The call for nominations for positions on the SMPS Chicago Chapter Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term is now open, and we invite you to step forward and become actively involved! As valued members of SMPS Chicago, your fresh perspectives, talents, and enthusiasm are essential in the growth and strength of our Chapter.
Are you seeking to advance your career, cultivate leadership skills, expand your professional network, or enhance your company's visibility within the A/E/C marketplace? Serving on the Chicago Chapter Board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to your professional development by developing innovative programs, educational endeavors, and networking initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of our membership.
Download the Call for Nominations.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for a Board position:
- President-Elect: Candidates must be a Regular or Distinguished Life member for at least one year, have chaired a Chapter Committee, and served on the Chapter’s Board for a minimum of one year.
- Director of Education, Director of Special Events, and Treasurer: Candidates must be a Regular or Distinguished Life member for at least one year and have served on a Chapter committee for one year. Individuals may not hold more than one Directorship simultaneously.
Open Positions:
- President-Elect (2025-2026)
- Director of Education (2025-2027)
- Director of Special Events (2025-2027)
- Treasurer (2025-2027)
All other Board positions will be filled by current Board members whose terms extend into 2025-2026.
The Role of a Board Member:
Board members are entrusted with managing projects and initiatives that facilitate collaboration among the Chapter and other organizations to achieve shared objectives. They demonstrate leadership and build a team of committee members who can leverage their skills and talents for the benefit of the organization, the Chapter, and each other.
President-Elect – One-year term and three-year commitment
Chosen for their vision and leadership qualities, the President-Elect automatically advances to the position of President, then remains on the Board for a third year as Immediate Past-President. In the absence of the President, the President-Elect presides at all meetings and has all powers of the top elected post. The President-Elect oversees that election process and is charged with developing and encouraging participation in the election process to provide for a high performing board in the following program year. The President-Elect, in support of the President, will also act as Champion of the whole strategic plan, checking in on champions of goals and objectives, reporting on progress at monthly board meetings and scheduling annual Strategic Planning update meeting until such time as a new Strategic Plan is needed. The President-Elect will also identify and secure sponsors who will benefit from exposure at individual programs, and whose financial and in-kind support will ease the burden on membership to attend programs or events.
Director of Education – Two-year term
The Director of Education is selected to provide leadership, management, and motivation for their education committee which is responsible for activities geared toward enhancing our members' skill sets and the value they bring to their respective firms. Programs managed by this committee may, Skills Seminars and Half-Day or Full-Day Workshops, Business Executives Exchanges (BEE), Marketing Coordinators Connections (MCC), Dine and Shine Webinars, monthly luncheon programs and other educational or training programs determined by the Committee and approved by the Board.
Treasurer – Two-year term
Chosen for their financial responsibility and leadership skills, the treasurer is primarily responsible for accurate and timely keeping and reporting of financial activities of the chapter. The treasurer also serves on the executive committee of the chapter. The Treasurer shall serve as chair of the Finance Committee and be responsible for complying with all federal and state statutes required of a not-of-profit corporation and in general, the financial integrity and practices of the Chapter. Due to the nature of this position, SMPS Chicago will provide training as needed.
Director of Special Events – Two-year term
Director of Special Events is selected to provide leadership, motivation and execution for the Chapter’s valuable events geared to increasing networking opportunities, new membership and educational benefits to the organization. Events hosted by this committee may include the Annual Meeting, Holiday Party, Pop-Up Networking events, the Summer Party and other events proposed by the committee and approved by the board as those that will bring value to the organization. It is the work of the Special Events Committee to draft a budget for all activities proposed for the year, secure event sponsors, as necessary, and manage logistics of its events.
Submission Requirements:
Nominations may be made by individuals (self-nominations are permitted) or by petition. Petitions must include signatures from a minimum of 30 Chapter members. Each candidate must submit a formal nomination package, including:
- A Letter of Intent addressed to the Nominations and Election Committee, expressing your candidacy, detailing your contributions to the Board, reasons for seeking office, areas of interest, and your vision for the Chapter's growth and improvement.
- Professional Information: employer details, job title, primary responsibilities, years of experience in marketing, A/E/C industry background, and notable achievements.
- SMPS Engagement: roles held and duration of membership.
When pursuing a Board position, it's recommended to work with your supervisors and firm leadership to ensure their understanding of the role's benefits and requirements, as well as to secure their support as you commit to serving.
Nomination Process:
Nomination materials must be submitted to Maura Dunleavy at [email protected] no later than June 30, 2025. For inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Individual nominations will undergo screening and evaluation by the Nominations and Elections Committee. The Committee will propose a slate of candidates to the Board for approval, recommending individuals deemed to provide the most suitable blend of skills and experience for the Chapter's future leadership. Petition nominations meeting all position requirements will be presented on a ballot for membership vote.
Slate Process:
The Board-approved slate of candidates and the new Board of Directors will be announced by July 30, 2025.
SMPS Chicago thrives and evolves through the dedication and leadership of its members. Board positions offer both visibility within our Chapter and endless opportunities for leadership and personal growth. We encourage you to consider stepping forward as a candidate to help strengthen our Chapter for years to come.
Thank you,
Maura Dunleavy
SMPS Chicago President-Elect | Nominations and Elections Committee Chair
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