SAME Board of Direction Election

Sharon Krock, SPWS, F.SAME
Branch Leader/Principal Scientist/Senior Vice President, Schnabel Engineering

Primary Post: Philadelphia Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• SAME National Vice President (2021-Present)
• Vice Chair – Events, AOF Executive Committee (2020-2021)
• North Atlantic Regional Vice President (2017-2020)
• Elected Director, SAME Board of Direction (2013-2016)
• Engineering & Construction Camps Mentor (2016-2020)
• Chair, K-12 STEM Outreach Task Force (2013-2014)
• Philadelphia Post President (2012-2013)
• Philadelphia Post Centennial Committee Co-Chair (2018-2021)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME President’s Medal (2018)
• SAME RVP Medal (2014)
• Philadelphia Post Liberty Bell Award (2013)
• Commander’s Coin – USACE Philadelphia District (2012)

Statement of Commitment

“As National President-Elect, I will dynamically engage all levels of the Society to achieve the current 2025 Strategic Plan goals, while preparing and setting the stage for our next strategic plan.  The 2025 Strategic Plan provided the Posts the necessary focus and a broad base to achieve success locally and regionally that complimented the National goals.  It is our responsibility as national leaders and as the premier A/E/C industry society to provide the tools and a framework to drive the Posts’ activities in our next strategic plan. I believe enabling Posts’ autonomy to determine their own path to support national goals is extremely important.

I will continue the momentum we have achieved increasing IGE and general member commitments.  I will similarly promote and inspire progress on the other strategic goals. Two very important focus areas include enriching the Nation’s STEM pipeline and developing the profession’s leaders.  Our Leadership Development Program produced immeasurable positive impacts on our graduates.  I will start developing leaders for the profession even earlier through the K-12 STEM Outreach and College Outreach COIs. So many youth have no idea what amazing careers even exist within the STEM community. We will show them by exposing students to the available opportunities and spark their interest. Strong SAME mentors and leaders will provide a shining example of servant leadership in our profession. They will guide and catapult students through their own successful careers. 

Another focus area of mine is to prepare our Servicemembers and Veterans for the A/E/C Industry.  This area of special attention will support them in their transition to industry. I will recruit and encourage interested members to develop programs to educate our industry on the untapped resource of veteran experience and capabilities.

Having served on the National Leadership Team for two years, serving at the Post, Regional and National levels for more than 18 years, leading one of the largest offices in my engineering firm, operating my own small business, and serving on a local municipality’s board of directors, I have the variety of business and executive experience that has prepared me for the President-Elect, President, and Past President positions. With my recent roles as VP of the RVPs and currently the VP of the Human Capital COIs, I have gained knowledge of the fantastic number of programs, inspirational experiences, and noteworthy successes of our members. Sharing my expanded awareness of the depth and breadth of SAME throughout the membership and highlighting our existing programs and opportunities will encourage member involvement, streamlining their actions and amplifying their achievements. 

As President-Elect, I will motivate and promote members’ actions from across the Society within their unique passion areas. Sharing my enthusiasm and positive attitude while working with and through the VPs, Board of Direction, and the SAME staff, we will facilitate members’, Post, and COI success, further strengthening our Society. I am well equipped to serve as the National President-Elect and look forward to leading our Society’s governance with our talented and well-balanced National Leadership Team.”

Michael Huffstetler, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, F.SAME
Principal | Federal Client Leader, DLR Group

Primary Post: Omaha Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Appointed Director, IGE, SAME Board of Direction (2022-Present)
• SAME Executive Committee (2020-Present)
• Elected Director Review Task Lead (2022)
• Membership Focus Groups Team Lead (2021)
• Omaha Post Board Member (2016-2022)
• Omaha Post, VP for Industry Government Engagement (2021-2022)
• Omaha Post VP for Relationships (2018-2021)
• Omaha Post Membership Committee Chair (2016-2018)
• Mentor, Omaha Post Student Annual Mentoring Program (2007-2009)
• Chair, Membership Community of Interest (2020-2022)
• Deputy Chair, Membership Community of Interest (2019-2020)
• Inaugural Member, DEI Working Group/Sub-Committee (2019-2022)
• Active Member, Membership COI, Architectural Practice COI, Facility Asset Management COI.

