Chapter Awards
Recognize Excellence in A/E/C Marketing
Each year, SMPS Maryland honors outstanding professionals who have made significant contributions to our chapter and the A/E/C marketing profession.
Who Can Nominate?
- Any member of the SMPS Maryland community is eligible to submit nominations for these awards.
How to Submit a Nomination:
- Please email your nomination to Chapter President Jason Dittrich at [email protected], including the nominee's name, award category, and a brief paragraph that demonstrates how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Nomination Timeline:
- Submission period: CLOSED
Selection Process:
The SMPS Maryland Board will review all nominations and select awardees from the nominees. If no nominations are received for a particular award, the Board may, at its discretion, select deserving recipients.
Help us recognize the outstanding professionals who elevate our chapter and profession!
Blue Heron Award
Presented to a senior-level professional with at least 15 years of industry experience who has made a significant impact on the chapter and the marketing profession within the A/E/C industries. Honorees promote and foster a marketing-led culture in their work and are actively involved in contributing to the chapter's success.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Katie Lund
- 2024: Cynthia Stuber
- 2023: Ida Cheinman
- 2022: Nichole McGuire
- 2019: Katelin Etoh, CPSM
- 2017: Laura Werther, CPSM
- 2016: Melinda Kay
- 2015: David Boucher
- 2014: Mindy Hinsley, CPSM
- 2013: Lisa Julian-Miller, CPSM
- 2012: Amy Morrison-Baker
- 2011: Gayle James
- 2010: Todd Woerner
- 2009: Joann Petillo
- 2006: Sue Zarin
Rising Star Award
Presented to an emerging professional with less than five years of industry experience who has made significant strides in their career and has demonstrated dedication to the chapter through volunteer efforts.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Alexandra Jones
- 2024: Lauren Runkle
- 2023: Noah Aghdam
- 2022: Kristen Yanchoris
- 2019: Caitlin Porter
- 2018: Katie Shaffer
- 2017: Lea Price
- 2016: Katherine Spilker
- 2015: Sara Goins, CPSM
- 2014: Brooke Eaton
- 2013: Kaitlin Pravetz, CPSM
lEgacy builder award
Presented to an individual who has devoted their career to advancing the Maryland chapter and elevating the marketing profession.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Nichole McGuire
FELLOW award
Presented to an individual who represents the highest level of experience and leadership in marketing within the A/E/C industry and for distinguished contributions to their firm, profession, and service to the chapter.
Past Recipients
- 2023: Mindy Hinsley, CPSM
Firm Leader of the Year
Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to SMPS' vision, "Business Transformed Through Marketing Leadership," and has been an advocate for SMPS and their firm's marketing department. The Firm Leader of the Year is not required to be an SMPS member but should support SMPS membership and involvement among their staff.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Kristen Schuler
- 2024: Sally Philbin
- 2023: Carrie Ann Williams, CPSM
- 2019: Catherine DeWitt, CPSM
Board Member of the Year
The Board Member of the Year Award is presented to a current Board Member who has made considerable contributions to the chapter’s success throughout the program year and has delivered on SMPS’ mission to advocate, educate, and connect. This award is nominated and voted on by current Board Members.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Amanda Gluck
- 2024: Lein Holsboer
- 2023: Kristen Kearby
- 2022: Katie Lund
- 2019: Katie Lund
- 2018: Kiersten Howe
- 2017: Rachel Collier, CPSM
- 2016: Nichole McGuire
- 2015: Korey Rubeling, CPSM
- 2014: Catherine DeWitt, CPSM & Natasha Kearney
- 2013: Shante Johnson
- 2012: Michelle Martin
- 2011: Katelin Etoh, CPSM
Committee Member of the Year
Committee Member of the Year is awarded to committee members who have made substantial contributions to their committee’s success. This award is nominated and voted on by current Board Members.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Lauren Lustgarten
- 2024: Iridia Snowden
- 2023: Lindsey Linton
- 2022: Jason Dittrich
- 2019: Taylor Langley
- 2018: Melanie Sipple
- 2017: Vanessa Zawodny, CPSM
- 2016: Stephaney Barth
- 2015: Heather Rustici
- 2014: Korey Rubeling, CPSM
- 2013: Sara Goins, CPSM
- 2012: Ashley Schmidt, CPSM
