When it comes to dedication, reliability, and community spirit, SDA Orange County’s Marsha Bastian shines brightly. This year, her years of service and leadership earned her the SDA STAR Award, a national honor presented annually by each chapter of the Society for Design Administration to recognize outstanding members whose contributions exemplify SDA’s values of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.

For more than five years, Marsha has served as Recording Secretary for SDA Orange County, maintaining detailed and accurate meeting minutes that keep the chapter’s operations running smoothly. Her precise documentation ensures that chapter leaders can reference decisions and discussions with confidence—an often unsung but essential role that reflects her professionalism and attention to detail. “Her notes have been a big help when needing to track what has been discussed or decided at previous business meetings,” shared a chapter colleague.

Beyond her secretarial duties, Marsha has strengthened SDA/OC’s programming by connecting the chapter with expert speakers from her insurance firm, Risk Strategies, helping organize multiple lunch seminars and webinars on topics vital to AEC business operations. Her willingness to share resources and expertise has enriched chapter education and engagement, providing valuable insight for members and their firms.

Marsha joined SDA in 2015, quickly becoming an active participant in nearly every chapter function—from board meetings and professional seminars to networking and social events. Her steady presence and enthusiasm have made her a cornerstone of the SDA/OC community. As one member noted, “She’s just not an attendee, she’s a participant,” a sentiment that captures the energy and initiative she brings to everything she does.

The STAR Award honors SDA members whose exceptional service advances both their chapter and the broader profession. Marsha’s recognition underscores the impact of her commitment to fostering professional excellence and connection within the AEC community. Her contributions demonstrate how consistent involvement, leadership, and generosity of knowledge strengthen the foundation of SDA as a whole.

SDA National congratulates Marsha Bastian on this well-deserved recognition. Her example reminds us that leadership takes many forms—and that attention to detail, collaboration, and community-minded service are at the heart of what makes the SDA thrive.

Driving Growth, Inspiring Change: Deborah Gill Honored with SDA STAR Award

In every thriving organization, there are individuals whose quiet dedication powers lasting transformation. For the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Design Administration (SDA), that person is Deborah Gill. With more than three decades of SDA membership and a career spanning 40 years in the AEC industry, Deborah’s contributions have not only strengthened her chapter, they’ve shaped the profession itself. In recognition of her exceptional service, leadership, and impact, Deborah has been honored with the 2025 STAR Award, SDA’s highest tribute to volunteer excellence.

A Career Dedicated to AEC Business Excellence

Deborah Gill is more than a seasoned CPA, she’s a changemaker whose expertise has guided firms across the architecture, engineering, construction, and land surveying industries. As the founder of Profit by Design, LLC, Deborah has supported over 100 clients in optimizing their Deltek Vision systems and improving operational efficiency. Her reputation as a trusted management consultant, author, and lecturer is built on decades of experience helping firms grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.

With a B.A. from the University of Mary Washington and a CPA license in Virginia, Deborah has built an impressive legacy of service, both to the industry and the professional organizations that support it. She has delivered insightful presentations for AIA, ACEC, IFMA, NSPE, NSPS, and of course, SDA, where her influence has been especially profound.

SDA Impact: A Lifelong Legacy of Leadership

Deborah joined SDA 34 years ago, and since then has become a cornerstone of the community. Her leadership helped develop SDA’s signature practice management course, BizTrak, a vital educational resource that continues to empower business operations professionals across the country.

Locally, she is described as “the heartbeat” of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, offering strategic direction, behind-the-scenes support, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Deborah is never one to shy away from advocating for change, and her vision has driven the success of countless chapter initiatives.

But beyond her titles and achievements, Deborah is most often celebrated for her generosity of spirit. Her ability to encourage, engage, and uplift others has made a lasting impression on everyone she works with.

Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Firms

Even beyond her consulting work, Deborah remains committed to advancing business acumen within the AEC industry. Today, she continues to support nonprofit organizations with accounting guidance, while also mentoring small A/E firms to implement better business practices. Her dedication to knowledge-sharing through speaking engagements and course development has helped create a stronger, more connected professional community.

Celebrating a True STAR

“Deborah embodies everything it means to be a STAR,” said members of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. “Her leadership, support, and tireless efforts have made a meaningful and lasting impact—not just here at home, but across the national SDA community.”

SDA proudly celebrates Deborah Gill for her extraordinary contributions and enduring legacy of service. Her work is a powerful reminder that one member’s commitment can spark growth, empower others, and elevate an entire industry.

Viviana Garcia, CDFO, doesn’t just support her SDA chapter—she elevates it. With a background in architecture and a talent for administration, Viviana has become a cornerstone of the San Antonio Chapter since joining in 2021. Her leadership, technical savvy, and unwavering dedication have earned her the 2025 STAR Award, one of SDA’s most prestigious honors. As a four-year member and Path2Success alumna, Viviana exemplifies the kind of excellence and innovation that define SDA’s impact on the AEC industry.

Celebrating a STAR in the Digital Era

The STAR Award, presented annually by SDA National, recognizes members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the organization. Viviana’s nomination highlights her multifaceted contributions—from coordinating chapter event registrations and contact lists using Constant Contact, to presenting at networking meetings and serving multiple terms on the Board.

Her ability to adapt to new tools and technologies has helped streamline chapter operations and enhance member engagement. Viviana’s attention to detail and proactive mindset ensure that every task is executed with precision and care, making her an indispensable part of the chapter’s success.

A Career Built on Design, Discipline, and Dedication

Viviana holds a B.S. in Architecture from Arizona State University and currently serves as Operations Manager at Michael G. Imber, Architects, PLLC—a role she’s held for the past five years. Her dual expertise in design and administration allows her to contribute meaningfully across a range of firm and chapter initiatives.

As a Certified Design Firm Administrator (CDFA), Viviana brings professionalism and rigor to every role she takes on. Her peers describe her as someone who consistently goes the extra mile—whether it’s stepping up to learn new systems, offering fresh ideas, or simply lending a helping hand with a smile. Her positive energy and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader and a role model within the SDA community.

Strengthening the AEC Community Through Innovation and Inclusion

Viviana’s work benefits not only her chapter but the broader AEC community. Her presentations at networking meetings foster knowledge-sharing and professional growth, while her behind-the-scenes coordination ensures smooth, inclusive events that bring members together. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and technologies reflects the evolving nature of business operations in AEC firms—and her leadership helps others navigate that change with confidence.

A Community Celebration of Excellence

Viviana Garcia’s STAR Award nomination is a celebration of excellence, adaptability, and heart. Her contributions to SDA’s San Antonio Chapter reflect the very best of our organization’s values: service, innovation, and community. SDA National proudly recognizes Viviana’s achievements and the inspiration she brings to our professional family.

Her journey reminds us that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about showing up, stepping forward, and lifting others along the way.