Hall of Fame Inductees

	Year	Recipient	What does it mean to be a part of the NEO Chapter Hall of Fame?
	2025	Rachel Rauscher	"It is an honor to join the list of past recipients, and it is one that will always be very special to me."
	2024	Jenny Hamilton, CPSM	"It was an honor and a surprise to be included in the NEO Chapter Hall of Fame. I declined to pursue the president track due to both personal and professional demands on my time, but instead opted to take on the dreaded treasurer role for two two-year terms (as well as a few director-at-large stints and numerous committee assignments). The fact that my peers considered my contributions worthy of this honor was validating, as it affirmed that I made the best decision for both the chapter and myself. This group has meant so much to me over my 18-year career, and it's nice to know the feeling is mutual."
	2022	Stephanie Cieszkowski	"I am honored to be a part of this great group of people! The collection of talent and achievements within this group is a true testament to the strong AEC presence in NEO! I am proud to call the honorees my colleagues and friends."
	2021	Jennifer Wahl, FSMPS, CPSM	"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honor that represents not just my own journey, but the collective support, collaboration, and mentorship that SMPS fosters among its members."
	2020	Matt Danis, MBA	"For me the Hall of Fame is less about anything that I did during my time on the Board or in committees. It is all about the relationships I built and the times I spent with people that I admired. That is the most meaningful part of the Hall of Fame recognition to me – the memories and relationships I gained and the amazing people that I was able to join in the Hall of Fame recognition."
	2019	Jeff Dentzer, CPSM	"I was surprised--and very humbled--to be recognized by the Chapter with my Hall of Fame induction in 2019. I continue to keep the award on my desk at work and still look at it often when I need to remind myself of the company I am keeping with the other HOF winners."
	2018	Lisa Pim Peterson	"I truly love the work I do today, and I credit much of my success to the foundation built during my years in the AEC industry. SMPS will always hold a special place in my heart."
	2015	Brett Neff	"When I received the call from Adam Kilbourne letting me know that I was going to be the recipient of a NEO Chapter Hall of fame award, I was overwhelmed.  I remember thinking about how many others were more deserving than myself.  I was fortunate to be the chapter treasurer as well as co-chair on the first three regional conferences in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Cleveland."
	2013	Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM	"I’ve always volunteered, mentored, and supported others because I enjoy it—not for recognition. That said, it’s an honor to be recognized for the contributions I made to the chapter, especially knowing those efforts helped launch my career and deepen my passion for the AEC industry."

Note:  No awards were given in 2023, 2017, 2016 or 2014.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM OUR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

  RACHEL RAUSCHER

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

I joined SMPS not long after starting my career in the AEC industry, and without knowing anyone or much about the industry. From my first event I felt welcomed to our chapter and have since have formed many great friendships with folks in our chapter and others. SMPS NEO has been instrumental in my career growth and knowledge of the AEC industry, from the educational aspect to the connections I have been able to make.

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

Get involved! Do not be afraid to step up and join committees. It is a sure-fire way to start learning more about our chapter, SMPS as a whole, and the AEC industry. Even if you have been in the industry for a while, you will still be learning new skills and making new connections. Our chapter is very strong, and friendships are easily formed the more you become involved. I will also say to take advantage of all that SMPS has to offer. From learning labs to the SMPS website, CPSM study groups, and so much more.

  JENNY HAMILTON, CPSM

   2024 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

I joined SMPS not long after starting my career in the AEC industry, and without knowing anyone or much about the industry. From my first event I felt welcomed to our chapter and have since have formed many great friendships with folks in our chapter and others. SMPS NEO has been instrumental in my career growth and knowledge of the AEC industry, from the educational aspect to the connections I have been able to make. 

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

To get the most out of the chapter's resources, you have to get involved. As you can see from my path, that doesn't mean you have to become president (though that's a great goal!). Start by joining a committee and find where you can add value. Try a few different committees. Then, if it makes sense for you and the chapter, consider joining the board. You'll have a say in the direction of the chapter and help ensure its value remains high for your career. Additionally, pursue the CPSM (Certified Professional Services Marketer) accreditation. No other learning opportunity exists that is tailored to the marketing/BD role in the A/E/C industry.

  STEPHANIE CIESZKOWSKI

   2022 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

I have met great people and learned so much about our industry. The connections I have made over the past 15+ years have been amazing, helping me keep my sanity and perspective in this crazy AEC career choice!

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

Get involved! Joining a committee and being active on the committee grows your network and helps create true and lasting friendships!

  JENNIFER WAHL, FSMPS, CPSM

   2021 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

SMPS Northeast Ohio has been a cornerstone of my career for more than two decades. As a co-founder of the chapter, I’ve had the opportunity to shape its growth, serve in multiple leadership roles, and connect with professionals who have both challenged and inspired me. The education, resources, and relationships I’ve gained through SMPS have been instrumental in my professional development, helping me grow from a young marketer to a strategic leader in the A/E/C industry. 

