Reporting for Duty: How a former Army officer was inspired to join SMPS Colorado leadership.

When I attended my first SMPS Colorado Board Meeting in 2018 as the Southern Co-Chair, I didn’t know anyone. During my in-depth Army career, I had experienced countless occasions of spontaneous teams in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and with all 32 NATO Allies. Jumping in is all I ever knew. At that first meeting, as a new SMPS Colorado Board Member, I looked around and thought to myself, “Perfect. I am in my element. Let’s serve!”

Seven years later, I am grateful for the encouragement from my A/E/C Marketing Mentor, Adrienne Tuck, and a few others that led me to become an active member of SMPS Colorado. I am grateful for the new and exciting adventures I’ve had!

First, the Army teaches about being a great follower as much as it teaches about being a great leader. You are either a leader or a follower in the Army. Everyone must have an understanding of their role and its importance to mission success.

A team’s cohesiveness requires followers who understand and buy into the leader’s vision and mission. Furthermore, a follower should own and act in accordance with the commander’s intent. There can only be one commander, president, or director. Brainstorming is wonderful, but when a president, board, and team share agreed priorities, those priorities become the center of gravity.

I was invigorated by the service and team attitude demonstrated by SMPS Colorado. Our president, Nichole Fatchaline, CPSM, brought our team together and enabled a shoulder-to-shoulder environment. Everyone in the SMPS Colorado “Boat” rowed with purpose and unity in the same direction. Our president set the standard to reach. Her leadership inspired us to work together no matter what role we played. Our strategy sessions, planning meetings, and events culminated in a successful voyage because of selfless teamwork. We wanted to be exceptional for her, our members, and each other. I had the same feeling when I served in the Army. As an SMPS Colorado Board member, I enjoyed a renewed sense of pride because we did great things for and with our chapter.

In the Army, my units and I conquered difficult tasks. We achieved big goals — jumping out of airplanes, rappelling out of a helicopter, and traveling days with limited food and sleep during the 2003 Iraq Invasion.

Our event team was resilient, steadfast, and strong in this year-in-the-making event. Safety was our utmost concern, and we were ready with resources and contingencies. Two 45-foot buses and experienced Pikes Peak drivers took us up 18 miles of hairpin turns and sheer drop-offs. The SMPS Colorado Southern Colorado Committee coordinated architectural, engineering, and construction speakers to discuss challenges related to access, sunlight, permafrost, and wind speeds of 100 to 200 mph, and temperatures well below 0 degrees. It was amazing! Everybody loved it! Even with falling snow towards the end of this summertime event, we got down the mountain safely. What an accomplishment for our SMPS Colorado team!