Every January 8, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) celebrates A/E/C Growth Professionals Day, recognizing the role marketing professionals in the A/E/C industry play in shaping the growth and development of our built environment. It’s a day to spotlight the behind-the-scenes movers whose work in marketing, business development, and communications drives meaningful progress across the industries we serve.
This year, we’re highlighting Heather McLaughlin, who manages our Business Development team. An SMPS Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), Heather primarily supports the Virginia Hampton Roads market, focusing on public sector projects throughout the state. Over the years, she has played a key role in expanding our presence in the region by building relationships, opening doors, and helping position teams for long-term success.
Heather began her career in the A/E/C industry in 1999 without prior experience in the field. She credits her passion for research and learning as the foundation that helped propel her forward.
Early on, Heather recognized the importance of learning from those with industry experience and joined SMPS, an organization of marketing and business development professionals dedicated to advancing the A/E/C industry. Today, SMPS represents more than 7,400 professionals across the United States and Canada. Through her involvement, Heather connected with like-minded peers who offered valuable guidance and mentorship as she navigated the early stages of her career.
As a member of SMPS for 27 years, Heather has held several leadership roles within the Virginia chapter, contributing to both its growth and long-term success. “I’ve been very active in the CPSM certification program, study groups, and supporting others as they prepare for the exam,” she said.
Heather also helped launch the SMPS Virginia Annual Conference, now known as Building Virginia: A Marketing Summit for A/E/C Professional. Each year, the two-day event brings together members from across the region to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and strengthen professional networks. “I managed that project for a long time and worked with a lot of folks across the state,” she said. “It was very rewarding.”
With more than two decades of industry experience, Heather emphasizes authenticity as one of the most important qualities for those entering business development in the A/E/C industry. “You have to be your authentic self,” she said. “If you’re not true to yourself, people will see through it. Be yourself, be prepared, have a good time, relax, and everything will fall into place.”
When asked about her favorite part of working in business development, Heather’s answer is simple: “I love it all. I really do. I love connecting with people, researching, and learning more. I feel such satisfaction when I put the right engineer with the right project, and I know they’re going to connect well and have a vested interest in seeing it through to the end.”
Heather has been working with Timmons Group for ten years and says it has been incredibly validating to her as a professional in the industry. “Everyone on the team was very open to me when I came on board,” she said. “There’s a lot of reciprocal support, and it’s fantastic.”
This year, Heather was named a shareholder of the firm—an achievement that reflects both her professional impact and the value of business development leadership within the A/E/C industry. “From entry-level beginnings to a seat at the table, every role has shaped who I am as a leader today,” she said. “After more than two decades of learning, leading, and lifting others up, I’ve found that growth happens with purpose one step at a time, and perseverance and passion can truly take you a long way.”
From her early days learning the industry to managing a statewide SMPS conference, mentoring young professionals, and becoming a shareholder at Timmons Group, Heather’s career reflects a deep commitment to growth. Her dedication to business development and to cultivating meaningful connections continues to make a lasting impact in the industries we serve.
Interested in pursuing a career in business development? Start by growing your network and connecting with Heather on LinkedIn.
