Next in our series spotlighting SDA’s 2025 National Executive Committee is Fran Carrillo, Vice President of SDA and Project Accountant/Senior Project Administrator at MIG in San Diego, CA. With a strong foundation in project accounting and firm operations, Fran brings a detail-oriented, get-it-done approach to her leadership role. Her commitment to collaboration and process improvement is already making an impact as she helps move SDA forward.

As Vice President, I aim to make meaningful progress in two areas I care deeply about: growing our membership and increasing our organization’s visibility within the industry. These have been key focuses of the MARCOM committee throughout my involvement, but I believe that serving on the board will open up new opportunities to collaborate across committees and advance these goals more strategically.

I see membership growth and industry presence as deeply connected. As a board member, I want to help align all committee efforts around this shared objective. That means setting clear membership targets, analyzing what’s worked in the past, partnering with MARCOM on outreach, and developing a sustainable 3–5 year membership growth plan.

While I’ve primarily served in Treasurer roles, my leadership experience goes well beyond finances. I’ve been part of several Executive Committees, giving me a strong understanding of board responsibilities and the confidence to step into this role with clarity and purpose.

One area I’m especially excited about is the Chapter Guidelines Handbook. I look forward to reviewing it, offering improvements, and supporting local chapters—because strong chapter engagement is essential to our organization’s overall success.

My commitment to visibility, communication, and member growth makes me well-suited to serve as Vice President and Liaison to the Membership Committee. With my MARCOM experience and passion for connecting people to our mission, I’m confident I can make a meaningful impact in this role.

Fran’s perspective is rooted in experience, teamwork, and action. As she steps into her national leadership role, she’s focused on building stronger connections and making sure SDA continues to deliver real value to members across the country. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of the progress, jump into the conversation or find a way to get involved—you don’t have to do it alone, and your voice matters.

Thanks to the generous support of the Past Presidents Council, I had the incredible honor of attending EDSymposium25 in Lexington, Kentucky, as a recipient of the 2025 PPC Professional Development Grant. This was my first national SDA event, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect— but I came home feeling inspired, energized, and deeply connected to a community of administrative professionals who understand exactly what it means to work in the AEC industry.

The sessions I attended weren’t just informative, they were transformational. I walked away with insights I can use right away, and I made connections that reminded me just how powerful our professional network can be. Below are reflections on four sessions that really stayed with me.

Critical Thinking: Think People Are Born with the Ability to Think Critically? Think Again

Presented by Carla Howard

This pre-conference workshop kicked off the week with a bang. Carla Howard guided us through what she called the Critical Thinking Skill Stack, and I was amazed at how immediately useful and relevant it all felt. One of the most empowering things she said was, “None of us were born with a critical thinking gene”—which means this is something we can all get better at.

The session broke down the elements of strong critical thinking: being curious, listening intently, analyzing information, offering solutions, making decisions, and communicating crisply. Each one came with actionable habits and self-reflection questions. I also appreciated the reminder to question assumptions and stay open-minded.

The workshop didn’t just stay theoretical—it included simple strategies, like incorporating mindful observation or even playing puzzle games, to build those skills over time. It was a great reminder that everyday moments are opportunities to sharpen our thinking, and that will help us lead and contribute more effectively at work.

What resonated most with me was the concept of focusing on the idea, not the path. Too often, I find myself getting caught up in how I got to a conclusion, wanting to justify or defend it. Carla reminded us that this tendency can actually distract from the value of the idea itself. That really hit home. I tend to want to explain how I arrived at a decision, but sometimes that can overshadow the idea itself. That insight made me realize how often I can get in my own way. Since coming home, I’ve been trying to notice those moments—when I’m tempted to dig in or defend, and instead, lean into curiosity. That shift feels small but powerful.

R(AI)sing Your AI IQ

Presented by Kristin Kautz

Kristin Kautz’s workshop was fast-paced, exciting, and eye-opening. She talked about how AI is changing the AEC industry, and challenged us to think not just about what tools we’re using—but how we’re using them. One of her core messages was that AI can generate ideas and content, but it’s our human judgment that gives it meaning. That really connected back to the earlier sessions on critical thinking.

