SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Jennifer Greene, CDFO

Director of Marketing, Ronnette Riley Architect

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?

Two things. I wanted to take the leadership section to prove that I could pass it! Having been in a leadership position for many years, I hoped I could, and I did! I also wanted to set an example for others who have their CDFA but might not consider taking the Leadership section to get their CDFO. If I could pass it...

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?

Completing this certification and passing its leadership component has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my skills, and enhanced my credibility within our industry. I’m excited to apply this knowledge to drive operational excellence, support our teams, and continue contributing to my firm’s success.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?

100% doubts that I would not pass on the first try! I moved past them by reading the book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," then rereading it, and studying the leadership guide/section. I also read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. This book is referenced quite a bit in the study guide.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?

I was very motivated and carved time out of every weekend to study. I live in NYC and take the subway to work, so I also used that time to read and reread the book.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?

I took the Path2Success program and used the CDFO study guide. The Path2success also included study sessions led by Deborah Gill, FSDA, that I found very helpful.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?

Fortunately, I only had to take/pass the Leadership section, so I was not as stressed as when I took/passed my CDFA!

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

Everyone congratulated me, and I got new business cards!

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?

It will improve your confidence and enhance your skills. I think the most important aspect of earning your CDFO is it will increase your credibility. The CDFO credential is a respected marker of operational and leadership excellence, signaling to colleagues, clients, and leadership that you meet a high standard of knowledge and capability. Certification enhances your professional authority, helping you earn trust and buy-in when presenting solutions or leading initiatives. Plus, holding the CDFO positions you as a leader committed to continuous improvement, which can/should open doors to new responsibilities, promotions, and thought leadership opportunities.

SDA’s transition from Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) to Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO) reflects the evolving leadership role of today’s design firm professionals. To recognize the strength of the original CDFA, existing holders completed only the new Leadership section of the exam. Those who passed earned the CDFO—demonstrating both deep operational knowledge and the leadership skills shaping the future of the profession.

Lynda Meyer, MSA, CDFO

What inspired you to pursue the CDFO certification after having received your CDFA?

After earning my CDFA in 2009—studying alongside my chapter through what were then known as PEGs (now Focus Groups)—I gained a much deeper understanding of the A/E/C industry. As an accounting manager at the time, my role didn’t always allow me visibility into the day-to-day challenges of project management, IT, marketing or operations. The CDFA helped bridge that gap and broaden my perspective.  Now, as I continue to grow in my leadership role, pursuing the CDFO felt like a natural next step. This certification aligns with my commitment to becoming a more strategic thinker and a more effective CFO. It’s not just about deepening my technical expertise—it’s about stepping out of my comfort zone and strengthening the leadership and critical thinking skills needed to guide my firm forward.

How has earning your CDFO credential impacted your confidence, skills, or credibility in your role?

Earning my CDFO has reinforced my commitment to excellence in the A/E industry and demonstrated my dedication to continuous growth in my areas of expertise. It’s expanded my skill set and strengthened my confidence as a leader, particularly in approaching challenges with a more strategic mindset. I feel more equipped than ever to contribute at a higher level and guide my firm with clarity and purpose.

Were there any doubts or hurdles you had to overcome in deciding to take the Leadership Section? How did you move past them?

For me, there were no doubts about taking the Leadership section—I was genuinely excited for the opportunity to learn and grow. The only hurdle was making sure I dedicated the time to study and truly absorb the material. I approached it with curiosity and a desire to expand my knowledge base, knowing it would make me a stronger leader and a more well-rounded contributor to my firm.

What surprised you most about the preparation or exam process?

What surprised me most about the preparation process was how genuinely engaging and well-crafted the materials were. The audiobook quickly became one of the most impactful I’ve listened to—it held my attention and felt incredibly relatable to both my professional and personal experiences. I also really appreciated the study guide—it was clearly written, easy to follow, and perfect for highlighting, which is how I learn best. Altogether, the resources made the process enjoyable and effective.

Did you engage with the Path2Success program, CDFO Study Group, mentor, or other resources? If so, how did it help?

For this particular exam, I didn’t engage with the Path2Success program, study group, or a mentor. I chose to study independently this time, using the provided materials, which were clear, engaging, and well-structured—more than enough to support my preparation.

What topic or section challenged you the most--and how did you tackle it?

I wouldn’t say any one topic stood out as more challenging than the others—instead, the overall challenge was absorbing and fully understanding all 21 Laws of Leadership, since the content was entirely new to me. That said, I approached it with focus and consistency, taking time to reflect on each law and how it applied to both my personal and professional life, which made the material more meaningful and easier to retain.

How have your employer or colleagues responded to your certification?

My colleagues and employer were incredibly supportive and excited about my certification. They celebrated the achievement with me and even promoted it on our company’s social media, which was a great show of encouragement. It meant a lot to see my professional growth recognized and shared in such a public way.

What would you say to someone in the A/E industry who is unsure if the CDFO credential is worth it?

I would say—absolutely, it’s worth it. The CDFO credential goes beyond technical knowledge; it helps you grow into a more strategic, well-rounded leader in the A/E industry. If you’re looking to elevate your role, understand the bigger picture of firm operations, and build confidence in your decision-making, this certification is a powerful step forward. It pushes you to think differently, connect the dots across departments, and lead with intention. Investing in yourself through the CDFO is truly an investment in your firm's future too.