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VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 5 | SEPT/OCT 2025
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2025 MCA AWARDS

SMPS Names 2025 Chapter President of the Year: Olivia Farquharson, CDMP, PCM

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SMPS is pleased to announce that Olivia Farquharson, CDMP, PCM, has been recognized as the 2025 Chapter President of the Year. She was honored at Amplify A|E|C—the Society’s annual conference—in Columbus, OH.
As president of SMPS New York from 2023–2024, Olivia led with vision and resilience. She brought cohesion to a large, fast-moving chapter; mentored volunteers with care; and advanced key initiatives that strengthened professional development, industry partnerships, and financial stability. The result was one of the chapter’s most impactful years on record—measured not only in metrics, but in member confidence and community.
“From the very start of her term—when she hosted a highly successful strategic planning kickoff meeting—I knew the chapter was in excellent hands,” said Ivoire Lloyd, CF, APMP. “She empowered us to think outside the box, plan and execute our initiatives in advance, and develop a strong follow-through strategy.”

A Strategy for Stability—and Growth

Early in her term, Olivia championed a governance-minded approach to finances. She led efforts to allocate $125,000 to a money market account—safeguarding funds while generating interest—to help ensure the chapter’s long-term stability. That prudence didn’t slow momentum; it enabled it. Membership activities were tuned to deepen connections, and membership retention held strong at 91.4%.
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Programming expanded in both breadth and relevance. Olivia revived the Principals Breakfast, reengaging top executives and industry leaders. She expanded the CPSM Bootcamp, supporting members on the path to certification—culminating in 11 new CPSMs. In all, the chapter hosted more than 30 events, from networking sessions and client panels to professional development workshops, with a hybrid model shaped by member feedback.
Sponsorships and partnerships also grew under her watch. The team strengthened support for signature offerings, including the Liberty Ball Mentorship sponsorship ($2,500) and the Holiday Party Poinsettia Sponsorship ($1,000). New and renewed collaborations with the New York Building Congress, NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), and AMFP (Association of Medical Facility Professionals) broadened reach and relevance. The chapter’s voice carried farther, with features in The Architect’s Newspaper, Mann Report, The Design Board Podcast, and more.

Inclusive by Design

Olivia’s presidency placed inclusion at the center of the member experience. She ensured speaker lineups reflected the industry’s diversity, prioritized ADA-compliant venues, and partnered with women- and minority-owned businesses. The chapter revitalized its member spotlight initiative and strengthened ties with Baruch College, opening doors for students and emerging professionals to explore careers in A/E/C marketing and business development.
These choices were more than checkboxes; they were culture-builders. Volunteers reported feeling supported and seen. New members found easy onramps. And the broader community recognized a chapter that leads with both excellence and empathy.
“Olivia’s leadership transcends titles—it is about fostering a community and stepping in to support others at a moment’s notice,” said Corrine Collins, SMPS New York treasurer. “Her dedication and infectious positivity have made a lasting impact during her tenure and continue to shine as she supports the current president.”

The Impact, in Her Words

Olivia frames her approach simply—and powerfully:
“Being chapter president taught me that leadership is really about creating space for others to succeed. It’s about leading with heart, strategy, and collaboration, empowering people to bring their ideas forward, guiding them toward solutions, and celebrating the collective impact. True leadership creates real transformation.”
That transformation shows up in moments that matter to members:
“One of the most rewarding moments was hearing from a member who shared that, because of the connections and visibility they gained through the chapter, their firm was invited to pursue work they never would have had access to otherwise. Seeing how our programming directly supported business development—and boosted someone’s confidence in the process—was a powerful reminder of why SMPS matters.”
Asked what skill grew most, Olivia points to a strength that shaped the year:
“My ability to listen deeply and respond with intention grew the most. By pausing to truly hear what my board, members, or partners were saying—and sometimes what they weren’t saying—I was able to make better decisions. This proved most valuable during difficult conversations or when balancing competing priorities; people felt heard, trust was strengthened, and solutions were reached more effectively.”
And to anyone hesitating to step into leadership?
“No one ever feels 100% ready, and that’s okay. Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up with authenticity, learning as you go, and putting forth your full commitment to be successful. If you wait until you feel ‘ready,’ you may miss the opportunity to grow. The experience will teach you more than you expect.”

A Lasting Legacy

Under Olivia Farquharson’s guidance, SMPS New York didn’t just meet the moment—it built a foundation for the future. The financial strategy, the renewed focus on CPSM readiness, the intentional partnerships, and the inclusive programming architecture all position the chapter for sustained impact. Equally important, the culture she nurtured—grounded in listening, collaboration, and follow-through—continues to fuel volunteer leadership and member success.
The 2025 Chapter President of the Year reminds us that true impact extends beyond milestones. It’s perseverance and adaptability. It’s making space for others to lead. And it’s the steady belief that when one person is empowered to contribute, the whole community moves forward.