Letter from the President

Dear SMPS Research Triangle Members and Friends,

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your 2025-2026 President of the SMPS Research Triangle Chapter. SMPS was founded on a simple but powerful vision: to engage, inspire, and empower A/E/C professionals for leadership and lifelong learning. 

We have seen the impact of this vision firsthand, not only in our own careers but also in the communities we serve across the Research Triangle region. Through networking events, mentoring opportunities, and educational programs, I am both humbled and proud of the work our chapter does each year to provide our members with a place to exchange ideas, build connections, and support the next generation of industry leaders. 

Standing alongside our dedicated 2025-2026 Board of Directors, I am excited for the ambitious year ahead. Together, we will continue to deliver the compelling educational content you expect, create opportunities for members and guests at every stage of their careers, and strengthen the relationships that connect our community.

This year also marks a major milestone for SMPS nationally: all chapters across the country will transition to a calendar year format. For our chapter, this means our current year will run from September 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026. Aligning with our industry’s fiscal and operational cycles, this change will provide clarity and consistency moving forward. Our chapter is committed to ensuring a smooth transition leading up to the official January 1, 2027 effective date.

Another exciting initiative is the retooling of our Membership Committee into Membership + Chapter Culture. This expanded role will emphasize diversity, equality, and inclusion, and fuse these values into everything we do. By being intentional in our programming and engagement, we will foster a chapter culture that creates true sense of belonging for all. Our goal is for SMPS Research Triangle to remain a welcoming and inclusive space where marketers from all backgrounds can thrive. 

Finally, thank you to each of you who make this chapter such a rewarding experience. Your commitment, energy, and passion are what make SMPS Research Triangle extraordinary. I look forward to this journey with you as we continue building a stronger and more connected A/E/C community! 

Katie Davidson
2025-2026 President, SMPS Research Triangle Chapter