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.

We’re kicking off our new blog series with a spotlight on the dynamic leaders guiding SDA into its next chapter. First up: Gretchen Renz, FSDA, Managing Director, Operations and Finance at Bernardo Wills in Spokane, WA,  and SDA’s new National President. With a clear vision for SDA’s future and a commitment to innovation, growth, and member engagement, Gretchen is ready to lead us through a pivotal time in our organization’s evolution. Here's a look at her priorities and plans for the year ahead.

The SDA is at a critical juncture and must evolve to stay relevant in the A/E/C industry. I envision a flexible, forward-thinking, and professional development–focused organization. Over the next five years, I have identified three priorities:

1. Strengthen Value Proposition – Clearly communicate the benefits of membership and improve access to resources and support, regardless of chapter status.
2. Modernize Structure – Consider regional models, virtual engagement, and streamlined leadership to make participation easier.
3. Prepare for Leadership Transition – Develop a succession plan as the executive director nears retirement, ensuring a smooth and strategic leadership change.

I am committed to promoting open dialogue, supporting volunteers, and fostering collaboration to guide the SDA through change and into a thriving future.

I plan to focus on the following key areas during my term:

• Member Engagement & Leadership Development: Create more flexible ways for members to get involved, including short-term volunteer roles and leadership pathways with less long-term commitment.
• Structural Innovation: Reevaluate the chapter model and explore alternative engagement strategies, such as regional or interest-based networks.
• Professional Growth & Investment: Position the organization as the premier resource for A/E/C business operations professionals, emphasizing career development over traditional networking.
• Leadership Succession Planning: Begin developing a transparent and strategic plan to ensure a smooth future transition when the executive director eventually retires.

My goal for the term is to ensure members feel energized and confident in the SDA’s future, knowing it's adapting to better serve their needs.

Gretchen’s leadership marks the start of an exciting new chapter for SDA—one focused on innovation, connection, and bold forward movement. If her vision sparks something in you, jump in! Whether it’s volunteering in a small way, offering your ideas, or joining the conversation in the SDA Discussion Hub, there’s a place for you to make an impact. Let’s build the future of SDA—together.