30 Years of SMPS Utah as Remembered by Keri Hammond, FSMPS, CPSM
Posted by Communications2 on Oct. 27, 2020 / Member News / Subscribe 0
Keri Hammond of MARKETLINK is a recognized expert in the AEC industry and has been involved with SMPS Utah since it was chartered in 1990. This proved to be the first and most valuable professional association in her career. At the time, Keri was a marketing student at the University of Utah and marketing coordinator for Stephanie Craft at Eckhoff, Watson, and Preator Engineering (EWP). Stephanie encouraged Keri to get involved with the Utah Chapter and she applied for a student membership. Keri recalls “When I joined, there were only five members. It was the perfect opportunity to get involved and learn the industry. It has since grown to over 115 professionals. SMPS means so much to me.”
Since its organization, Keri recalls several memorable SMPS milestones including:
• First Chapter President: Dana French Birkes; followed by Stephanie Craft and Marianne Cook. All amazing mentors to me.
• First Regional Conference hosted by the Utah Chapter.
• First Striving for Excellence SMPS Utah submittal.
• First Marion Cook Emerging Professional Scholarship awarded.
Keri’s successful career has grown with SMPS. “I have the most amazing mentors, colleagues and peers due to my involvement with SMPS locally, regionally, and nationally. The knowledge I have of this technical industry was gained through inspired SMPS programs, educational events, conferences, and networking events.”
One such event was a wildly successful Casino Night for SMPS members at the One Utah Center in downtown Salt Lake City. We also hosted a huge party for SMPS Utah’s 20th Anniversary gifting each member a commemorative ornament. One memory that’s very special to Keri is the history behind the Marion Cook Emerging Professional Scholarship. Marion was a long-time, beloved member in the Utah Chapter. She served fearlessly in many different capacities on the board of directors and was a great advocate and mentor to all who knew her. She passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Keri shared: “As a token of our love for her, we started the Marion Cook Emerging Professional Scholarship, which awards an up and coming marketing professional with an annual SMPS membership. Each year, it reminds us to do as Marion would, “Do what you love and love what you do.”
“SMPS Utah is a huge part of my professional career,” says Keri. She advocates for the Utah chapter daily and looks forward to seeing what the future has in store for this organization.
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