When it comes to dedication, reliability, and community spirit, SDA Orange County’s Marsha Bastian shines brightly. This year, her years of service and leadership earned her the SDA STAR Award, a national honor presented annually by each chapter of the Society for Design Administration to recognize outstanding members whose contributions exemplify SDA’s values of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.

For more than five years, Marsha has served as Recording Secretary for SDA Orange County, maintaining detailed and accurate meeting minutes that keep the chapter’s operations running smoothly. Her precise documentation ensures that chapter leaders can reference decisions and discussions with confidence—an often unsung but essential role that reflects her professionalism and attention to detail. “Her notes have been a big help when needing to track what has been discussed or decided at previous business meetings,” shared a chapter colleague.

Beyond her secretarial duties, Marsha has strengthened SDA/OC’s programming by connecting the chapter with expert speakers from her insurance firm, Risk Strategies, helping organize multiple lunch seminars and webinars on topics vital to AEC business operations. Her willingness to share resources and expertise has enriched chapter education and engagement, providing valuable insight for members and their firms.

Marsha joined SDA in 2015, quickly becoming an active participant in nearly every chapter function—from board meetings and professional seminars to networking and social events. Her steady presence and enthusiasm have made her a cornerstone of the SDA/OC community. As one member noted, “She’s just not an attendee, she’s a participant,” a sentiment that captures the energy and initiative she brings to everything she does.

The STAR Award honors SDA members whose exceptional service advances both their chapter and the broader profession. Marsha’s recognition underscores the impact of her commitment to fostering professional excellence and connection within the AEC community. Her contributions demonstrate how consistent involvement, leadership, and generosity of knowledge strengthen the foundation of SDA as a whole.

SDA National congratulates Marsha Bastian on this well-deserved recognition. Her example reminds us that leadership takes many forms—and that attention to detail, collaboration, and community-minded service are at the heart of what makes the SDA thrive.