McKenzie Richardson, Marketing Production Manager at PAE
President-Elect, SMPS Oregon

How did you get into a career in A/E/C marketing? And what do you do at your current firm?
I’m probably one of the few AEC marketers that has a degree in marketing! Eight years ago, I joined PAE as a Marketing Assistant and have grown in my role at the firm ever since. I’m now the Marketing Production Manager for PAE. I help manage a team of 6 talented marketing staff across 3 of PAE’s offices. Most of my work is centered around creating best-in-class marketing materials from qualifications and presentations to abstracts and award submissions to website and social media content, and so much more. 

How do you maximize your SMPS membership? 
I maximize my SMPS membership by attending as many events as I can, using the community to network and make new connections, and giving back by volunteering on committees and the Board of Directors. I have been the Education Committee Director and Chair, Treasurer Chair (for a brief stint), mentor, and am now the President-Elect.

There are so many ways to get involved and maximize your membership. The easiest thing to do is attend as many events as are relevant and interesting to you. Not seeing events you want to see? Make sure to provide feedback via the membership surveys - let us know what you want to know! Or reach out to the Board directly, we are here to serve you! Finally, you get out what you put in, round tables and committees are a great way to build experience working with and managing teams and events, as well as make industry connections. SMPS has become a family to me, I hope it can be that for you as well.

What movie can you watch over and over again?
There are three – Hot Fuzz, The Matrix and The Sound of Music.

If you could compete in any Olympic sport, which would it be?
Summer – Tennis, Winter – Downhill Skiing

What is one important skill that you think everyone should have?
How to find the positive or humor in stressful situations. Also tying your shoes is pretty useful.