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Omaha Post Douglas A. Plack Golden Eagle Award (2022)
• SAME President’s Medal (2022)
• SAME President’s Coin (2021)
• SAME Fellow (2021)
• Omaha Post – Rising Star Award (2016)
• National Capital Chapter 2001 Project of the Year Award, CMAA
• Merit Award Winner, 1992 U.S. Air Force Design Awards Program
• Back-to-back U.S. Air Force Office Exchange assignments with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Division and Baltimore District (1993-1998)
• Military Awards/Decorations: various U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army decorations during USAF active duty service and as an exchange officer to USACE (1988-1998)

Statement of Commitment

“Serving as a national officer and an extension of the President, I bring a unique skillset that will help move the Society forward in meeting our strategic plan goals. This skillset combines my passion for problem-solving and a personal strength as a “trusted steward.” Problem-solving has always driven me personally and professionally. Taking on tasks and seeing them through to resolution (or at least to the next step) is something I find rewarding both personally and professionally. As a “Trusted Steward” I bring commitment to my organizations, teammates, and colleagues in pursuit of common goals. This demeanor is effective when collaboration and trust-building are essential.

I believe I can enhance the NLT with range and perspective while bringing a unique experience set to enhance dialogue and advocacy on key initiatives. While I may not have the same “traditional’ resume as many of my fellow SAME colleagues, those of us on the industry side who have followed more non-linear trajectories in our professional growth can be positioned to contribute even broader professional perspectives and honed skillsets that are incredibly beneficial to the Society.

I joined SAME when I was a 23-year-old U.S. Air Force civil engineering officer. Although my career path at times took me away from SAME, it has always been synonymous with my professional growth. The Society is home –home to long-standing friendships, opportunities to explore myself professionally, to forge new alliances, to face new challenges, and to meet expectations I am challenged with to further a need or a cause. Again, I want to make sure SAME continues to be there for others who see the Society in very much the same way.

On a more personal note, outside my full-time employment, my wife Beth and I have raised six children, all of whom we have homeschooled through 12th grade. We also own and operate a small, private fitness studio in North Omaha serving active aging adults, many who are cancer survivors. We also loan out our home (an iconic and award-winning piece of local architecture) for weddings, photo shoots and productions. We view these latter enterprises not as hobbies but as responsibilities—further examples of where we can exercise trusted stewardship.

Finally, I continue to “walk the talk” by fostering and encouraging personal involvement of my SAME colleagues in IGE. I continue to personally support colleagues within the U.S. Coast Guard leadership with facility sustainment collaboration in an on-going IGE campaign to source effective long term solutions, although  I have never served in any capacity in the Coast Guard. Through this amazing and powerful Society, I have been blessed with friends and colleagues on both the government and industry side whom I can inspire, encourage, and connect in order to do the same.”

Ben Matthews, P.E., F.SAME
Vice President – National Market Leader, Civilian Agencies, Michael Baker International

Primary Post: Dallas Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Texas Regional Vice President (2021 to Present)
• TEXOMA Deputy RVP (2019-2021)
• Key Leader Development Commission Vice Chair (2020-2021)
• SAME Elected Director (2016-2019)
• Dallas Post Past President & Fellows Committee Chair (2015-present)
• Dallas Post President (2014)
• Dallas Post President Elect and Programs Chair (2013)
• Young Member Liaison to Facility Asset Management Committee (2012-2016)
• Dallas Post Outreach Committee Chair (2007-2012)
• College Outreach Committee Chair (2007-2011)
• Young Member Council Secretary (2006-2008)
• Ohio Valley Regional Conference Planning committee (2006)
• Kittyhawk Post Young Members Committee Chair (2005-2007)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Dallas Post Gold Medal Award (2020)
• JW Morris Large Sustaining Member of the Year with Jacobs (2018)
• Dallas Post Sustaining Member Firm of the Year (2017)
• SAME Fellow (2016)
• Dallas Post Young Member of the Year (2014)
• SAME President’s Medal (2010)
• SAME RVP Medal (2006)

Statement of Commitment

“For the past two decades, SAME has been a part of my DNA. I sought simultaneous Post and National leadership roles during that timeframe because I believe in the SAME mission and the current goals outlined in the Strategic Plan. My biggest strength as a National Officer would be to lead collaboration.

