Skip to content 
Lead with Confidence
Last month/mid-April, SMPS welcomed incoming presidents-elect to SMPS Chapter Leadership Symposium 2026 in Washington, D.C. for an immersive leadership experience designed to prepare them for the year ahead.
What is CLS?
CLS is the Society’s premier leadership program for presidents-elect, focused on equipping leaders with tools, perspectives, and connections needed to guide their chapters.
The Experience
The work began well before participants arrived in D.C. Through early cohort engagement, presidents-elect started building relationships, exchanging ideas, and establishing a strong foundation for collaboration. It included a curriculum led by fellow past-presidents and CLS champions Lauren Frein, CPSM (SMPS Philadelphia) and Duncan Robertson, CPSM (SMPS Idaho).
At CLS, that momentum continued through:
- Interactive workshops and strategy sessions
- Peer roundtables and small-group discussions
- Leadership programming with practical application
- Direct engagement with SMPS HQ and SMPS Foundation leaders
- Dynamic keynotes Mary Abbajay, Kat Kibben, and Craig Galati, FAIA, FSMPS, CPSM
Key Takeaways
Participants left CLS with:
- Stronger peer connections across chapters
- Increased readiness to step into leadership roles
- Greater awareness of available resources and support
- Practical strategies to guide their chapters forward
Sessions such as the leadership panel also provided helpful insight into the roles and perspectives of HQ and Foundation leadership.
Looking Ahead
The CLS Class of 2026, known as the “National Treasures,” returns to their chapters ready to lead with confidence, supported by a growing network of peers and SMPS resources.