What a (Fiscal) Year It Has Been!

About the Society President

Dana Galvin Lancour FSMPS, CPSM

Dana Lancour is Vice President of Branding + Communications for Barton Malow Holdings, a construction enterprise based in Southfield, Michigan, with more than 3,000 team members throughout North America. In her role, Dana sets strategic direction for the Barton Malow Family of Companies marketing, communications, and creative teams with a mission to enhance the Barton Malow experience through inspired communications, engaging content, and brand-defining strategies.

This time last year, I became SMPS president, and what a (fiscal) year it has been! Twelve months prior, I’d been serving as incoming president, and I’d witnessed the board members’ incredible energy, dedication, and insight, as well as their impact on the Society and industry. Serving on the board with them—as well as serving the SMPS community—has been life-changing.

For the last 51 years of the Society, conversations that start at in-person events and online blossom into relationships that drive our industry into the future. Trust me … I know. I just got back from Amplify A|E|C in Salt Lake City, and I loved seeing the smiles of friends and business associates. But it’s not just this year. It’s every year. You’re the reason why I’m here, and you’re the reason why SMPS is what it is today.

As marketers and business developers, our day-to-day lives can be consumed by the pursuit of new business. We find ourselves in the trenches of interview prep, proposals, communications, branding, building relationships, and juggling the ever-growing list of priorities. Whether you’re a team of one, a few, or many, our days may come with challenges, but they also come with incredible opportunities. I want to remind each of you how important you are to this industry. And while we’re remembering this, let’s not forget we’re more than the work we do. We’re collectively transforming business through marketing and business development leadership through SMPS. We’re OneSMPS—and the board has worked tirelessly this year to continue progressing on the Society’s strategic plan initiatives.

For the new fiscal year, I look forward to serving as past president with professionals I deeply admire and respect. We’re not just a board—we’re a team, and I’d like to acknowledge and thank them:

Dr. Paula Stamp, MBA, FSMPS, CPSM
Holly Bolton, FSMPS, CPSM
Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM
Benjamin Sawa, FSMPS, CPSM, PMP
Ann Schiola, FSMPS, CPSM, CIP-III
Andrea Story, FSMPS, CPSM
Marci D. Thompson, DES

This July, we had the honor of introducing Marci Thompson, DES, as the new SMPS CEO. The selection of Marci, who has been with SMPS since 2015, marks a new beginning for the Society. Marci will propel the organization to new heights through her vision, strategic mindset, and energy to connect with membership. We’re confident that SMPS will continue to thrive under her leadership. Speaking of leadership, I’d also like to thank all the volunteers across our membership who have worked tirelessly at the HQ, chapter, and regional levels. And finally, a big thank-you to the SMPS HQ staff who work full-time helping us execute our goals and serve our members from coast to coast. I look forward to the new fiscal year, the relationship-building, and the boundless learning on this journey called life. It has been an honor to serve as your Society president.

Dana Galvin Lancour

FSMPS, CPSM

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