My diverse background helps me to identify with servicemembers since I am a former Air Force civil engineer. I would collaborate with the technical communities of interest as a professional engineer and leader in a multi-discipline A/E firm who has worked in the Defense and Federal Civilian markets. I have a strong affinity with the human capital COIs based on my national leadership roles with Young Professionals and College Outreach. Closely related to this leader development is my role as a Fellow. I was honored to be selected as a Young Member Fellow and I continue to push for ways to bridge the gap between the two groups while I am still young at heart. Finally, I will collaborate with the Posts based on my active roles locally and recent tenure as a Regional Vice President sharing best practices from some of the highest decorated Posts in the Society from my Texas Region. Each of these collaboration elements is critical because it takes a unified front to solve our national security infrastructure challenges.

SAME has another unique opportunity as we develop our 2030 Strategic Plan over the next few years.

Industry-Government Engagement remains a core pillar for the society, but there are opportunities to focus on key outcomes. After IGE, the Society needs to evaluate how to best engage the volunteer talent and passions from our membership. We light the spark with scholarships and leadership development programs, but we need to turn that spark into a flame by keeping those graduates engaged. We need to convince their employers that time spent with SAME national defense initiatives should be considered as valuable as utilized/billable time. Finally, we need to remain focused on adding value to our servicemembers and government civilians. While I have been the first to say in my recruitment pitches that SAME is “not just for military and not just for engineers,” I can also say as a former military engineer that we need the military to understand and partner on these national security infrastructure challenges. That will remain a foundation in our mission and future strategic plans.

My role as a National Officer is to be a champion. A champion for collaboration around the current and future strategic plan that is woven throughout our vibrant Posts. I have enjoyed doing it for 20 years and want to continue to serve.”

Col. Robert Grainger, P.E., PMP, F.SAME, USAF
Commander and Professor of Air & Space Studies, Air Force ROTC Detachment 695, University of Portland

Primary Post: Portland Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Portland Post 2nd Vice President (2021-Present)
• Deputy RVP, Northern Tier (2022-Present)
• Deputy Northern Tier Fellows POC
• Vice Chair, Post Level Programs, Leadership Development Community of Interest
• SAME Fellow and Class Leader (2021)
• Member, SAME 2025 Strategic Plan Task Force
• Japan Post President (2016-2019)
• Tularosa Basin Post President (2010-2012)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Curtin Award, 18th Civil Engineer Group Commander (2018)
• SAME RVP Medal (2019)
• Air Force Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal

Statement of Commitment

“Throughout my Air Force career, I have built relationships and created strong teams to deliver innovative solutions to military challenges. I have leveraged my networking and communications talents within SAME to grow membership and build excitement for the Society while at home and deployed.  The SAME 2025 Strategic Plan marked a significant shift from previous plans, by elevating Industry-Government Engagement as the primary goal for Posts. As a Post officer, I focused on implementing the national goals at the local level.  As an Elected Director, I hope to continue supporting posts throughout SAME as they focus on building meaningful engagement. 

As a uniformed member, I have both witnessed and benefitted from partnership with industry throughout my career. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed many barriers and challenges to that same partnership from both the government and industry partners alike. I look forward to engaging at the national level to break through those barriers by focusing on SAME’s value to the community. I believe the Strategic Plan’s deliberate focus on the value proposition is one of the most under-appreciated aspects of the plan. Highlighting the value of the Society, and making that a prominent feature at the National, Regional, and Post level are key to recruiting and retaining engaged members. Those engaged members are what keep SAME one of the most important organizations in the A/E/C community.”

Col. Anthony Higdon, P.E., F.SAME, USAF (Ret.)
Air Force Program Leader, Weston Solutions

Air Force Program Leader, Weston Solutions

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Huntsville Post Awards Chair (2023-Present)
• Mentor, SAME Leader Development Program (2020-2022)
• Europe Regional Vice President (2017-2020)
• Member, SAME Executive Committee (2018-2020)
• Kaiserslautern Post President (2016-2017)
• Panama City Post President (2015-2016)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME Curtain Award – Most Outstanding Air Force Engineering Unit (2007)
• AFIT Distinguished Graduate for IDE Class (2004)
• SAME Award of Merit Top Graduate Base Civil Engineer Course (1990)
• Multiple Air Force awards and recognitions

Statement of Commitment

“As an Elected Director, I look forward to continuing serving the membership of this great organization especially focused in the two areas I have the most passion…Developing Leaders for the Profession and Preparing Servicemembers and Veterans for the A/E/C Industry. 

