When the Certified Design Firm Operations (CDFO) exam underwent a major content overhaul in 2025, Carrie Hubbard stepped up. Known for her precision, insight, and deep commitment to SDA’s mission, Carrie played a central role in reshaping the exam to better reflect the evolving demands of AEC firm operations. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with a 2025 GEM Award—SDA’s highest acknowledgment of volunteer dedication—presented on May 22, 2025. Her work exemplifies the power of member leadership in strengthening the SDA community.

Recognizing Extraordinary Service

The GEM Award (Going the Extra Mile) is presented annually to SDA members who demonstrate exceptional service and impact within the organization. Carrie Hubbard earned this prestigious honor for her pivotal role in developing the Operations section of the updated CDFO exam. Her work included authoring comprehensive exam content, preparing and delivering two professional presentations on the new material, and assisting with the creation of new exam questions. These efforts ensure the exam remains relevant and valuable for future operations leaders. Carrie’s recognition not only celebrates her dedication, but also highlights the vital role volunteers play in advancing SDA’s professional standards.

Leadership in Action

Carrie Hubbard, CDFA, who was recently promoted to Director of Operations at Harbor Architects LLC located in Aberdeen Washington, has consistently demonstrated a passion for raising the bar in professional development. Her involvement in the CDFO exam update was both strategic and hands-on—bringing not just knowledge, but clarity and structure to a critical piece of SDA’s certification pathway. Carrie’s volunteerism extends beyond curriculum development; she is also known for delivering engaging, practical presentations that help members understand complex operations topics and apply them in real-world settings. Her contributions reflect a commitment to operational excellence, lifelong learning, and peer empowerment—values that resonate deeply throughout the SDA membership.

Strengthening the AEC Community

Carrie’s work on the CDFO exam update ensures that operations professionals in AEC firms are assessed on the most current, practical, and strategic content. Her dedication to clarity and relevance means that certification holders are better equipped to drive firm profitability and process improvement. Beyond certification content, her presentations have supported many SDA members in navigating new expectations and expanding their skill sets. Carrie’s influence will be felt for years to come—through both the exam and the professionals who earn it.

Inspiring Service and Collaboration

Her work not only strengthens SDA’s certification programs but inspires fellow members to get involved, share expertise, and support one another’s growth. Carrie’s recognition is a celebration of service, excellence, and the spirit of the professional community.

From Chapter Champion to Industry Influencer: Jacqueline Coté Earns SDA Denver’s Star Award

When a leader combines operational precision with a passion for community, the results can reshape both a firm’s culture and a professional network. Since joining the SDA in January 2021, Jacqueline Coté has elevated the Denver Chapter through her unwavering dedication and thoughtful leadership. Now, her exceptional service has been honored nationally: Jacqueline, Associate Principal and Office Manager at Architectural Workshop, is a 2025 recipient of the prestigious SDA Star Award.

This award not only celebrates Jacqueline’s contributions to the SDA but also recognizes how her energy and commitment have strengthened the administrative core of AEC practices in her region and beyond.

Honoring Excellence in Service and Leadership

The Star Award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service to their local chapter and to the Society as a whole. It is one of SDA’s highest honors, celebrating members who go above and beyond in areas such as event planning, publications, recruitment, and organizational leadership.

In Jacqueline’s case, her creative and consistent outreach as Membership Chair—ranging from recruitment campaigns to personal touches like birthday recognition—has not only grown the Denver Chapter but also deepened its sense of connection. Her efforts reflect the very spirit of the Star Award: a commitment to community, collaboration, and continual growth.

A Career Built on Operational Excellence

Jacqueline’s path in the AEC industry is rooted in a rare combination of business acumen and team-focused leadership. At Architectural Workshop, she oversees the operational backbone of the firm, bringing structure and efficiency to the creative process. Her background in economics and sociology, earned at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, informs her holistic understanding of organizational behavior—skills she deploys daily to support a thriving, collaborative studio environment.

Since joining SDA, Jacqueline has continued to invest in her professional development. She is a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA) and part of the inaugural class to earn the Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO), both of which reflect her deep expertise in the AEC business landscape.

Elevating the Industry—One Connection at a Time

Beyond the walls of her firm, Jacqueline’s impact resonates across the AEC industry. Through SDA, she fosters meaningful connections among peers, championing the value of professional development and shared knowledge. Her enthusiasm at the chapter level has inspired other members to get involved, demonstrating how strong leadership at the grassroots level can ripple across an entire organization.

As SDA continues to champion the business professionals who keep AEC firms running smoothly, Jacqueline’s journey reminds us of the power of service-minded leadership. Her story is proof that operational excellence and people-first values are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, the formula for long-term impact.

Celebrating a Star in Our Ranks

Jacqueline Coté’s recognition with the Star Award shines a light on the kind of leadership that sustains and elevates SDA. Her efforts have strengthened the Denver Chapter, enriched the national community, and demonstrated the tangible value of SDA membership.

SDA is proud to count Jacqueline among its most dedicated members, and we look forward to seeing how her leadership continues to inspire and influence others across the AEC industry.

Continuing our National Executive Committee spotlight series, meet Jennifer Greene, Associate AIA, SDA’s National Secretary and Director of Marketing at Ronnette Riley Architect in New York. With a passion for education, ethics, and elevating the role of design firm administrators, Jennifer brings thoughtful leadership and a future-focused mindset to the SDA table. Her commitment to strengthening our professional community is clear—and contagious.

My vision for the future of the SDA focuses on growth, excellence, and strengthening our professional community.

One of our core values is educating members in the disciplines that support design firm administration. I want to enhance and expand opportunities for professional development—through workshops, seminars, webinars—and encourage members to pursue certification as a way to invest in their careers.

I’ll continue working closely with ExCom to implement strategies that attract new members and retain existing ones by offering meaningful benefits: networking opportunities, access to resources, mentorship programs, and career support. I’m committed to fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration across the U.S. and Canada.

I will uphold and promote high ethical standards, encouraging a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability. I’ll support members in navigating ethical challenges, resolving conflicts, and maintaining professionalism in our field.

Ultimately, I want to reinforce our organization’s position as a dynamic, forward-thinking leader in the industry—one that empowers design administrators to grow and thrive in a changing landscape. I’m committed to driving positive change and helping shape the future of our organization.

Jennifer’s dedication to growth, ethics, and professional excellence is helping shape a stronger future for SDA. Her focus on opportunity and integrity is a reminder of what makes our community powerful. Want to help make that vision a reality? Jump in—whether by pursuing certification, mentoring a colleague, or simply sharing your experience. Let’s keep building this network of support, together.