The Past Presidents’ Council (PPC) is composed of former SDA National Presidents who continue to serve the SDA long after their terms conclude. Their commitment does not end with leadership. It evolves into stewardship.

The PPC’s philanthropic mission centers on expanding educational access and professional growth opportunities for SDA members. Through speaker sponsorships, educational scholarships, and leadership development initiatives, the council helps ensure that learning and advancement remain accessible across our community.

To support these efforts, the PPC established the SDAPPC Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that allows members and supporters to make tax-deductible contributions. The Foundation serves as the vehicle through which generosity becomes opportunity.

Each year, the PPC organizes fundraising initiatives that directly fuel these investments. Highlights include the annual raffle at EDSymposium, the Empower20 Giving Circle, and participation in Giving Tuesday. These efforts generate the funds that allow the Council to award grants and scholarships to members throughout the United States and Canada.

The impact of these initiatives extends far beyond a single event or award. Speaker sponsorships enrich national programming. Scholarships reduce financial barriers to education. Leadership coaching and mentoring cultivate the next generation of SDA leaders. Strategic investments today strengthen the profession for years to come.

Ways to Support the PPC Foundation

To sustain and expand this important work, the PPC invites members and chapters to consider the following opportunities:

1.    Monthly Contributions
Join the Empower20 Giving Circle by setting up a recurring monthly donation. Even modest contributions create meaningful impact over time. A $20 monthly gift places you in the Empower20 circle and helps build consistent support for scholarships and grants.

2.  Renewal Contributions
Consider adding a donation when renewing your SDA membership. A simple addition can directly support professional development opportunities for fellow members.

3.  Company Matching Gifts
Many employers offer matching gift programs. Checking with your HR department could double the impact of your contribution.

4.  Chapter Annual Contributions
Chapters may choose to allocate an annual contribution to the PPC Foundation during budgeting. Collective support significantly expands the funds available for member-focused educational initiatives.

The PPC’s work reflects a powerful truth: leadership does not end with a title. It continues through service, investment, and a shared commitment to strengthening our profession.

Together, we can ensure that SDA members have access to the resources, education, and mentorship they need to grow and lead.

Kim Celenza is SDA Immediate Past National President and Marketing Manager at JFK&M Consulting Group, a full service MEP Engineering Consulting Firm.

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.

Exemplary leadership and service define Fran Carrillo’s contributions to the Society for Design Administration (SDA). As Operations Manager at MIG, Inc. in San Diego, Fran has long been recognized for her organizational insight and steady guidance. This year, her dedication earned national recognition with the GEM Award, honoring SDA members who serve as “Guiding Examples to our Members” through their significant contributions to the organization and its mission.

When Fran stepped into the role of Co-Chair of SDA’s Marketing and Communications (MarCom) Committee, she brought a collaborative energy that elevated the organization’s visibility and engagement across multiple platforms. The MarCom Committee oversees SDA’s marketing, public relations, social media, and publications—areas that reflect how SDA connects, informs, and celebrates its members. Through her leadership, Fran helped strengthen SDA’s brand voice and ensured that communications reflected the professionalism and spirit of the AEC community.

The GEM Award celebrates members whose service and influence shine throughout the SDA network, and Fran’s impact certainly fits that description. She first served as MarCom Co-Chair from 2020 to 2022, guiding the committee through a time when digital communication became more vital than ever. Returning to the role again for 2024 to 2025, Fran has continued to foster creative collaboration and consistency in how SDA presents itself to current and prospective members. Her ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on support exemplifies the type of leadership that strengthens the organization from within.

Fran’s professional journey at MIG, Inc. further reflects her commitment to excellence and teamwork. As Operations Manager, she supports a multidisciplinary design and planning firm known for its community-centered projects. Her dual perspective—rooted in both business operations and design collaboration—aligns perfectly with SDA’s mission to empower the professionals who keep AEC firms running smoothly and effectively. Within both her firm and SDA, Fran models the kind of leadership that values communication, mentorship, and shared success.

Her long-standing involvement in SDA highlights the power of professional engagement. Since joining the organization in 2017, Fran has contributed her time and expertise to advancing SDA’s visibility and resources for members. Under her guidance, the MarCom Committee’s initiatives have supported national campaigns, chapter outreach, and publications that spotlight member achievements—strengthening the bridge between local chapters and the national community.

Beyond her committee work, Fran’s influence extends through the connections she builds. Her approach demonstrates that effective communication is not only about messaging—it’s about meaning. She continues to inspire members by showing how thoughtful collaboration and steady commitment can create lasting value within professional organizations like SDA.

SDA National proudly congratulates Fran Carrillo on receiving the GEM Award. Her leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm exemplify what it means to serve as a guiding example for others. Through her efforts, SDA’s message of empowerment and professional excellence reaches farther and resonates deeper—reminding us all that the strength of our community lies in members like her.