A Year On Fire

Let me begin my term by telling you a little story…

For those of you who don’t know SMPS holds an annual training session for their president elects, and I was lucky enough to attend in April.  Our session started off with the lighting of a fire beneath us all.  Yes, literally an hour before we were scheduled to begin a car burst into flames in the parking garage under our hotel.  We were all evacuated, and got the unique networking opportunity for meeting in a wide array of not quite readiness.  (I had wet hair and no makeup, but at least I wasn’t wearing my robe!)  Anyway, in true marketing fashion, we took this awkward start and created a positive identity – our class name became En Fuego.

I tell you this story not to have you start humming This Girl is On Fire, We Didn’t Start the Fire or Ring of Fire (depending on your generation and musical taste), but because ironically this chance identity fits amazingly well with my goal in becoming president of SMPS.  I wanted to stir up excitement for all SMPS is and can be, and what’s more exciting than starting a fire!

I know some of you didn’t vote for me.  In fact, no one did.  I’m became SMPS president by default, but it is something I am truly honored and excited to do.  When I moved to Wichita and joined the AEC industry just about four years ago, I had no idea how much I needed this organization.  Again and again, SMPS has connected me with the people and the information to help me better myself, my company and my community. It continues to challenge me and provide me opportunities to be more than I would have been on own, and I hope to give back just as much.

Luckily for me, I’m not in this on my own.  We recently had our annual board retreat to brainstorm and plan for the coming year, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to work with the incredible group of people you have elected.  We have an amazing mix of returning leadership and new volunteers.  They are full of great ideas and the commitment to make SMPS the organization we all want and need.  These are the people who can make it happen.

I really feel that we have an exciting year ahead with programs and activities that can benefit you if you are a newbie or a well-seasoned vet.  Our board is committed to befitting you as our member, your firm, and our community this year.  We also plan to have a lot of fun along the way.  SMPS is all about networking, learning, and being involved, and it is my hope to get you excited as well, to light that fire.

Thank you for letting me be the President of SMPS Wichita for 2016-17!

Brandy Willett

SMPS Wichita Chapter President