Linda Sheilds • Keynote Speaker • Speaking With Authority, Inc.
Linda Shields is a speech pathologist, career-saving voice coach, keynote speaker, radio personality and the president of Speaking With Authority, Inc. She has extensive media experience and connects with people in a real and personal way. Linda enlightens and entertains with eye-opening "oh my gosh" insights into an area of an individual's image that most people are not aware of, how the quality of their voice impacts their daily life.
Sharon Hill • Keynote Speaker • Sharon Hill International
Sharon A. Hill spent more than 20 years as a development and marketing manager at Fortune 500 giant IBM. While handling her global management position, she was elected Chairman of the Raleigh/RTP Black Diversity Network Group, a position she held for five years at IBM’s largest site. As a Toastmasters International award winner, Sharon displays mastery and confidence for audiences ranging in size from 20 to more than 500. She teaches, writes, speaks and coaches individuals and companies about the skills necessary to become grounded in all human interactions while leveraging the advantages of technology. As president of Sharon Hill International, Sharon teaches seminars focusing on American Business Etiquette, Effective Speaking Techniques, Preparing Executive Resumes, Preparing Diverse Students for Corporate America and others.
Ted Abernathy • Keynote Speaker • Southern Growth Policies Board
The Southern Growth Policies Board is a non-partisan public policy think tank based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Formed by the region's governors in 1971, Southern Growth Policies Board develops and advances visionary economic development policies by providing a forum for partnership and dialog among a diverse cross-section of the region's governors, legislators, business and academic leaders and the economic- and community-development sectors. This unique public-private partnership is devoted to strengthening the South's economy and creating the highest possible quality of life.
Donna Corlew • The Schneider Corporation
With over twenty years of experience marketing architectural and engineering services, Donna's responsibilities with The Schneider Corporation include developing new business relationships, as well as maintenance of existing relationships, for the Nashville team. Donna achieved the designation of Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) through the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) in 1993 and was elevated to the status of Fellow of the Society in 2004. Active in SMPS since 1987 on local and national levels, Donna served as President of the Nashville Chapter, was involved in the repositioning of the Society's certification program, and chaired the 2004 Marketing Communications Awards (MCA). She currently serves as National Past President on the SMPS National Board of Directors.
Tim Barrick • RATIO Architects, Inc.
A native Hoosier, Tim Barrick is a 30-year veteran marketer of professional services. After attending Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis, he discovered his true calling was in sales and marketing when the A/E firm he worked for fell on hard times. In danger of losing his job as a draftsman in 1978, he took it upon himself to solicit business for the struggling firm and was instrumental in turning the small practice around. With the excitement of this successful endeavor fresh in his mind, he parlayed his experience into a position as Director of Business Development for the Indianapolis architectural firm of Bohlen, Meyer, Gibson & Associates.
Laura Poole • Archer Coaching
Laura Poole is a Certified Professional Coach, a member of the International Coaching Federation, and the founder of Archer Coaching. Her passion is helping professionals create the career of their dreams and inspiring groups to work together for success. She graduated cum laude from Duke University in 1995 with a double major in English and Women's Studies
Sheryl Maibach • Barton Malow
Sheryl Maibach, FSMPS is the Chief Marketing Officer for Barton Malow Company responsible for corporate marketing and sales and is a Society for Marketing Professional Services fellow. Barton Malow is a national construction services firm with twelve regional office and annual firm revenues over $1.4 billion. Sheryl serves as the Barton Malow Company spokesperson. As a female executive and major stockholder in an industry that has less than 6% women, Sheryl is a rare enough bird to be on the endangered species list.
KC Ramsay • KC Ramsay
KC Ramsay is a native North Carolinian who began taking photographs at 14 with a borrowed twin lens reflex camera. He processed and printed his own work throughout high school and college while working on the newspaper, yearbook and contributing to at least one book. A Fine Arts major at UNC-CH, he went on to earn an architectural degree from North Carolina State University and then set photography aside for a number of years to practice architecture and help raise a family. Having returned to photography full time, his work reflects his love of people of all ages and his fine arts training and experience. His studio is located in Raleigh.
Gilbert Brindley • Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI)
Gil Brindley is an Executive Vice President for Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI), an industry-leading consulting engineering and testing firm with 125 offices nationwide. Mr. Brindley holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Masters of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Brindley's 23 career in construction management operations and engineering has been highlighted by positions as U.S. Army Officer, General Manager, Division President, and Regional Executive Vice President. He currently heads up merger and acquisition activity for PSI in addition to leading Federal Market sales and operations efforts.
Chris Brasier • SmithGroup, PLLC
Chris Brasier, AIA, LEED AP is Principal and Office Director for SmithGroup, PLLC in Durham, North Carolina. SmithGroup is the nation's 9th largest architecture and engineering firm (Building Design & Construction, July 2008) and is composed of client industry-focused practices serving the learning, healthcare, workplace and science & technology markets. With 253 LEED accredited professionals and 20 LEED certified projects, SmithGroup is a national leader in sustainable, environmentally intelligent design. Established in 1853, SmithGroup is the longest continually operating architecture and engineering firm in the U.S. In addition to Environmental Design and Architecture degrees from North Carolina State University, Chris earned a MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Chris' leadership responsibilities include directing the office's business development and management activities as well as providing design and management expertise for institutional and corporate clients. Most recently, Chris and his colleagues at SmithGroup collaborated with Duke University and the Pratt School of Engineering on the first LEED Platinum residence hall, the Home Depot Smart Home. Over the course of his career, Chris has led the formulation and implementation of several strategic planning initiatives.
Bryan Kristof • Signal Inc.
As Director of Marketing for Signal, a design, marketing and technology firm with studios located in Raleigh and Wilmington, NC, Bryan offers over 15 years of experience developing successful marketing and creative communications programs. He has an extensive background in professional services marketing and is a past member of SMPS through the Upstate New York and Research Triangle Chapters. Bryan has an extensive background in AEC marketing having served as Director of Marketing for Boney Architects in North Carolina as well as The Thomas Group, a full-service firm located based in Ithaca, NY.
Peter Kienle
Pete Kienle was the 2006/2007 National President of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and is a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) as well as a Fellow of the Society.