantly in their approach to governance and operations:

Working Board: In this model, board members take on dual roles. They not only oversee the organization but also perform the day-to-day operational tasks. This structure is often found in smaller organizations or startups, where resources are limited, and board members must fill multiple roles to ensure operations run smoothly.

Strategic Board: In contrast, a strategic board focuses on high-level oversight, governance, and planning. Board members work "on" the organization by setting direction, defining goals, and ensuring alignment with the mission and vision. They rely on committee chairpersons, committee members and other volunteers to complete vital operational tasks.

SMPS Southeast Michigan’s Strategic Approach 
At SMPS Southeast Michigan, we’ve embraced the strategic board model. Our board members serve as liaisons between the board and our committees, but they do not function as committee chairpersons. This separation of roles allows us to:

1.     Work ON the Organization: Board members focus on advancing the organization’s initiatives and goals. They dedicate their efforts to strategic planning, member engagement, and ensuring the sustainability of our chapter.

2.     Empower Committees: Chairpersons and committee members tackle the vital day-to-day operations that keep SMPS Southeast Michigan running smoothly. This includes organizing events, managing communications, and delivering the programs that directly benefit our members.

3.     Promote Collaboration: By acting as liaisons, board members facilitate communication and alignment between the board’s strategic vision and the committees’ operational work. This collaboration ensures that all efforts are moving toward a common purpose.

4.     Ensure Sustainability: A strategic board structure ensures that leadership transitions are smoother. With committees managing operations, new board members can focus on learning their strategic roles without being overwhelmed by operational responsibilities.

Benefits of Serving in a Committee Chair or Member Role
Committee chairpersons and members play a vital role in the success of SMPS Southeast Michigan. For those who step into these roles, there are significant personal and professional benefits:

1.     Opportunity to Lead: Members serving as committee chairs have the chance to lead and hone their leadership skills in a supportive and safe environment. With the guidance of a board director serving as their liaison, chairs are empowered to manage their committee’s work while benefiting from mentorship and collaboration.

2.     Pathway to Leadership: Serving as a committee chair often serves as a stepping-stone to the board of directors and other leadership roles within the organization. This opportunity for advancement is beneficial both for the individual and for SMPS Southeast Michigan, as it fosters strong succession planning and builds a pool of qualified and prepared future leaders.

By participating in committees, members not only contribute to the organization’s success but also invest in their own professional development. These roles offer firsthand experience in leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking—skills that are invaluable in any career.

Why This Matters to Our Members 
Operating as a strategic board allows SMPS Southeast Michigan to provide a more enriching experience for our members. It ensures that we remain focused on the big picture—creating programs and initiatives that advance your professional growth and benefit our industry. Meanwhile, our committees deliver the high-quality events and resources you rely on.

This division of responsibilities fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. It enables us to adapt to challenges and seize opportunities with a clear and focused approach.

Moving Forward Together 
As we continue to grow and evolve as an organization, our strategic board model will remain a cornerstone of our success. It allows us to stay true to our mission while empowering our committee chairpersons and committee members to shine in their operational roles.

Thank you for your commitment to SMPS Southeast Michigan and for being part of our vibrant community. Together, we are building a stronger organization and a brighter future for marketing professionals in the A/E/C industry.

Warm regards,

Debra K. Osuch, CPSM
REM President
SMPS Southeast Michigan 2024-2025

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Board of Directors Nominations

Nominations for the open 2025-26 SMPS SEMI Board of Directors positions will be accepted from March 21 – April 11. Be on the lookout for an email with more information about the positions and nominations process as it is made available on our website. 

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Upcoming Events

Click Here for more information or to register for the event!

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Upcoming Events

He's back!  Dan Oblinger, negotiator and friend of so many professional design, build, and serve companies is back with a brand new edition of "brain games for better selling and marketing skills"!

Once again, Dan is sharing his systems, lessons, and hacks from the world of hostage negotiations and consulting with AEC firms. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a friend!  This is going to be carefully designed so that anyone who missed last year's meeting can get caught up and still be completely fresh for those who are back for more!  Dan will be diving even deeper into the world of active listening, cultural leadership, and relationship-based negotiations. Do you have what it takes to learn in the ultimate interactive environment?   

Click Here for more details on this great event!

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Member Spotlight

Certified Professional Services Marketer

Kelly Sternberg, Director of Branding + Communications, Barton Malow 
19 Years in AEC Industry
Achieved CPSM in 2011
Achieved SMPS Fellow in 2023

HOW HAS BECOMING A CPSM IMPACTED YOUR CAREER?
Becoming a CPSM has enhanced my professional credibility, expanded my network within the A/E/C industry, and fostered personal growth. It’s a tangible demonstration of my commitment to career development and advancing my expertise in professional services marketing. Overall, SMPS and obtaining my CPSM has helped me to get to where I am today in my career and I don't think I'd be where I am without the SMPS organization and my professional designation as a CPSM.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS PURSUING THEIR CPSM
Go for it! Dedicate time to truly understand the materials—it’s an incredible learning journey. You’ll not only gain valuable insights but also surprise yourself with what you can achieve and contribute to your career.

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GOOD LUCK TO OUR CPSM STUDY GROUP PARTICIPANTS!

The March testing window is open! Over the past two months, we have met weekly to discuss each domain and prepare for the exam. Our Study Group participants have dedicated themselves and are ready to demonstrate that they not only have industry experience, but they have also mastered the SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketing. 

We are excited to celebrate our new CPSMs! 

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Follow SMPS Southeast MIchigan on Instagram

SMPS Southeast Michigan is now on Instagram. Follow smps_southeastmi for chapter updates, event information and highlights. Tag us in your posts - we’d love to see your event photos!

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