Thanks to the generous support of the PPC Grant, I had the incredible opportunity to attend EDSymposium25 in Lexington, KY—a conference that not only expanded my professional knowledge but also deeply enriched my personal and career journey.

A Warm Welcome: Horses, Bourbon, and Friendships

Before the conference officially began, I joined the pre-conference bus tour, which was a great way to experience the local culture – we toured Keeneland race track, Mill Ridge horse farm, and tasted bourbon in The Kentucky Castle! It set the tone for the days ahead - full of learning and laughter.

Reuniting with friends and colleagues from across the country is always one of the most rewarding aspects of the national conferences. Having candid conversations about our work, challenges, and aspirations reminds me of the strength and support within the SDA community. It was a powerful affirmation of why we do what we do.

Critical Thinking: A Career Safety Net

Carla Howard’s workshop on Critical Thinking was a game-changer. I walked away with a practical skill stack that included:

• Draw connections when analyzing data.
• Listen intently to understand, not just respond.
• Offer concise, actionable solutions - no more than three, with a focus on simplicity.
• Measure success and pivot when necessary.

I look forward to using these tools to approach problems more strategically and communicate more effectively.

Raising My AI IQ

Kristin Kautz’s session, “R(AI)sing Your AI IQ,” introduced practical tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and HighlightAI. I now understand:

• The difference between automation and intelligent agents.
• How to evaluate AI tools for security (e.g., SOC-2 compliance).
• Ways to integrate AI into daily workflows - from summarizing data to planning travel.

This session gave me the confidence to further experiment with AI in my own work, and I’ve already started identifying tasks that can be automated or enhanced.

Courageous Conversations: Leading with Clarity

The keynote on Courageous Conversations was both inspiring and practical. I learned how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence using a structured framework:

1. Preparing candidly.
2. Choosing a positive mindset.
3. Embracing vulnerability.
4. Keeping messages simple and clear.
5. Inviting collaboration.
6. Defining next steps.

I look forward to using the framework in my next courageous conversation.

Building a Business That Works

Bryon McCartney’s session, “How to Grow Your Firm,” used the metaphor of an airplane to explain business structure. I gained insights into:

• Aligning leadership, marketing, and sales for maximum impact.
• Clarifying messaging using the StoryBrand framework.
• Managing cash flow through a five-account system.

These lessons are directly applicable to my role in as an office manager and have inspired new strategies for streamlining our firm’s internal processes.

Business, Benefits, and Beyond

Other standout sessions included:

• AI in Design and Construction: I learned how to implement AI responsibly and the importance of staying with the innovation curve.

• Keynote Lunch What Makes Equine Architecture & Planning Unique? with local architect, Joe Martinolich, was fascinating!  
• Designing a Better Future with Mike Rankin, which explored aligning employee benefits with financial wellness.
• Ten Commandments of Professional Liability with Timothy Shumrick provided additional insights into risk management for my firm.
• Business Continuity Planning, a panel that emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilience in the case of disaster.
• SparkSDA: The SparkSDA mini-sessions were invaluable for peer learning. Topics like mentoring, knowledge sharing, and role-based prompting in AI tools provided fresh perspectives and practical takeaways.

Each session offered actionable insights that I’m looking forward to bringing to my firm.

A Personal Milestone: Earning My CDFO

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was taking the Leadership section of the CDFO exam—and passing! Earning my CDFO certification is a proud achievement and a testament to the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained through SDA.

Conclusion

EDSymposium25 was more than just a conference—it was a catalyst for growth, connection, and inspiration. I returned home with a head full of shiny new skills, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m incredibly grateful to SDA and the PPC Grant Committee for making this experience possible.

Let’s wrap up this inspiring series! As our final PPC Grant recipient story from EDSymposium25, Jayne’s journey is filled with powerful session takeaways, new strategies for her firm, and the proud moment of earning her CDFO credential. What part of her experience resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and encouragement in the comments below!

And now that you’ve heard from all three recipients, what’s your biggest takeaway from their stories? Could next year be your year to apply for the PPC Grant? 

Three years ago, I swapped firms after 15 years at the same one joining a firm with 16 offices across the states and took on caregiving for my elderly mom. Chaos? Absolutely. While my personal and professional lives were doing somersaults, SDA was the steady force that helped me keep my footing—at least professionally. That stability inspired me to take a hard look at how I was spending my time. This year I am stepping away from a state nonprofit board after serving 5 years, while wrapping up my role as a city arts commissioner, and decided 2025 would be my year to refocus on growth (and maybe sleep).

Since joining SDA in 2017, I’ve soaked up seminars, national conventions, and committee work—even presented a few Quick in 30s.  SDA has been my go-to for industry insight, skill building, and connecting with the kind of people who actually get what we do. I needed a reboot.

The plan? Double down on my growth, finally pursue my CDFO (Certificate in Design Firm Operations), and get back to the community that helped shape my career. I’d been missing EDSymposiums—those energizing annual gatherings of like-minded doers and thinkers—and the absence was starting to feel like skipping the main course of a really great meal. The flavor just wasn’t the same.

