MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | DIANA GERGES AND THE COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Posted on Jul. 2, 2025 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Join us as we highlight Diana Gerges, Director of Communications, SMPS New York (Senior Proposal Manager, BRAVO) with special shout outs to her team. The Communications Committee of SMPS New York plays a vital role in shaping the voice and visibility of our chapter. Through strategic content development, branding, and digital outreach, the committee ensures that our members stay informed, engaged, and inspired. From managing social media and updating the website, to producing event promotions and chapter announcements, our team works behind the scenes to connect our vibrant community and amplify the value of marketing in the AEC industry.
Diana, what has it been like in your role as Director of Communications?
“It has been an enriching and fulfilling experience to lead the Communications Committee for the NY Chapter. When I first started as a volunteer, I couldn't have imagined how much I would grow and how much this role would shape my professional journey. Transitioning from the Committee to the Board has provided me with invaluable opportunities to develop my leadership skills, collaborate with talented individuals, and contribute to the Chapter's success. The Communications Committee plays a vital role in disseminating information and content to our members and the general public, ensuring that key messages reach the right audience in a timely and engaging manner. With the Chapter's event calendar consistently busy, this responsibility has prompted us to stay agile and refine our strategies for sharing updates, events, and critical information in an effective manner. I am deeply grateful for the support and trust of my colleagues, as well as the opportunity to work alongside dedicated and passionate professionals.”
How does your current career compare to your role with the Communications Committee?
Diana: “I am currently operating as the Senior Proposal Manager at the Bravo Group. In my role, I manage complex high-value proposals for the firm, overseeing the entire process from identifying opportunities and strategizing to coordinating both internal and external teams. I guide the proposal through each stage, all the way to submission, and handle post-submission collateral maintenance and management.”
What are the responsibilities of the Communications Committee?
Diana: “I lead the Communications Committee, collaborating with an incredible team to keep our members and the public informed about SMPS-NY’s events and initiatives. As the primary source of Chapter communications, we deliver timely and engaging content that highlights our programs and community. My responsibilities include managing our social media channels, developing pre- and post-event content to promote and recap events, designing graphics, writing for the SMPS-NY blog, maintaining the Chapter website, and showcasing our sponsors. In a crowded digital landscape, the key challenge is making sure our messaging stands out, captivating our audience while clearly conveying the value of what we do.”
What are the career paths of the others on the Communications Committee?
Other team members include Ryan Watson who has been the Marketing Coordinator/Office Manager at Jack L. Gordon Architects for over 18 years, handling marketing and administrative duties, Richard James who is currently the Marketing Coordinator/Digital Media Specialist with First Environment, and Chris Frawley who is the Senior Marketing Communications Manager with GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc.
How do you share the workload amongst the committee? How do you work as a team?
Diana: “Despite everyone's busy schedules, each person has consistently gone above and beyond to make a valuable contribution. Ryan and Richard have been a constant source of support, always bringing a level of dedication that has been invaluable to our success. The respect and cooperative culture within the group are truly what make working together so effective and enjoyable. A special shout-out goes to Chris Frawley, who consistently publishes the Member Spotlight content and has been a valuable resource for the Communications Committee through the years. His willingness to collaborate and contribute year after year has made him a standout participant. Each person brings their unique strengths to the table, and together, we've managed to create something truly special. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such talented and driven individuals who consistently make time to contribute, despite their busy schedules.”
Ryan & Diana, what have you taken away from your involvement with the Communications Committee and what advice would you give to anyone interested in joining or volunteering with SMPS-NY in general?
Ryan: "I joined the committee with the goal of enhancing my skills related to social media strategy, content planning, and audience engagement. My goal was to build on these skills in a practical setting so I could apply more effective and creative approaches to digital communication in my current role. This experience has allowed me to explore new tools, refine messaging techniques, and better align social media initiatives with organizational goals."
Diana: “I’m lucky to collaborate with a fantastic group of people on the Board of Directors and our Committee. I feel like I've hit the jackpot by having the opportunity to contribute to SMPS-NY while utilizing my communications skills in such a dynamic and enjoyable setting. I highly recommend volunteering with SMPS-NY on any of the committees. The environment is engaging, collaborative, and filled with like-minded professionals who share a passion for what we do.”
(Ryan and Diana at Liberty Ball 2024)
0 Comments