July 2025 Newsletter 
President's Report
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CPSM SPOTLIGHT: ADDIE MAYHEW
What made you decide to start the CPSM process? What were your main motivators to get certified?
I enjoy learning and want to be an expert in the field, and attaining the CPSM certification seemed a good way to achieve that.
How has obtaining your CPSM positively impacted your career?
It shows a commitment to going above and beyond, so when looking for jobs I think it says a lot about me and my work ethic to have those four letters after my name.
Share a piece of advice or encouragement for someone thinking about becoming a CPSM.
I think it’s a great way to commit to this industry and to SMPS. Don’t be afraid to reach out to members who are CPSMs and ask any questions you have!
Calendar of Events
July 24, 2025
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Grand Street Cafe
4740 Grand Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64112
AEC Career Paths Panel
Whether you're just starting out, building momentum mid-career, or looking to sharpen your strategic perspective, this panel is for you.
Join SMPS Kansas City for a dynamic panel discussion featuring four senior-level marketing and business development leaders from across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. With diverse backgrounds and decades of collective experience, our panelists will share insights into the evolving landscape of AEC marketing and BD—from career growth and leadership development to navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities.
This event will explore themes drawn from our chapter’s mentorship program, including the realities of career progression, lessons learned, and advice for professionals at every stage. Come prepared to gain perspective, ask questions, and connect with peers who share your passion for advancing in this ever-changing field.
Meet the Panelists
Jennifer Lerner, CPSM
Vice President of Marketing & Communications, BRR Architecture
Since joining BRR Architecture in 2018, Jennifer has established and led the firm’s dedicated marketing and communications team, effectively creating an in-house agency to support BRR’s national presence. She oversees all aspects of marketing strategy, including brand communications, digital and social media, proposal development, and internal communications and messaging. Jennifer plays a key role in shaping the firm’s voice and visibility both internally and externally.
An active leader in the AEC industry, she has served on the board of Society of Marketing Professional Services-Kansas City and the planning committee for the Missouri Valley Regional Conference. She continues to be engaged in both professional and community organizations and is an active mentor. In her “spare” time, she runs around after her two (very!) active sons and makes efforts to grow a vegetable garden.
Lauren Kepler
Director of Business Development, Newkirk Novak Construction Partners
Lauren serves as the Director of Business Development at Newkirk Novak Construction Partners, bringing over a decade of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. A graduate of The University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism and emphasis in Strategic Communication, she leverages her passion for education, relationship-building, and community impact to deliver exceptional solutions for clients.
As a key member of the Newkirk Novak leadership team, Lauren develops and spearheads strategies for the pursuit process, company direction, and partner engagement. Her commitment to community service is evident through her current board positions with the KCK Chamber, Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).
Lauren's leadership experience includes serving as the 2023 Chair of the Platte County Economic Development Council, board membership with Synergy Services, and involvement with the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) from 2011-2019. A 2023 graduate of the Greater KC Chamber's Centurions Leadership Program, she continues to make meaningful contributions to both her profession and the Kansas City community.
Mackenzi Baum
Content Marketing Director, Henderson Companies
A seasoned marketing and communications executive, Mackenzi brings 20+ years of experience driving strategic growth, brand development, and content leadership across the AEC and professional services industries. She has led high-impact teams and managed multimillion-dollar budgets while supporting up to $2B in annual sales. Her expertise spans B2B marketing, content strategy, public relations, digital engagement, and CRM implementation.
Throughout leadership roles at GBA, JE Dunn Construction, Henderson Engineers, and TFL, Mackenzi launched transformative brand initiatives, redefined core values, introduced integrated marketing plans across regions and verticals, and produced award-winning thought leadership. She specializes in aligning marketing with business goals to elevate brand visibility, generate demand, and drive measurable results.
Sheri Johnson
Chief Marketing Officer, McCownGordon
As Chief Marketing Officer for McCownGordon, Sheri leads the firm’s marketing and brand strategy and plays an instrumental role in driving the company’s strategic plan. She oversees a team focused on brand building, corporate marketing, vertical market initiatives, sales support, internal communications and customer experience. Sheri also serves on the company’s executive team, which sets corporate strategy and provides enterprise leadership.
