Announcing the 2025–2026 SMPS Arizona Board of Directors
Posted by sreynolds on Sep. 18, 2025 / Subscribe 0
MEET THE BOARD
SMPS Arizona is proud to introduce our 2025–2026 Board of Directors! Each of these leaders brings unique expertise, passion, and commitment to advancing the marketing and business development profession in the A/E/C industry.
President: Tiffany Gorrell, GLHN Architects & Engineers
Tiffany is the Director of Business Development and Marketing at GLHN Architects & Engineers, where she focuses on building relationships that lead to impactful design projects. She began her career in development before discovering her passion for marketing, leveraging her Advertising/Journalism degree from Northern Arizona University and her talent for storytelling. An SMPS Arizona member since 2014, Tiffany has served as Blog Chair and on the Membership Committee. Tiffany has been instrumental in the Southwest Regional Conference planning and coordination.
Past President: Jamie Schindeldecker, Speedie & Associates
Jamie Schindeldecker is the Business Development Director for Speedie & Associates, LLC, a UES company. With 25 years in marketing and business development, she combines creativity with strategic insight and champions integrated, collaborative approaches to drive growth and enhance client experiences. An SMPS member since 2004, Jamie has served on multiple committees, chaired Branding and Programs, and served as President of SMPS Arizona. As Past President, she provides guidance, continuity, and mentorship to the board.
President-Elect: Anissa Rasheta, Säzän Group
Anissa is a Senior Marketing Coordinator at Säzän Group, supporting marketing and business development for the multidisciplinary MEP firm. Since joining the AEC industry in 2019, she has built expertise in proposals, social media, events, and community service initiatives, including leading Säzän Group’s internal service program. A dedicated SMPS Arizona member, she recently served as Director of Education and will step into the president role next year, assisting with chapter planning and strategy. Outside of work, Anissa enjoys traveling, reading, camping, and paramotoring.
Treasurer: Brad Thompson, SBD Contracting Services
Brad is the Business Solutions Director with over 20 years in marketing and a decade in the AEC industry. He leads marketing, business development, and IT, driving digital transformation to streamline proposals, optimize pursuits, and strengthen brand impact. Known for reducing friction and creating space for strategic growth, Brad will serve as Treasurer, overseeing chapter finances and budgets.
Secretary: Emily Laughlin, Dibble
Emily Laughlin is a Senior Pursuit Specialist at Dibble, leading proposals and pursuit efforts across the Southwest region. With ten years of marketing and A/E/C experience, she has been an active SMPS Arizona member since 2020, serving on the Delegate-at-Large and Education Committees. As Secretary, Emily manages board records, meeting minutes, and internal communications.
Membership Director: Melanie Garcia, Hensel Phelps
Melanie is a Marketing Coordinator for Hensel Phelps’ Southwest Region, supporting pursuits, communications, and events. With a degree in Marketing & Advertising from Grand Canyon University and three years in the AEC industry, she brings skills in social media, PR, awards, and graphics. As Membership Director, she will focus on recruitment, retention, and engagement to strengthen the chapter community.
Publicity/Communications Director: Sara Reynolds, Dibble
Sara is a Corporate Marketing Specialist at Dibble with over 20 years in the AEC industry. She brings strategic insight and creative direction to brand and communications efforts. An SMPS Arizona member since 2016, she has served as Treasurer and on the Social Media Committee. As Publicity and Communications Director, she will oversee chapter communications, branding, and marketing.
Programs Director: Melissa Johnson, Danson Construction
Melissa is the Director of Business Development and marketing at Danson Construction, bringing 15+ years of experience in land use, development, and strategic communications. She is recognized for building strong partnerships and actively contributes to Arizona’s AEC and economic development community through board service and nonprofit work. As SMPS Programs Director, she will develop and manage events that deliver value to members.
Education Director: Kayla Ruyle, WSP
Kayla is Marketing Manager for WSP in Arizona and New Mexico, bringing nearly a decade of AEC marketing experience in proposals, strategic planning, trainings, and communications. Active in her community, she contributes to WSP’s employee resource groups, volunteers with the Arizona Science Center, and supports organizations advancing Asian and Indigenous leaders. As Education Director, she will create opportunities for professional growth through workshops, training, and learning initiatives.
Delegate-at-Large: Sydney Chan, CPSM, Burns & McDonnell
Sydney is a senior marketing coordinator at Burns & McDonnell and has over seven years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. She holds degrees in design studies and graphic information technology from ASU and has earned both her CPSM and CF APMP certifications. A past SMPS Arizona board member, she now serves as Delegate-at-Large, representing member interests and supporting chapter initiatives, including the Phelix Awards.
As a chapter, we are grateful for the dedication of our volunteer leaders who help shape the future of SMPS Arizona through innovative programming, meaningful connections, and professional development opportunities.
This year’s board is excited to continue building on SMPS Arizona’s strong foundation by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting our members as they grow their careers and elevate the industry.
Stay tuned for upcoming events, educational opportunities, and ways to connect with our new board. Together, we’re looking forward to another impactful year for SMPS Arizona!
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