MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | CARLY DANTSCHISCH
Posted on Mar. 17, 2026 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
This March, we’re excited to spotlight Carly Dantschisch, a dynamic Marketing Lead at VHB whose strategic mindset and people-first approach have shaped her 13-year career in the AEC industry. Supporting marketing efforts across VHB's Northeast region, Carly plays a key role in driving complex pursuits and partnering with market leaders to position VHB for continued growth and success. A dedicated SMPS-NY member and Director of our Westchester and Hudson Valley Affiliate, she credits the organization with helping her find her voice, strengthen her leadership skills, and build lasting connections across the AEC community. From advancing strategic initiatives to championing collaboration and mentorship, Carly’s journey reflects the power of meaningful involvement and continuous growth within SMPS.
Please introduce yourself! What is your current role and company? How many years experience do you have?
Hi everyone! My name is Carly Dantschisch, and I am a Marketing Lead at VHB, a 2,300-person firm of engineers, planners, designers, and scientists with offices throughout the East Coast. I have 13 years of professional experience, all within the AEC industry. In my current role, I support marketing efforts across our Northeast region, from driving strategic pursuits to partnering with our market leaders and internal client focus teams to position VHB for continued growth and success.
What first inspired you to get involved with SMPS, and how has your career in the AEC industry evolved since then?
I was first inspired to get involved with SMPS early in my career at the encouragement of my manager, who wanted me to build connections in the industry and meet peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. Since then, SMPS has introduced me to countless marketers and business developers across the AEC community, many of whom have become true lifelong friends, trusted mentors, and collaborators.
Being part of SMPS has given me a safe space to share ideas, talk through obstacles, and learn from others who understand the realities of pursuing large, complex proposals and leading strategic, often difficult, conversations with technical teams and clients.
Those relationships and experiences have been pivotal in helping me find my voice, grow my confidence, and strengthen my leadership skills, ultimately supporting my progression into my current Marketing Lead role.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of your leadership roles within SMPS-NY?
The most rewarding aspects of my leadership roles within SMPS-NY have been seeing our collective vision come to life and watching others shine in the process. At the start of each year, we develop a strategic plan, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see the ideas of our board and committee members unfold into successful initiatives—whether it’s a creative networking event from our Events Committee or an engaging, thought-provoking program developed by our Programs Committee. I especially enjoy watching SMPS leaders stretch their creative and strategic muscles beyond what they do within their own firms, trying new approaches, testing fresh ideas, and growing more confident as they see the impact of their work on the chapter and the broader AEC marketing community.
How do you see SMPS-NY making a difference for its members, and what impact has it had on your own professional growth?
I see SMPS-NY making a meaningful difference for its members by connecting them to a broad network of AEC marketers, mentors, and resources they might never access within their own firms. Through programs like Business Development Best Practices, Storytelling in Shortlisted Interviews, and Proving ROI, members gain practical, actionable skills that directly elevate the value they bring to their teams and organizations. For me personally, SMPS-NY has expanded my perspective beyond the day-to-day work of my firm and exposed me to best practices, strategic thinking, and professional development opportunities I would not have encountered otherwise. As a result, I’ve grown more confident in every role I’ve held throughout my career, and my involvement has significantly increased my visibility and credibility within the AEC industry.
What advice would you give to members—new or seasoned—looking to get more involved in SMPS?
To members, both new and seasoned, who want to get more involved in SMPS, my advice is to be intentional about building connections and staying curious. Make a point to introduce yourself to someone you’ve never met at each event; a simple conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities, collaborations, or even long-term mentorship. In my experience, SMPS attracts some of the friendliest, most supportive professionals in the AEC industry, and everyone is there for a similar purpose: to elevate their careers and be a stronger resource for their firms. Approach the organization like a learning lab—be hungry to learn, ask questions, volunteer when you can, and be a sponge for the insights, tools, and best practices SMPS offers. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll get back in terms of growth, confidence, and impact.
Outside of career-life, what are some hobbies or adventures you like to have?
Outside of my career, I’m passionate about staying active and giving back. I grew up as a competitive gymnast, and that experience has stayed with me, shaping my work ethic, discipline, and love of fitness. I am an early-morning gym person, and I enjoy trying new workout classes every now and then to keep my routine fresh and fun. I am also a huge animal lover and have been volunteering at Bideawee in Chelsea since 2017, where I spend time each week helping care for animals in need. In addition, I absolutely love to travel! My friends and I are always planning our next adventure, and I just recently returned from a trip to Mexico.
What excites you most about the future of SMPS-NY and the role it plays in shaping the AEC marketing community?
What excites me most about the future of SMPS-NY is its growing ability to shape not just individual careers, but the standard of what AEC marketing can and should look like in our region. As the industry becomes more data-driven, competitive, and relationship-focused, SMPS-NY is uniquely positioned to lead the way, elevating best practices in business development, storytelling, client experience, and strategic marketing while fostering a community that shares openly and learns from one another. I’m energized by the idea of more cross-firm collaboration, more mentorship across experience levels, and more innovative programming that helps marketers step into true leadership roles within their organizations. Ultimately, I see SMPS-NY continuing to be a catalyst for visibility, credibility, and growth for AEC marketers, creating a stronger, more connected community where marketing is recognized as a strategic driver of firm success.
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