With more than 30 years of marketing experience, Sheri holds deep expertise in all aspects of brand management, marketing, communications and customer experience. Prior to joining McCownGordon, she served as president of a marketing consulting firm, where she gained extensive expertise helping companies develop and execute integrated marketing communications programs. Her clients included Merck Animal Health, the business-to-business division of Hallmark, PetSmart and Verizon Wireless, among others. She was recognized as a Women Executive – KC by Ingram’s Magazine in 2024, a Kansas City Business Journal Women of Influence in 2017 and an Influential Businesswoman by Kansas City Magazine in 2013. Sheri was also recognized as a Rising Star in Philanthropy in 2011 by NonProfit Connect.
Sheri serves on the executive committee of the Kansas City Area Development Council board, and on the boards of AdventHealth South Overland Park Hospital, AdventHealth Foundation and Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas.
Meet the Moderator
Peggy Amor
Chief Marketing Officer, Midday Marketing, LLC
Peggy Amor, CPSM has been working in AEC marketing and communications for 18 years, with a primary focus on public sector clients and projects. Among her favorite type of work, she enjoys communicating the value and importance of infrastructure to the public. Currently Peggy serves the AEC community as a consultant with her company, Midday Marketing. Prior to consultant life, Peggy worked in-house with civil engineering firms for 14 years. Peggy also served on the SMPS-Kansas City Board from 2010-2020, and has stayed engaged with SMPS through the regional conference and our local mentor/protege program. Peggy’s other skills include active listening, strategic and tactical planning, research, and organization of projects and data of all types. A graduate of Leadership Overland Park, she continues to stay active in her community, taking roles on city advisory boards and volunteering with various school, professional, and civic organizations.
Program Timeline
8:30 - 8:45 am | Registration + Breakfast
8:45 - 9:45 am | Panel Q&A
9:45 - 10:00 am | Closing Questions
This workshop will provide 1 CEU credit for CPSM Domain 6.
Tickets
$25.00 Member Ticket
$35.00 Guest Ticket
$20.00 Student
August 14, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Rochester Brewing & Roasting Company
2129 Washington St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Coffee Connections
Start your day off right with coffee and networking! Join us at Rochester Brewing & Roasting Co. for Coffee Connections on Thursday, August 14th at 8:30 a.m. Look for the SMPS sign! Please arrive 15 minutes early to order coffee, tea, breakfast, etc., as the conversation starts at 8:30 a.m.
Tickets
$0.00 Member Ticket
$0.00 Non-Member Ticket
August 28, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fire House KC
4518 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64110
Marketing Communication Awards Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the best in marketing communications and business development in the AEC industry. This year’s event will take place at the historic Fire House KC, offering a unique and vibrant backdrop for networking, inspiration, and recognition.
We are thrilled to welcome Christina Beard as our emcee. Christina Beaird is the Chief Marketing Officer at Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) where she leads a department of 12 exceptional individuals. Developing winning strategies for nearly two decades, she thrives on introducing new ideas, encouraging organizations to question the status quo, and challenging others to make positive changes toward growth and excellence. She has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation through customer-centric campaigns and inspiring high-performing teams.
Christina has served our SMPSKC board in several capacities through the years, is a past president, and is currently serving as advisor. A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she has her MBA from Emporia State University and a Bachelors in Graphic Design and Studio Art from McPherson College. A Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) since 2018, she is also heading up programs for the 2026 Missouri Valley Regional Conference (MVRC). A capable -although sometimes terrified- presenter, she has spoken at several local, regional, and national events including Amplify AEC.
Always open to offering career advice and friendly conversation to support the growth and success of others — don’t hesitate to connect with her!
Our keynote speaker will be Beth Collins, Market Principal at Office Revolution, whose impressive career includes many years with the Kansas City Business Journal. Beth brings a wealth of knowledge in marketing strategy and brand evolution, and she’ll share valuable insights sure to inspire.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate excellence, connect with peers, and elevate your marketing game.
Tickets
$85.00 SMPS KC Member
$85.00 Guest Ticket
$45.00 Student Ticket
$300.00 1/2 Table (4 Tickets): Save $10 Per Ticket