Having recently transitioned from military service to industry, I have a special appreciation for the many society leaders and members that provided development opportunities throughout my career and our excellent programs geared to preparing servicemembers and veterans for the A/E/C industry.  I am committed to continuing and growing the opportunities the Society provides to servicemembers and veterans to pay forward the benefits to current and future members.  I spent the past 20 years developing leaders for our profession and was honored to serve as a mentor a one of our LDP graduates on his journey through the program which gave me a renewed passion to serving and expanding leader development and mentorship opportunities down to the Post level. “

Ens. Erin Krug, P.E., PMP, USNR | (Young Professional)
Structural Engineer Subject Matter Expert ME, USACE Inland Navigation Design Center /  Engineering Duty Officer, U.S. Naval Reserve

Primary Post: Minneapolis-St. Paul Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Camps COI and K-12 STEM Outreach COI Liaison (2021-Present)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Post President (2022-Present)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Post Vice President (2021-2022)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Post Scholarship Committee Chairperson (2017-2021)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul Post Engineering and Construction Camp POC (2017-2021)
• Camper Coordinator, SAME/Marine Corps Camp (2021)
• Camp Mentor: SAME/USAFA Camp (2017); SAME/Marine Corps Camp (2018)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Member, SAME Leader Development Program Class (2019-2020)
• USACE St Paul District Leadership Development Program Tier II ( 2021-2022)
• SAME Tudor Medal (2021)
• SAME RVP Medal (2021)
• Young Engineer of the Year Award, Minneapolis-St. Paul Post (2019)
• Young Engineer of the Year by the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies (2019)
• SAME RVP Coin (2018)
• Navy Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2022)
• USACE: Achievement Medals for Civilian Service; Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and Humanitarian Award; Operations Honorary Regional Collaboration Award; Operations Honorary Team of the Year Award

Statement of Commitment

“I have made numerous contributions to SAME in my roles at the Minneapolis-St Paul Post: Committee Member for the Scholarship and Educational Grant Committees (2015-2017), Chairperson for the Scholarship and Engineering and Construction Camp Committees (2017-2021), Junior Vice President (2017-2021), Vice President (2021-2022), Awards Committee Chairperson (2022), Leadership Forum Co-Chair (2022), and President (2022).

I have also instituted new initiatives, focusing my passion for leader development and youth outreach to make a significant impact in both areas at the Post level and beyond. I took what I learned from the inaugural SAME National Leader Development Program (2019-2020) and initiated the Minneapolis-St. Paul Post Leadership Development Program in the form of a monthly leadership forum. I used my experience as the liaison between the National E&C Camps and National STEM K-12 Outreach COIs and as a mentor and Camper Coordinator for multiple SAME E&C Camps to develop a new mobile application to enhance camp communications and overall safety for staffers and campers.

As an Elected Director, I will continue to develop and refine strategies and procedures for encouraging and engaging students, Posts, and volunteers to become more invested in STEM and leader development. I will create a process that identifies and articulates a vision for developing future leaders for our nation whether at the youth, collegiate, or professional level, and I will assist the leaders of SAME to do the same. Additionally, I will expand into areas where I have not been directly involved before, such as industry government engagement and building and sustaining resilient communities. I see being an Elected Director as an excellent opportunity to give back to an organization that has personally given me so much.”

Ree Miskimon, CPSM
Director of Business Development & Marketing, Cube Root Corporation

Primary Post: Baltimore Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Leader Development Community of Interest Mentoring POC (2022-Present)
• Lead/Creator, SAME Maryland Leadership & Mentoring Program (2022-Present)
• Baltimore Post Mentoring Co-Chair (2020-Present)
• Baltimore Post Appointed Director (2017-Present)
• Baltimore Post Membership Director (2013-2019)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Member, SAME Leader Development Program Class (2020-2021)
• SMPS Maryland Chapter Board of Director of the Year Award (2008)
• Big Sister of the Year, BBBS Baltimore Chapter (2004)
• DEI Certificate, Cornell University

Statement of Commitment

“I grew up with three older brothers and watched them follow their passion to join the military: Army, Navy (dad too), and Air Force. My father raised us by the governance of respect, to honor our commitments, and to always lend a hand without question. This foundation positioned me to serve with purpose beyond myself; to look at what needs to be done, for whom, and how they will benefit. That groundwork helped me thrive throughout my career and through my decade of work with SAME.

