Board of Directors

President

Katie Davidson

KCI Technologies

Katie brings almost 20 years of experience developing marketing programs to build brands and increase new business success. A natural team-builder, she excels at fostering relationships with technical staff to help them think bigger, improve efficiencies, and create compelling strategies that help teams grow and win. As Pursuit Manager with KCI Technologies, Katie works to continue building the firm’s engineering and construction management practices throughout the Southeast. Leading and collaborating for critical pursuit efforts, she helps teams focus on specific strategic growth initiatives and winning opportunities with top clients. With SMPS Research Triangle, Katie’s most notable and recent SMPS contributions include co-presenting at the March 2023 A/E/C Workshop and being recognized by her peers with the 2022-2023 Rising Star Chapter Award. She is passionate about providing mentoring support and championing a culture of acceptance so that all feel welcomed and can effectively grow in their own careers.

President Elect

Lauren Gessner

S&ME

Lauren brings over nine years of experience in corporate communications with an emphasis on aligning strategies with business objectives to drive growth and strengthen brand presence. As Communications Manager at S&ME, she leverages her expertise in both internal and external communications to develop and execute tailored strategies that support organizational goals, strengthen employee engagement, and enhance the firm’s brand awareness within the AEC industry. Since 2020, Lauren has been an active member of SMPS Research Triangle, serving on the Communications Committee for several years and as Co-Director of Communications for two. She was recognized by her peers with the 2023–2024 Rising Star Chapter Recognition Award for her dedication and leadership within the chapter. Lauren is passionate about helping members maximize the benefits of their SMPS membership, expand their professional networks, and witness them succeed in their careers.

Past President

Victoria Edwards, CPSM

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Victoria has been a marketer for over 20 years, developing multi-faceted marketing strategies that span channels, platforms, and industries. Her A/E/C experience includes business planning, branding, marketing, events, proposal strategy and graphic design.

Victoria jumped into the SMPS community to immerse herself in the industry, and she immediately volunteered to use her extensive experience in live events to help support the Events Committee. As a committee member, she led sourcing and execution for lunch and social events. As Director of Events the following year, she continued to improve event offerings and consistency, including the launch of the first Volunteer Appreciation Social.

After her years as President-Elect and President, she is honored to continue serve in the SMPS Research Triangle Chapter Executive Committee and at the helm of the Past Presidents Forum.

Treasurer

Stephanie Jude

Clark Nexsen

Stephanie has been an active SMPS member since 2006, progressing through many leadership roles including committee volunteer, various Board of Directors positions, President, and is currently serving as chapter Treasurer. For the past four years, she has pursued her passion for event planning while volunteering as a Planning Committee member for the SMPS Southeastern Regional Conference (SERC), serving as Conference Chair in 2023. With 25 years in the A/E/C industry, she is currently the Marketing Manager for the Education and Community + Culture markets at Clark Nexsen, A JMT Company. Clark Nexsen is a transdisciplinary architecture and engineering firm, where Stephanie assists in developing win strategies, oversees marketing coordination and proposal development, and contributes to business development efforts, drawing on her previous experience at HOK in Washington, DC and Wilbur Smith Associates (now CDM Smith) in Raleigh.

Secretary

Cameron Batson

Barnhill Contracting Company

Cameron Chamberlain joined SMPS in 2020 and has held marketing roles in the construction industry since 2012 after graduating from NC State University. She is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Barnhill where she works with the marketing team to develop actionable win strategies and generate creative and compelling proposals. In addition, Cameron provides guidance and content development for both internal initiatives and external pursuits while maintaining brand consistency. Throughout her career in marketing, Cameron has successfully managed digital campaigns through social media and website development while facilitating brand awareness through various channels. Cameron looks forward to serving as the chapter’s Board Secretary for the 2024-25 program year and she can't wait to connect with new and existing members.

Director of Communications

Anna Colwell

Timmons Group

Anna Colwell has over a decade of marketing experience and is the and is the Sr. Marketing Coordinator at Timmons Group where she specializes in managing the full pursuit lifecycle. She thrives on managing complex proposals, applying strategic messaging, and driving processes that support engagement and brand awareness. Anna transitioned to the AEC industry in 2022 from the business technology sector and became involved with SMPS Research Triangle the following year. Since then, she has contributed as a member of the Communications Committee, supporting social media initiatives. She is excited to continue her involvement as the Director of Communications for the upcoming year and is eager to help position the chapter for success.

