Conference Committee
The Amplify A|E|C Committee, in collaboration with the SMPS staff, recommend education programming and strategic objectives that drive the success of the SMPS annual conference. The committee focuses on delivering exceptional content, fostering meaningful connections, and creating memorable experiences for attendees, ensuring the event continues to empower AEC professionals and advance the industry.
Meet the 2026 Conference Committee
Ashley’s 19-year career includes a breadth of roles from marketing, branding, communications, and business development to most recently human capital. She believes there is a powerful connection between the client and employee experience that defines the brand and company culture. Today, Ashley leads the strategic vision for client and employee experiences to ensure HITT delivers on its brand promise. While she has held many roles, her career centers on construction and a passion for the building industry. As a member of the firm’s executive committee, she advises HITT in strategic marketing, human capital, and branding. She is the executive sponsor for DE+I and the executive advisor to the firm’s Building Leaders employee resource group.
Ashley has been a passionate member of SMPS since 2006, chairing multiple committees and sitting on the Board of Directors at the Washington, DC Chapter for more than five years. In 2023, she was a member of the Amplify A|E|C Programming Committee.
Incoming Conference Chair
CHRISTOPHER TEJEDA, CPSM
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Christopher’s nearly 40 years of marketing experience is mostly outside the AEC world and brings an advertising / marketing agency-centric view to AEC marketing. He has worked for advertising agencies, non-profits and high-tech companies executing a diverse portfolio of marketing, BD and public relations campaigns. Christopher has been with Capital Engineering in Sacramento since 2016 and oversees the Marketing BD team’s efforts in both overall strategy and tactical campaigns. As the Director of Business Development, he creates new and strengthens existing relationships with clients and industry partners, while working with principals and project managers to help them achieve their business goals.
Christopher has been an active member of SMPS since 2016 and has served as committee member and mentor with the Sacramento Chapter. He served on the Sacramento Chapter Board as President Elect and President (2018-19). Christopher has served as Director of Communications for 2 separate SMPS Pacific Regional Conferences (Sacramento 2020-2022, Palm Springs 2025). He has also served as a Chapter Leadership Symposium (CLS) President’s Mentor for 2024 and 2025.
Julie Kost, FSMPS, CPSM, is the Marketing Director and an Associate at Schmidt Associates, where she brings big-picture strategy and a passion for making marketing, branding, and communications more impactful in the AEC industry. With over 35 years in marketing—and 20+ in the AEC space—she has built and led high-performing marketing teams that thrive on collaboration, creativity, and measurable results. At Schmidt Associates, she oversees public relations, proposals, social media, video production, and strategic initiatives that move the firm forward.
Julie is deeply involved in the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), having served as Indiana Chapter President and co-chaired the 2024 Heartland Regional Conference. She currently serves on the SMPS Professional Development Advisory Committee. She also sits on the Board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation–Indiana Chapter, supports breast cancer survivors through the Pink Ribbon Connection marketing committee, and gives time to Girls Inc. and DREAM Alive.
A proud Indiana native, Julie is all about connection and community. When she’s not leading firmwide strategy, she’s mentoring marketers, cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, checking out breweries, or spending time with her three dogs—mini-Aussies Taz and Jaxson, and a 75-lb rescue mix named Groot who wandered into her yard and never left.
Russell is a Past-President of SMPS Ontario and is Business Development Lead at Entro, a global experiential design firm.
He is active throughout the AEC industry as a speaker for conferences and associations, including many for SMPS. Russell is the founder of Pride Talks and chairs the Museum of Architecture’s Associate Leadership Series. As Program Lead for Amplify 2026 he brings a decade of experience supporting AEC professionals to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence towards advancing both their careers and firms.
Before joining Entro he was an independent consultant, helping AEC firms with their marketing & business development, brand, and people & culture – with a focus on learning and growth.
Russell holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Leadership, and professional development in leadership and inclusion. He also completed a social procurement course for architects through the London School of Architecture.
SMPS HQ STAFF
NANDI RICE, MA
Chief Growth & Marketing Officer
DANIELLE GRAY, MBA
Director, Content & Knowledge Resources
LINDA SMOLKIN
Senior Manager, Marketing
DEVIN STUBBS
Manager, Digital Marketing