Of all the smart strategies and best practices Kristin shared, the most memorable takeaway for me was the idea of an office “safeword” or emoji. With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated voices and videos, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s real. I never expected a professional development conference to include a cybersecurity epiphany—but there it was. This simple idea gave me a concrete way to bring safety and clarity into our digital communication practices at work.

Kristin also encouraged us to audit our firm’s tech stack—to evaluate where we’re wasting time, what tools we’re underutilizing, and what we can automate. It was a call to action I didn’t know I needed. I left this session feeling ready to not only embrace new tools, but also help lead smarter conversations around how we use them.

Courageous Conversations: Your Key to Career Success

Keynote by Carla Howard

Carla’s keynote the following morning built beautifully on the critical thinking session. Her framework for handling difficult conversations gave me a roadmap for how to speak up when it matters most. We discussed how to navigate conversations where opinions differ, emotions run high, or the outcome really matters to us—scenarios that are all too familiar in our professional lives.

Two specific takeaways really stuck with me: stop overexplaining, and remember that silence is part of the conversation. I’ve always felt a need to fill the air, to explain every angle, but Carla reminded us that influence doesn’t come from talking more—it comes from being clear and confident. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause and let the other person speak.

Another big shift for me? Replacing the word “but” with “and.” It’s such a small change, but it transforms the tone of a conversation from confrontational to collaborative. That one word swap will help me communicate in a way that feels more respectful and effective. This session made me braver—and more mindful—in how I advocate for myself and others.

Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction

Presented by Diane Mika

If Kristin’s session was about the potential of AI, Diane Mika’s was a clear-eyed look at the responsibilities and risks that come with it. She walked us through how to create thoughtful AI policies and made a strong case for why firms need to start documenting their AI strategies now—not later. Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities are shifting fast, and this session helped me see how crucial it is that our policies keep up.

What stuck with me most was the concept of the “evolving standard of care.” Diane posed a powerful question: If most firms are using AI tools and you’re not, are you still meeting the standard of care? That one question reframed the conversation for me. It’s not just about innovation—it’s about liability, credibility, and the future of professional practice. The idea that what’s considered “ordinary” is changing really emphasized the urgency of not just reacting to AI trends, but leading with thoughtful, proactive policies.

Diane’s framework emphasized human oversight, documentation, and staying informed as regulations and professional standards continue to shift. This session helped me see that having a clear, written policy isn’t just best practice—it’s a necessity, and one I plan to help develop within our office.

How It All Came Together

What made these sessions especially powerful was how interconnected they were. The conference felt less like a collection of isolated workshops and more like a cohesive learning journey. Critical thinking laid the foundation for assessing information. Courageous Conversations taught me how to use that judgment to communicate with integrity. The AI sessions showed me how to apply those skills in a fast-changing digital world—balancing opportunity with responsibility.

Each session reinforced the others in meaningful ways. Together, they gave me new tools, a new mindset, and a stronger voice. I came home not just with ideas, but with a sense of clarity and confidence about where I want to grow professionally—and how I can help guide others in my firm to do the same.

Final Thoughts

Attending EdSymposium25 wasn’t just a great professional experience—it was a moment of growth. I’m so thankful to the Past Presidents Council for the support, and to the SDA community for creating a space where learning, connection, and encouragement are always front and center. I left Lexington inspired, informed, and ready to keep moving forward.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Carrie’s EDSymposium25 experience resonated most with you? Leave a comment below to let her know! And while you're at it—think back to your own EDSymposium experience. What session, speaker, or moment made a lasting impact? Or if you haven’t attended yet, what are you hoping to gain when you do? Let’s keep the inspiration (and conversation) going!

Every SDA member has a unique story - one that reflects their journey, growth, and connection to our vibrant community. In our new blog series, SDA & Me, we’re highlighting the voices of our members as they share what brought them to SDA, how their experience has evolved, and the moments that have made the biggest impact. Whether it’s professional development, lasting friendships, or unforgettable experiences, these testimonials showcase the value of being part of SDA. Today, we feature Stephanie Kirschner, FSDA, as she shares her SDA journey and what keeps her engaged in our community.

