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Interview with Dawn Savage: A Journey Through Life and Leadership in SMPS

Q: How did you first become involved with SMPS? 
Dawn: I joined SMPS back in 1998 as a Marketing Manager. Within two months of joining the San Francisco chapter, I was already serving on a committee. I eventually move from the San Francisco chapter to the Sacramento chapter when I moved out here several years later. Fast forward 24 years, and I’m now the Business Development Director. It’s been quite the journey!

Q: Can you share your leadership journey within SMPS?
Dawn: My journey in SMPS began with the SF chapter before I became involved with the Sacramento chapter. I recall a conversation with Stephanie Craft, who took me to lunch and revealed that becoming president was part of her plan. Although the prospect was daunting, I found reassurance in having a supportive board and team.

Q: What were some of your goals for your term as president? 
Dawn: I entered my presidency with goals for both myself and the chapter, despite the anxiety of public speaking at luncheons. I remember having so much anxiety about speaking at these luncheons where clients, industry executives, and all my friends made up the audience. I just remember thinking “don’t throw up!” After those first few times of speaking at the events, it became much easier and now, it’s not a worry at all. 

Q: How did you balance life and career during your presidency?
Dawn: Reflecting on my presidency, I would describe it as "foolish and daring" between work and family, this was over the top. But what drew me in was the camaraderie and openness. The principles at my firm finally began to see the benefits marketing and BD. SMPS was a place where we could ask each other questions and to grow. We would bring that value back to our firms. 

Q: What were your events like?
Dawn: We almost always had a lunch program, it industry related and we picked it a year in advance. We would host 8-10 per year and always at a hotel. 
I remember our first PRC was at the Hyatt, we gave a discount on registration if you stayed at the hotel so that we could meet our minimums. The Hyatt let us write them a check after the conference since we didn’t have a credit card, something that would never happen today. 

Q: What were some of the significant achievements during your term as president?
Dawn: Our biggest win during my term was making money. It was the first year our chapter operated "in the black" and utilized a budget initiated by Stephanie Craft. We also set aside a reserves account during my term so that the chapter could have a savings account, again something that Stephanie Craft set us on the right path. 

Q: What were some of the challenges during your term?
Dawn: One of the toughest moments during my term was having to ask a board member to step down, which ultimately turned out positively as the individual later thanked me. But the decision to do so and the conversation itself was one of the hardest things I had done at that point in my career. 

Q: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned through SMPS?
Dawn: I believe that if you really want to take advantage of what SMPS has to offer, you HAVE to volunteer. It was through volunteering that I forged lifelong friendships across the country that have helped me with my career and enriched in my personal life. I would encourage anyone who is new to SMPS to start volunteering. It will change your life!

Q: How did you change or grow after being chapter president?
Dawn:  Things didn’t seem like that big of a deal anymore. You have a different, broader perspective, when you become president, your grounded in reality and appreciation of volunteers who step up.

Q: How did being chapter president impact your career? 
Dawn: SMPS gave me so much responsibility and authority than my job ever did and I’ve used that throughout my entire career. It’s been incredible for my career, especially through my involvement in running the Chapter Leadership Symposium (CLS), which connected me with leaders nationwide. I remember that being asked to run CLS was the biggest confidence booster and I was honored to be a part of it. Being involved is really the best thing you can do for your career. 

Q: Do you have a favorite SMPS memory?
Dawn: Co-writing the “Marketing Mavens” column with Julie Shepard and Lisa McClintock for the Sacramento Chapter newsletter. It was sassy, helpful, and honestly some of the most fun I’ve had—plus, we got to share real advice on challenges we all face.

Q: How did you feel when it was over?
Dawn: My presidency concluded with a giant sigh of relief! I thought, “Wow I really made a big deal out of that,” but I got through it. When you’re president-elect, you don’t really do anything except shadow and learn. Then all of the sudden when you’re president, you’re responsible for EVERTYHING. Then as Immediate past president, you get to give guidance to the new president. I enjoyed it all. 

Q: Will you be joining us for the 40th party?
Dawn: Absolutely! My enthusiasm for SMPS remains strong, and I look forward to celebrating the organization's milestones and continued success.

Fun Facts About Dawn:

What were you up to in 1984?
High school! Big hair, jean shorts, and jelly sandals were definitely part of the look.

Favorite 80s fashion trend?
Oh, definitely the jean shorts, oversized shoulder-padded jackets, and neon everything. And let’s not forget scrunchies and jelly sandals!

What 80s hairstyle did you rock?
I had a serious Kristy McNichol flip going on—classic!

Favorite 80s band or concert?
I had George Michael’s “Faith” on repeat on my Discman. And seeing U2 at Day on the Green? Unforgettable. That venue was massive!

How did you get into AEC marketing?
Totally by accident! I’d just been laid off from a PR firm and saw a newspaper ad for a marketing coordinator at an A&E firm. The rest is history.

What tech advancement changed your work life the most?
Email, hands down. Goodbye, fax machines!