I graduated from SAME’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) in which I was able to grow as a leader and now have the opportunity to help grow tomorrow’s SAME leaders through my work with the SAME LD COI as the Mentor POC. I believe that as we grow in our careers we should always have a hand extended behind us lifting up others who are growing too. As an elected director I will continue to serve the Society through the enhancement of our current LDP and help Posts across the nation with their efforts to start a post-level leadership program, just as I am currently doing for Maryland’s Leadership & Mentoring Program (LMP).

I recently obtained my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certificate through Cornell University and will use my gained knowledge in the DEI space to make strides for the Society as it relates to socially responsible leadership. I am a proud ally and human rights advocate with a passion and dedication for human-centered leadership. This coupled with my passion for creating a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of others will be the driver for my success as SAME’s next elected director.”

1st Sgt. Shane Payne, USA | (Young Professional)
First Sergeant, 526th Engineer Construction Company

Primary Post: Savannah Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Chair, Enlisted Community of Interest (2021-Present)
• Vice Chair, Enlisted Community of Interest (2020-2021)
• Honolulu Post Board of Directors (2019-2020)
• SAME Engineering & Construction Camps Mentor (2019)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• LTG Samuel D. Sturgis Medal
• Bronze DeFluery Medal
• Black Engineer of the Year
• General Johnnie E. Wilson Legacy Award
• Master Army Instructor Badge,
• Sergeant Audie Murphy Award,
• Army Combat Engineer Sergeant Award
• Silver Presidential Volunteer Award

Statement of Commitment

“I have been a member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) for approaching six years. I have served on the Honolulu Post board, followed by my current position as the Enlisted Community of Interest (ECOI) Chair for the last three years. During my time in SAME, I have grown as a leader/person, made connections to improve the ECOI, and done everything I can to support National leadership. I enjoy what I do in SAME, and I know moving to Elected Director is my next move. I have talked to several members and national board members to ensure this was the right move, and they agreed.

What I would bring to SAME if selected as an Elected Director is simple: determination, dedication, and teamwork. Moving on as an Elected Director will be more responsibility; I will be trusted to support National, COIs, local posts, etc. I’m ready to help in any way I can to ensure leaders within SAME is successful because I enjoy working as a team to reach a big goal. I have learned a lot over the last three years, and now, with that knowledge, I understand the importance of assistance, getting to yes, and building relationships.

I’m excited to continue my journey in SAME, and being an Elected Director is just another opportunity to continue giving back to the best engineering society. Impacting lives at so many levels is what we do, which is a passion of mine. I would be honored to be selected as one of the successive Elected Directors.”

Christina Przygoda, RA, PMP, LEED AP | (Young Professional)
Vice President, Yaeger Architecture

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Greater Kansas City Post Industry-Government Engagement Chair (2022)
• Greater Kansas City Post College Outreach Committee Co-Chair (2022)
• Greater Kansas City Post Industry Day Committee Co-Chair (2021-2022)
• Greater Kansas City Post President (2020-2021)
• President, Merrill Watt Education and Mentoring Endowment (2020-2021)
• Greater Kansas City Post Vice President (2019)
• JETC Planning Committee (2018)
• Greater Kansas City Post Board of Directors (2016-2018)
• Architectural Practice Committee Post Liaison (2016-2017)
• Volunteer, SAME Small Business Conference (2014)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME RVP Medal, 2018
• Greater Kansas City Post Service Award, 2014

Statement of Commitment

“My career in architecture has focused on national security, infrastructure, and sustainability through the design and construction of facilities for the Department of Defense. The facilities I have supported stem from readiness buildings to mission critical buildings to infrastructure. I have put my time and passion into the concept of readiness and finding the “right” solution to meet the mission. This is how I have served the Society since joining in 2010.

Looking back, I think about my attendance at first a regional event, and then a national event, experiencing how such a diverse group of professionals come together from all over the world to discuss ways to support STEM, resiliency, and solutions for problems through Industry Government Engagement (IGE). As an Elected Director, I will continue to grow and support STEM, as this pipeline is vital to foster and mentor future professionals who will support IGE and partner to identify and develop “right” solutions. By growing support of STEM programs and engaging students of all ages, specifically college, we can start the dialogue of how important this is.

I will also continue to support the Society’s diverse group of professionals through engaging new and existing members with varying backgrounds. It takes a team with a wide array of backgrounds and education to find solutions for long term sustainability and resiliency in a changing world. I appreciate your consideration for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to be involved with the Society’s mission and supporting the strategic plan.”

