Heather McLaughlin, CPSM, is the Senior Business Development Manager where she leads the Timmons Group business development professionals as well as the Virginia Hampton Roads market with a focus on public sector projects statewide. With more than 25 years of experience in the A/E/C industry, Heather brings deep market knowledge, strategic insight, and a relationship-driven approach to positioning teams for long-term success.
Heather began her career in 1999 and credits her passion for research and continuous learning as key drivers of her professional growth. She has been an active member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) for 27 years, serving in multiple leadership roles within the SMPS Virginia Chapter and supporting the CPSM certification program through mentorship and study groups. She also helped launch and manage the SMPS Virginia Annual Conference, now known as Building Virginia: A Marketing Summit for A/E/C Professionals.
Q&A
Where did you grow up? I moved to Yorktown, Virginia in the 4th grade from Texas (I was born in Ohio.) I have been in Hampton Roads for 40+ years. I consider it home. My love of history is deep with the Revolutionary War Era at the center of this passion. Living here is such a treat for me.
Favorite restaurant? I am not sure I can answer this question. I am a self-proclaimed foodie. In every town, I have a few trusted places and love trying new ones with friends and colleagues. Selfishly, I prefer to cook and try recipes from the New York Times Cooking. Right now, I’m all things Mediterranean.
Favorite book? I love to read and learn. I am a founding member of my neighborhood book club. Our monthly meetings are themed to the book (food, music, location); sometimes there is a movie; and always lots of open discussion. The group is made up of some of the smartest women I have ever met.
Music you’re currently listening to? Everything! I had lost music in my life for a very long time. Not intentionally, it just happened over time. Only recently did I rediscover how amazing music is from the lyrics to the score and how it makes you feel deep in your soul. I am playing catch up and enjoying every minute of it.
If you were not a business developer, what would you be? I would love to do a Sports Podcast. My obsession began with Robin Roberts from her early days on Sports Center, I was hooked. She was the first female sports broadcaster that really had game. I love sports. All of them. I am terrible at playing them.