Enter: the PPC Grant. Perfect timing, perfect purpose. It gave me the opportunity to return to EDSymposium, reconnect with longtime colleagues, and plug back into the conversations that matter. Yes, the sessions were incredible, but let’s be honest—the shared war stories and tips from fellow members were just as impactful

However, of all the insightful sessions, a few stood out as game changers for me. First up on day one Kristin Kautz’s R(AI)sing Your AI IQ half day workshop. It really framed AI not as a buzzword but as a systemic shift—one we simply cannot afford to ignore. There are tools already at our fingertips, and many of us (guilty!) are either underusing them or don’t even know they exist. She made the entire topic approachable, acknowledging the concerns while championing the potential. I’ve been working with AI tools in Canva for SDA for over a year, and even I walked away with a fresh perspective—and a longer to-do list. Her message was clear: this train has already left the station. It’s time to get on board or risk being left behind.

The next day, Diane Mika picked up the thread with Managing Evolving Risks of AI in Design and Construction. Her session emphasized the need for firms to start drafting real policies now—addressing concerns around data, ethical use, and content credibility. It served as the perfect complement to Kristin’s session: practical, informative, and a strong reminder that AI isn’t just about convenience—it’s about responsibility.

After not only these workshops but also chatting with fellow attendees—whether in side conversations, between sessions, or yes, at the bar—investing in AI as a tool in my bag felt like a no-brainer. I’ve dabbled before, but once I got home, I made it official and got my own personal paid AI assistant. Now “Zoey” is by my side, helping me stay efficient, streamline tasks, and free up brain space to focus on the actual work. (Fun fact: Zoey even lent a hand getting this blog post written. So, if you’re enjoying it, thank her too—we make a good team 😉)

Now, let’s talk about the session that might’ve hit the most personal nerve: Carla Howard’s keynote address Courageous Conversations which came perfectly a day after her workshop on Critical Thinking. This was an early morning and over breakfast, but it was the perfect wakeup call addressing those “ugh, do I really have to have this talk?” moments and turned them into something empowering. She didn’t just tell us why tough conversations matters she showed us how to have them. She broke down the process into digestible “elements,” and somehow turned a potentially uncomfortable topic into something empowering, even energizing.  Her six steps—Candidness, Choosing Your Mood, and Inviting Collaboration, among others—were more than just slides on a screen. They were frameworks I could immediately apply. It seems I might use some of these in those family holiday conversations that tend to walk the tightrope of disaster. Carla reminded us that difficult conversations don’t have to be disasters. With the right tools, they can be opportunities for growth, clarity, and (dare I say) actual connection. And if you’re like me her outlines and breakdowns in the materials provided are your new go-to reference sheets—already highlighted, and living permanently on your desktop.

Now I’m back in my little corner of the world—juggling CDFO coursework, learning the ropes as your new SDA National Vice President (still not sure who let that happen), and seeking ways to boost our SDA membership (if you haven’t heard we all are connecting on LinkedIn, so connect with me already!)

Most importantly, I’m channeling everything I absorbed at EDSymposium into my work at MIG and into conversations with my colleagues—encouraging them to explore their own professional paths. I believe deeply that operations professionals deserve spaces to grow, learn, and lead. SDA provides exactly that, and I’m honored to be part of its leadership at this exciting time.

To the PPC committee: thank you. This grant allowed me to reconnect, reenergize, and realign with my goals. It wasn’t just about attending a conference—it was about re-entering a space that fuels me professionally and personally.

To anyone wondering if attending EDSymposium is worth it: It is. The content is rich, the people are brilliant, and the impact lingers long after you leave the ballroom.

And to those who might be considering applying for the PPC Grant in the future: Do it. Don’t hesitate. Invest in yourself—you’re worth it, and so is this experience.

Because at the end of the day, whether you’re crunching numbers, managing people, or holding it all together with spreadsheets and snacks—this is a career of opportunity and growth.

We’d love to hear from you! What part of Fran'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! 

The Past President's Council (PPC) consists of former SDA National presidents actively engaged in ongoing service to SDA. Our philanthropic endeavors primarily focus on providing educational opportunities to our members through speaker sponsorships, educational scholarships, and leadership training.

To support these valuable initiatives, the PPC created a charitable (501(c)(3) foundation, the SDAPPC Foundation, to provide a tax-deductible entity for individual’s contributions. SDAPPC organizes various fundraising activities to support the charity. One such activity is the annual raffle held at EDSymposium. Additionally, we have conducted an “Empower20 Giving Circle” and a "Giving Tuesday" event to solicit contributions from SDA members. Fundraising efforts like these are instrumental in generating funds that enable the council to offer grants to members across the United States and Canada.

The PPC’s fundraising initiatives transform the SDA community through strategic investments. By providing speaker sponsorships and educational scholarships, the PPC advances members' professional growth and enriches their learning experiences. Their support enhances our national meetings and cultivates future organizational leaders through dedicated coaching and mentoring programs.

Ways to Contribute to the PPC Foundation:  To ensure the continued success of these initiatives, the PPC would like to encourage our members to consider the following ways to contribute:

1. Monthly Contributions: Join the Empower20 campaign by setting up a monthly donation. Small, regular contributions can make a significant difference over time. Just $20 per month raises you to the level of our Empower20 circle.
2. Renewal Contribution: Add a contribution when you renew annually.
3. Company Match: Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. This can double the impact of your donation and support the council's efforts even further.
4. Chapter Annual Contributions: Chapters can consider making an annual contribution to the Past President's Council when budgeting. This collective effort can significantly boost the funds available for educational opportunities.

Supporting the PPC Foundation helps to ensure that SDA continues to thrive and support its members. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the IRS law. Click here to make a donation.

Anne McNeely, CDFA, serves as the current Chair of the Past Presidents Council. She is a member of the SDA Denver Chapter.