When did you join SDA and what initially motivated you to join?

I became a member of SDA in 1986. I was new to the AE industry, working for a very small landscape architecture firm at the time. I had attended a seminar on a Saturday presented by the Society of Architectural Administrators (SAA) Columbus Chapter called “The Architectural Secretary – A Training Seminar.” It was a full day of programming on how a project evolves, items specific to a design firm, dealing with various people (clients, consultants, product reps, vendors, etc.), and then a session of Personal Development/Career Professionalism. I was hooked and sad to learn there was not a chapter in my area. So, I worked with a few others from Cincinnati, and we decided to form a chapter, and I became one of the co-founders of the Cincinnati Chapter. I couldn’t be an officer since I didn’t work for an architectural firm, but that didn’t matter. I was just thrilled to have a network of peers that did the same thing I did and understood this crazy AE industry.

How has your experience with SDA changed over time?

I have seen many changes since becoming a member, including name changes (SAA to SDA – Society of Design Administration to then Society for Design Administration). We have grown from focusing on architectural firms to reaching engineering firms and others in the AEC space. I grew by serving as a Chapter officer in many roles, to serving on National Committees, then serving on the SDA National Executive Committee and ultimately serving as SDA National President in 2009. Each time I took on a new role, I learned  new career skills that helped me in my daily role which gave me the career growth I had been seeking. I went from being a receptionist in a 7-person landscape architectural firm, to becoming a Staff Accountant, Accounting Manager, Director of Administration and ultimately, the CFO and a partner in a 100-person multi-disciplined firm (Engineering/Architecture/Surveying/Landscape Architecture/Planning services). I left the industry in 2010 due to the economic recession, and found myself missing the AEC industry. In late 2012, the opportunity to become the SDA National Executive Director was offered to me, and I was thrilled to accept that position, one I continue to enjoy and learn from to this day. In 2020, I applied and was named a Fellow, joining the ranks of many respected SDA members. The journey to Fellow is not something that happens overnight, but every step I took to advance my career, and my SDA experience led me to that accomplishment. I encourage everyone to start today on their journey to accomplishing that as well.

What aspects of SDA have you enjoyed the most?

Like most people, the connections to SO many members across the country is invaluable. Not only for the knowledge, but for the genuine friendships that have developed over the years. I appreciate the information that is given to us specific to the AEC industry, something you can’t just Google.

What motivates you to stay engaged or involved with SDA?

There are so many opportunities to develop your professional career while being a member and volunteering through SDA. One of the things I realized is that I could take my career beyond my wildest imagination because I had a network of colleagues doing big things in the industry. These were role models for me as I gained more experience. When things were hard and I was thinking about leaving the AE industry, talking to others made me realize that it wasn’t just me, that some of the issues were happening in other firms and I wasn’t crazy or dumb. It gave me the courage and resolve to learn more and push for change in my firm because I could come armed with information.

Can you describe a memorable experience you’ve had as an SDA member?

There are plenty of memories when you’ve been a member as long as I have. I remember the first convention (now known as EDSymposium) I attended in Philadelphia. I attended the annual meeting where there was a proposed bylaw to change our name from Society of Design Administration to Society for Design Administration. It was my first opportunity to see Roberts Rules of Order in live, real-time action. I had been through many meetings and understood the basics, but these members where SERIOUS about the process. I came to understand how important governing documents are and why words matter, something I remind our chapters and board members about frequently. When we don’t know whether we can do something or not, the answer is always “what do your bylaws and/or standing rules say?”

There are plenty of fun experiences that have occurred during the many SDA conferences I have attended over the years. From day trips to see a new area of the country, to long conversations over cocktails after a day of long educational programs, I always come away energized by SDA members and want to do more. I wish I could tell every firm owner how much our SDA members care and are concerned for their firms. If they did, every firm would have at least one SDA member as a staff member.

Want to share your SDA story? Each member’s journey is unique, and we’d love to hear yours! If SDA has made an impact on your career and connections, reach out to us (admin@sdanational.org) to be featured in a future SDA & Me spotlight. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing members!