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SMPS is pleased to announce that Ellison Marks has been honored with the 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Ellison, a member of SMPS Oregon, accepted the award during Amplify A|E|C, the Society’s annual conference, on July 28, in Las Vegas.
This SMPS award honors an emerging marketing professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership within their firm and meaningful contributions to the AEC Industry. Ellison, marketing coordinator at Systems West Engineers, is passionate about the Society and the AEC industry, and brings a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the communities around her.
Since joining Systems West Engineers, Ellison has distinguished herself as an impactful contributor. She exemplifies a “jack-of-all-trades” mindset, stepping into roles spanning creative design, strategic planning, storytelling, and digital execution. She plays a key role in developing the annual marketing plan while also driving weekly campaign implementation, ensuring consistency between big-picture strategy and day-to-day actions. Her leadership in digital media has significantly elevated the firm’s presence on LinkedIn, driving notable engagement increases of 40-60%, strengthening brand visibility, and expanding audience growth.
Among her most significant accomplishments includes the development of a project closeout process that helps project managers capture key details, innovations, and lessons learned. By creating a consistent approach to documenting project successes, Ellison improved the quality of information available for proposals and marketing materials while establishing a valuable resource that can be leveraged across future pursuits. The initiative has strengthened the firm’s ability to showcase its expertise and communicate its impact in a competitive marketplace.
She’s also committed to fostering a positive workplace culture. Recognizing the importance of employee recognition, Ellison revitalized the firm’s internal kudos board, introducing a creative way for staff to celebrate one another. Within two years, every employee across the organization had been acknowledged, helping to foster a more connected, appreciative, and engaged work environment.
An active member of SMPS, Ellison regularly participates in chapter and regional events to build meaningful relationships across AEC while staying informed on industry trends. Her involvement reflects a commitment to professional growth and a desire to contribute to the broader AEC marketing community.
Ellison stays dedicated in supporting the next generation of professionals. She mentors and oversees a marketing intern through the University of Oregon’s learning, equity, and inclusion program, helping guide their transition into the professional workforce. In addition, she has represented her firm at university career fairs, where she engages with students to share insight into the AEC industry, provides guidance on career pathways, and outlines the skills and expectations needed for success.
Beyond the workplace, Ellison is actively involved in community-focused initiatives that reflect her values and commitment to giving back. She has taken a leadership role in organizing and coordinating annual holiday giving programs across multiple office locations, including gift donation drives, food drives, and other charitable efforts. Through these initiatives, she has helped increase employee participation and foster a culture of community involvement within her firm.
Her combination of initiative, creativity, and leadership has made a meaningful impact on her organization and positions her as a rising leader within the AEC profession.
Congratulations, again, to Ellison Marks on being named the 2026 SMPS Emerging Leader of the Year!