Co-Director of Membership + Chapter Culture

Briana Carter, CPSM

Page

Briana Carter, CPSM is a seasoned marketing professional. Since entering the industry in 2017, she has built a broad foundation across the “A,” the “E,” and the “C,” ultimately finding her niche as a storyteller who sells relationships, experience, and quality work. Deeply invested in the built environment, Briana is inspired by how design impacts the human experience. She is a committed advocate for women in construction and STEM, championing equal opportunities, inclusive workforce practices, and diverse design approaches. She drives meaningful change in the industry, through her continuous work with the SMPS both locally and with HQ on the Human Experience in Business (HXB) Committee (Chair Emeritus, 2024). As a Co-Director of Membership + Chapter Culture, Briana will work with SMPS RT to improve membership needs with a new focus on DEI and chapter culture to help our teams meet the needs of our membership and be drivers of belonging and change for SMPS.

Co-Director of Membership + Chapter Culture

Trang Vu

VHB

Trang Vu began her AEC career in 2014 when she took a leap out of her comfort zone to apply for a Marketing Assistant position at an AEC firm—an experience that set the stage for the journey she’s on today. More than a decade later, she has led hundreds of pursuits across various service lines and sectors, mentored emerging marketing professionals, and gained countless valuable lessons along the way. Trang is passionate about enhancing the SMPS RT culture to reflect the unique backgrounds, life stages, and experiences of our members. Working together as Co-Directors of Membership + Chapter Culture, Trang and Briana are dedicated to evolving the SMPS RT chapter—enhancing outreach for member retention and recruitment, providing a welcoming environment through various programs and inclusive practices, communicating the value of SMPS Membership to AEC industry leaders, and fostering a sense of belonging for members from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

Director at Large

Alexa Bowser

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Alexa Bowser brings over ten years of marketing experience and currently serves as a Marketing Manager at Brasfield & Gorrie. Alexa has spent her marketing career focusing on brand, communications, and leading the proposal and presentation process for future pursuits. After transitioning into the AEC industry in January 2019, Alexa joined SMPS Research Triangle, where she found invaluable support, networking opportunities, and lasting friendships. She has been an active member of the chapter, serving on the Communications Committee and in leadership as Co-Director of Communications. She is excited to serve another term as Director at Large for the 2025-2026 year and is eager for the opportunity to help contribute toward SMPS Research Triangle’s continued growth.

Co-Director of Events

Morgan Thomas

LS3P Associates Ltd

Morgan Thomas is a marketing, events, and hospitality professional known for her collaborative spirit and creative approach. She has been active with SMPS Research Triangle since 2023, serving on the Events Committee where she’s strengthened her leadership skills. Before joining the AEC industry, Morgan was an account coordinator for corporate events—overseeing logistics from venue selection to signage and branded materials. As a Marketing Specialist at LS3P, a design firm with 12 offices across the Southeast, Morgan supports both proactive and reactive marketing efforts. Morgan is excited to co-lead the Events Committee and looks forward to planning engaging events with compelling content that will support and benefit our marketing and business development members.

Co-Director of Events

Lauren Whitmore

McAdams

If you have been to an SMPS RT event at any point over the past three years, you have seen Lauren’s attention to detail and creativity on display as she has served as a committee member on the chapter’s Events Committee. She is a natural networker and is passionate about continuing to curate exciting and informative events for our chapter.

Director of Education

Rebecca Riina

Accenture Infrastructure & Capital Projects

Rebecca is a Pursuit Manager known for exceptional client service and strategic vision. With seven years of experience in the AEC industry, she specializes in crafting data-driven strategies to win high-value projects. She excels in coordinating cross functional teams and managing end-to-end pursuit processes to drive business growth. She is recognized for her industry knowledge and ability to identify key insights that inform targeted approaches.  Rebecca has been a member of SMPS Research Triangle for over two years. She previously served on the Events Committee and is currently a mentor within the SMPS Mentorship Program.