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.

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.

Hey, SDA Trailblazers!

We are thrilled to announce the formation of the SDA Innovation in Education Committee (IEC). In conjunction with our national chapters, this committee represents SDA’s commitment to stepping up our learning tools and furthering the professional growth of design firm personnel across the United States and Canada.

Guided by our Committee Leader, Brittany Jamison, CDFA ,and committee members Anne McNeely, CDFA; Penny Nelson, CDFA; Deborah Gill, CPA, FSDA; Emily Moline Meyer, CDFA; and Kimberly Celenza, the IEC will craft enriching content to launch in April. These individuals bring their unique skills and experiences to the committee, contributing to the diversity and richness of the resources provided. Together, they will work towards creating a robust reference system that enables SDA members to navigate challenges and achieve excellence within the A/E/C industry. We aim to provide A|E|C specific education, best management practices, and training on professional standards.

Using the CDFA (Certification in Design Firm Administration) Resource Guide as the stepping-off platform, the IEC will concentrate its efforts on the six focus areas essential for the success and advancement of best practices in design firm management: finance, human resources, marketing, project management, office administration, and leadership and actively curate additional resources for each one.

This concentrated effort ensures SDA members access to a wealth of information and tools to excel in their respective roles, including blogs, white papers, book and article references, infographics, webinars, and other relevant information.

We invite you to join the committee or share any information, resources, or concepts you want to see covered by the IEC. Contact Brittany Jamison (bcharlick@cross2dg.com) and she will be happy to give you all the information you need. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deep into continuing education, best management practices, and training on professional standards. Your growth matters to us, and we’re impressed with your work, participation, and engagement!

#ABL – AlwaysBeLearning
Innovation in Education Committee