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

For those looking to get the most out of SMPS, my advice is simple: get involved. Volunteer for committees, because that’s where the best networking happens and where real, lasting connections are built. Those experiences not only expand your professional circle but also deepen your knowledge and confidence. And never hesitate to share your ideas, your perspective might be exactly what sparks the next great initiative for our chapter or the Society.

  MATT DANIS, MBA

   2020 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

Early in my career, SMPSNEO was the greatest contributor to my understanding of our industry, the local market and building my own personal network. It was truly the foundation of my knowledge base in my career. As I got further in my career, it also provided a safe space for me to develop leadership and teamwork skills, through my participation in the SMPSNEO Board and committees. The lasting impact has been the wealth of friendships that I’ve developed. There is a huge group of people that to this day I can call up for counsel or a connection, based on the relationships I built with them during my time at SMPS. I’ll always be grateful for what SMPSNEO has meant to my career journey. 

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

Use this organization as a safe space to challenge yourself. Seek mentoring and be a mentor. Lean into the relationships you build – that’ the greatest currency we have in this industry and their only worth something if they are genuine. Have fun!

  JEFF DENTZER, CPSM

   2019 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

As I was with the chapter from it’s start-up, SMPSNEO has provided me with a very broad spectrum of personal and professional growth opportunities. From leading the first SMPSNEO CPSM study groups, I built coaching skills. As President, I learned the importance of servant leadership. While Education Chair, I recognized and (hopefully) improved my organizational abilities. Most important, through my membership in the chapter (and SMPS nationally), I built a terrific network of colleagues and developed long-term friendships that I would never have accomplished without joining the Society. 

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

•  In every personal and professional conversation-always be an active listener.
• When joining a new association like SMPSNEO, make joining a committee your first priority. It quickly allows you to build meaningful relationships. 
• As SMPS is all about Business Development and Marketing, never get down about the loss of a pursuit. Learn from it and move on as quickly as possible.

  LISA PIM PETERSON

   2018 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

As I was with the chapter from it’s start-up, SMPSNEO has provided me with a very broad spectrum of personal and professional growth opportunities. From leading the first SMPSNEO CPSM study groups, I built coaching skills. As President, I learned the importance of servant leadership. While Education Chair, I recognized and (hopefully) improved my organizational abilities. Most important, through my membership in the chapter (and SMPS nationally), I built a terrific network of colleagues and developed long-term friendships that I would never have accomplished without joining the Society. 

  BRETT NEFF

   2018 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

As I was with the chapter from it’s start-up, SMPSNEO has provided me with a very broad spectrum of personal and professional growth opportunities. From leading the first SMPSNEO CPSM study groups, I built coaching skills. As President, I learned the importance of servant leadership. While Education Chair, I recognized and (hopefully) improved my organizational abilities. Most important, through my membership in the chapter (and SMPS nationally), I built a terrific network of colleagues and developed long-term friendships that I would never have accomplished without joining the Society. 

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

I have learned many valuable lessons in my 35 plus year career. The most valuable lesson is just how vital strong business and personal relationships are when it comes to fostering trust and facilitating collaboration, ultimately leading to new opportunities and relationships which are ethe foundation for sustainable growth and success in everyday life.

My tips/lessons that have served me well and I would like to pass on:
*Don’t wait for opportunities in life to come to you
*Build and nurture strong relationships
*Be an active listener
*Focus on presenting value, addressing concerns, solving problems, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

  ADAM KILBOURNE, FSMPS, CPSM

   2013 Inductee

How has SMPS NEO impacted your life and career?

Joining SMPS NEO was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. I became a member in 2005 and immediately got involved with the chapter through the Membership Committee. Over the years, I served on various committees, became Treasurer, and eventually moved through the Presidential track. These roles gave me the chance to learn how to run a small business in a safe environment without the pressure of impacting employees’ livelihoods.

My interest in SMPS grew beyond the chapter level, and I was fortunate that my company supported my involvement. That’s when I truly discovered the full impact SMPS could have on my career and my life. Through participating in national committees and attending conferences, I gained valuable knowledge, found incredible mentors, and made lifelong friends. Today, I can travel to almost any major city and connect with someone for coffee, a meal, or a cocktail.

Now, as President of my firm, I often reflect on how different my path might have been without SMPS, and I’m grateful for the role it has played.

Do you have any tips or lessons you'd like to share with our members?

You get out of SMPS (or any organization) what you put into it. As an introvert, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to get involved, but doing so helped me grow into a stronger public speaker, mentor, and leader.

Growth doesn’t happen only within the 8-to-5 workday. It takes time, commitment, and dedication; not just from your employer, but from you as well. The more you invest in the experience, the greater the return.