Candice Scale | (Young Professional)
Vice President, Key Account Manager – Federal and Defense Program, CHA Consulting

Primary Post: Atlanta Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Panama City Post Director, Nominations & Recognition (2022-Present)
• Atlanta Post Leader Development Program Task Force Chair (2022-Present)
• Atlanta Post President (2022)
• Atlanta Post Vice President, Programs Chair (2021)
• Atlanta Post Director, Membership Chair (2019-2020)
• Atlanta Post Communications Chair (2019)
• Atlanta Post Director (2014-2015)
• Atlanta Post Communications Chair (2013-2015)
• Atlanta Post Director (2011-2012)
• Atlanta Post Young Members Chair (2010-2012)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• SAME President’s Coin (2022)
• SAME RVP Medal (2021)
• Atlanta Post President’s Award (2019)
• SAME RVP Coin (2014)
• Member, SAME Emerging Leaders Alliance (2014)
• Atlanta Post Young Member of the Year (2011)

Statement of Commitment

“I have a proven track record serving SAME since joining as a senior in college in 2008. As Elected Director, I will support the development and implementation of the SAME Strategic Plan, focus on building leaders and diversity in leadership, and provide strategies for delivering value to all members.

In Atlanta, I implemented the 2025 National Strategic Plan, providing numerous training opportunities and using it as a guide for everything we do at the Post. Further, I have developed many strategic plans in my career. It would be an honor to utilize my skills to impact the future of the Society by contributing to the development of the 2030 Strategic Plan and providing other Posts training and development opportunities to support the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

As Elected Director, I will focus on building leaders and engaging diversity—whether that’s technical background, employer, race, gender, or religion—in leadership. This requires intentional effort. In Atlanta, I led the implementation of the Post’s Leader Development Program, which is accessible to all Post members, to fulfill the mission of the Society.

Supporting member engagement is another area where I can provide value to SAME Posts. Engaging government and industry in a healthy way, bridging the gap between virtual and in-person initiatives, and increasing active participation among the membership are among the challenges I will address.

I remain committed to SAME and promise to bring my unique perspective, ideas, energy, and positive leadership to the Society.”

Brandi Smith, CF APMP
Assistant Vice President – Army/USACE Account Lead, WSP

Primary Post: Kentuckiana Post

Key SAME Leadership Positions/Contributions

• Kentuckiana Post 2nd Vice President (2022-Present)
• Kentuckiana Post SB Chair/VA Vice Chair/Ad Hoc Programs Chair (2022-Present)
• Kentuckiana Post Small Business of the Year Award Coordinator (2022)
• Kentuckiana Post Scholarship Selection Committee (2021-2022)
• Kentuckiana Post Small Business Workshop Planning Committee (2021-2022)
• Member, SAME National IGE Project on Small Business Size Standards (2021-Present)
• Member, SAME National Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Sub-Committee (2022-Present)

Key Awards & Recognition (SAME & Other Organizations)

• Member, SAME Leader Development Program Class (2022-2023)
• President’s Award, Kentuckiana Post (2022)
• WSP, 2nd Quarter Small Business Booster Award (2022)

Statement of Commitment

“Creating value, connecting people, serving the industry. These are the cornerstones by which I approach both my professional and volunteer life. Having spent most of my professional career in the AEC Industry and as a member of SAME, I feel very passionately about this Society and thoroughly enjoy being an active volunteer. Entering SAME as a Young Member, I struggled to find my place in the Society and identify valuable ways to contribute. However, that changed significantly in the later years when I took on leadership roles in my Post and National level – feeling fully engaged within the larger SAME.

My passion for this organization, coupled with my industry connections, will allow me to fully embrace my mission of encouraging member engagement, recruiting the next generation of SAME members and based on my personal experience, retaining current members by turning their involvement from passive to active membership.

One of the very recent projects I am most excited about is my LDP Capstone Project, the SAME Knowledge Network (KN). Once implemented, the KN will further solidify SAME as the industry thought leader and will become a “go-to” resource for COIs, Posts, members, and the larger A/E/C community.

As an Elected Director, I will continue to find ways to operationalize COIs and connect them to the Post level. If I am selected and have the honor of serving SAME as an Elected Director, I will use this position to continue to work toward creating an inclusive, active, sustaining, and thought-leading Society.”