SMPS Announces New National Directors
In May, the Nominations and Elections Committee approved the following slate of members for open positions on the 2004-2005 National Board of Directors.

• President-Elect: Andrea C. Fitch
• At-Large Delegate: N. Anthony Steinhardt III, CPSM
• Fellows Delegate: Peter Ashton Lyon, FSMPS, CPSM.

Secretary-Treasurer Peter J. Kienle, FSMPS, CPSM, declared the new directors elected by acclamation in April.

The incoming directors, who will take office September 1, 2004, are profiled here.

• President-Elect: Andrea C. Fitch
• Term: 2004-2005 President-Elect; 2005-2006 President; 2006-2007 Past President
• Position & Firm: Director of Marketing, HITT Contracting, Fairfax, VA
• Chapter: SMPS Washington, DC
• SMPS Experience: 2003-2004, President, SMPS Foundation, and Chair, Silent Auction; 2002-2003, Trustee, SMPS Foundation, and Chair, Silent Auction; 2001-2002, Member, National Marketing Communications Awards Program; 2000-2001, Chair, National Marketing Communications Awards Program; 1999-2000, Member, Washington, DC, Chapter Corporate Identity Committee; 1998-2000, Chair, Washington, DC, Chapter Marketing Communications Awards Program; 1998-2000, Chair, Washington, DC, Chapter Public Relations Committee; 1998-2000, Member, Washington, DC, Chapter Education Committee

Fitch had these thoughts to share with aspiring leaders of SMPS: "Marketing is about teamwork... Be it through our national programs and conferences or at the local chapter level, we each contribute to the advancement of our chosen profession by participating, sharing, and exchanging.

"As association leaders, the National Board must inspire and actively represent our entire membership from founders and Fellows to managers and coordinators. SMPS was founded by individuals whose career status at that time was in line with those of today's emerging leaders. As a mature organization, we must move forward, harnessing the attributes and energies of all members. However, to ensure our evolution, the next generation of leadership needs to be implemented into key national positions.

"Many of [my peers] are perplexed...on how they can break into active national involvement...It's simple, and yet it's not demonstrated enough—forego any preconceived notion, get involved, volunteer to lead, and put aside any hesitation. Like our founders, we need to roll up our sleeves, acknowledge the vision, and join together as a united front."

• At-Large Delegate: N. Anthony Steinhardt III, CPSM
• Term: 2004-2006
• Position & Firm: Associate Principal, Director of Client Development, RATIO Architects, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
• Chapter: SMPS Indiana
• SMPS Experience: 2003 and 2004, Co-Chair, Chapter Presidents' Leadership Symposium; 2002, Member, National Education Committee; 2002-2003, Member, National Membership Committee; 2002-2003, Member, 30th Anniversary Committee; 2001-2002, Past President, Indiana Chapter; 2000-2001, President, Indiana Chapter; 1999-2000, Vice President, Indiana Chapter; 1999-2003, Member, Indiana Chapter Nominations Committee; 1997-1999, Treasurer, Indiana Chapter

Steinhardt had this to say about value and the critical role of chapters in the Society: "As SMPS embarks on its third decade, it's critical that we look carefully at the value we're creating for all of our members. I feel it's crucial we nurture our existing and future leadership and in doing so, re-evaluate our core values. In particular, my special areas of interest are focused on new-member retention and expanding education opportunities—two areas that will strengthen SMPS's position as a premier marketing organization.

"Generation Me is looking for organizations that provide value in the areas of professional development, contribution to the greater good, and a feeling of belonging with friends. While SMPS provides a solid foundation that encompasses these ideals, I think there is a need for National to invest more into providing enhanced quality programs to our chapters so they can consistently provide these values to our membership. One thing is certain: The national organization will only be as strong as its chapters."

• Fellows Delegate: Peter Ashton Lyon, FSMPS, CPSM
• Term: 2004-2006
• Position & Firm: Client Services Manager, HANSCOMB Faithful & Gould, Atlanta, GA
• Chapter: SMPS Georgia
• SMPS Experience: 2003-2004, Member, National Curriculum Committee; 2000-2002, Member, Striving for Excellence Committee; 2000-2001, Member, Georgia Chapter Education Committee; 1993-1994, Member, National Certification Task Force; 1992-1993, Secretary, National Board of Directors; 1991-1993, Region VII Director, National Board of Directors; 1989, Chair, Florida Regional Conference Committee; 1985-1986, Past President, Georgia Chapter; 1985-1986, Chair, Georgia Chapter Nominations and Elections Committee; 1984-1985, President, Georgia Chapter; 1984-1985, Chair, Southeast Regional Conference; 1983-1984, Secretary/Treasurer, Georgia Chapter; 1981-1983, Member, Georgia Chapter Education Committee

Lyon's goal is to strengthen and expand the role of Fellows in the Society and profession: "Our Society consists of the most experienced and knowledgeable practitioners in the field of professional service marketing, and for this reason I have been an active member for the last 24 years. I believe in our mission to promote the advancement of our field of knowledge and to elevate our members who, day in and day out, work to meet the demands to effectively promote and market their respective firms.

"The Fellows Program is an integral part of this process, and I want to work to make the Fellows designation as important as the Fellows programs in other organizations such as the American Institute of Architects. As a group, the Fellows represent the most experienced and knowledgeable segment of our Society. I want to work to give our Society's designated Fellows the opportunity to provide more mentorship and senior-level advice and counsel to all our members."

The following directors are continuing terms on the National Board in 2004-2005:

• President: Karen O. Courtney, AIA, FSMPS, Director of Marketing, Architect, BSA LifeStructures, Indianapolis, IN
• Past President: Randle Pollock, FSMPS, Principal, Walter P. Moore, Houston, TX
• Secretary-Treasurer: Peter J. Kienle, FSMPS, CPSM, Director of Marketing/Business Development, Moody-Nolan, Inc., Columbus, OH
• Chapter Delegate: Michael Savage, Vice President, Geotechnologies, Inc., Glendale, CA.

The incoming Board will meet in Rhode Island June 4-5 to begin its strategic planning for 2004-2005. Plans will be shared with the SMPS membership in the coming months. [ return to top ]