Member Spotlight – Katie Shaffer, CPSM

January 29, 2021

This month’s spotlight shines on Katie Shaffer, CPSM, Marketing Manager, BKM

Katie has spent the past seven years working in the AEC industry. For the last two years, she has been the Marketing Manager of BKM, where she oversees the proposal process for the 50-person firm. As the Director of Education for SMPS Maryland, Katie facilitates training and workshops for technical and soft skills. She has been a member of SMPS since 2014 and is a CPSM.

SMPS MD: How long have you been a member of SMPS and what’s your best experience so far?

KS: I’ve been a member since 2014. I joined when I was new to the industry and remember not knowing a single person at the events. My highlights are the friendships I have built since first joining.

SMPS MD: What is the best career advice you’ve received or offered?

KS: You can’t control other people or their actions. The only thing you can control is your own reaction.

SMPS MD: What most excites you about your work and the contribution that you make?

KS: I love to see a finished project and know that I played a role in making that happen. It’s nice to see a tangible result from your efforts.

SMPS MD: Tell us about your morning ritual.

KS: During quarantine? It’s pretty boring. I wake up and drink my coffee while I read, then start work around 7:30.

SMPS MD: What was your first job?

KS: I worked retail at Old Navy during high school.

SMPS MD: What is your favorite place outside of work?

KS: Since work right now is also my house, my favorite place is my parents’ house because they always have good food and wine for me!

SMPS MD: Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without?

KS: Bravo shows!

SMPS MD: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

KS: Italy! But let’s be honest, the bar is pretty low these days and I’d be happy traveling almost anywhere when it’s safe to do so.

SMPS MD: What’s your favorite thing to do on Sundays?

KS: Drink my morning coffee in bed.

About Member Spotlights: SMPS Maryland has a diverse membership including new and seasoned marketing and business development professionals from the architectural, engineering and construction community. Each month we will feature one of these members, chosen at random, in the Member Spotlight. It’s a great way for you to you meet your colleagues and find members with similar interests.