Ann Schiola, CPSM
Since 2007
Active
SMPS Tampa Bay member
AEC marketing professional
Ann leads strategic market intelligence, competitive analysis, and business growth initiatives as Senior Market Analysis and Growth Leader at RS&H, a 75-year-old architecture and engineering firm recognized for transforming visionary infrastructure ideas into reality. From designing platforms that send astronauts into space to engineering highways and bridges to rethinking aviation facilities, RS&H is redefining approaches to infrastructure serving transportation, aviation, space, federal, and buildings markets nationwide.
Her expertise combines comprehensive market research, competitive intelligence, strategic planning, and business development to create competitive value and identify growth opportunities across diverse AEC sectors. Ann brings unique specialization as one of the profession’s few Certified Competitive Intelligence Professionals (CIP-III Elite), the highest level of certification from the Academy of Competitive Intelligence—enabling sophisticated market analysis methodologies that inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
With over 26 years of proven ability to create competitive value, identify and develop business opportunities, establish and maintain market share, and devise solutions for complex business challenges, Ann’s career spans leadership roles at premier engineering consulting firms including McKim & Creed (Regional Business Development Director, 2017-2020), FINLEY Engineering Group (Marketing Director, 2012-2017), Cardno (Director of Marketing, 2006-2011), and Carter & Burgess (Marketing Manager, 2001-2005).
Her educational foundation includes an MBA in Business from University of Dallas, a Master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and a Bachelor’s degree from University of North Texas—providing comprehensive business strategy and management expertise.
Ann demonstrates exceptional professional leadership through her SMPS Fellow designation (Class of 2022), joining an elite group demonstrating at least 15 years of marketing expertise and 10+ years of active SMPS involvement. Her Fellowship, featured in the July/August 2022 SMPS Marketer Magazine, recognizes sustained commitment to advancing professional services marketing and sharing competitive intelligence expertise that elevates the entire AEC community.
Her national SMPS leadership includes service as Board of Directors At-Large Director (2022-2024), governing the international organization and contributing strategic oversight to initiatives affecting nearly 8,000 AEC marketing professionals worldwide. This board service demonstrates her commitment to advancing professional services marketing at the highest levels of organizational governance.
Ann’s SMPS Tampa Bay chapter leadership includes service as Advisor and At-Large Board Member (2016-2017), contributing strategic guidance and mentorship to chapter leadership. Her regional conference leadership includes Co-Chair of Programs for the 2020 SMPS Southeast Regional Conference (SERC), coordinating educational programming that serves hundreds of AEC marketing professionals throughout the Southeast region.
As a passionate advocate for competitive intelligence education, Ann has organized and facilitated numerous presentations teaching SMPS members how to leverage market research, competitor analysis, and strategic intelligence to win projects and grow market share. Her thought leadership bridges traditional marketing with sophisticated intelligence methodologies rarely applied in AEC industries.
Ann’s competitive intelligence expertise is demonstrated through her Certified Competitive Intelligence Professional Elite (CIP-III) designation from the Academy of Competitive Intelligence—the oldest and largest educational institution dedicated to training managers in competitive, market, and strategic intelligence. This advanced certification places her among a select group of professionals who can anticipate market opportunities and manage risks through superior intelligence gathering and analysis.
Additionally certified through the Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) Fundamental Certification, Ann maintains active involvement in cross-industry intelligence networks that inform her AEC market analysis work. Her membership in the American Marketing Association (AMA) connects her to broader marketing strategy thought leadership beyond the AEC-specific focus.
Ann’s published work includes winning entry for the 2015 SMPS Marketing Communication Awards (MCA) in Feature Writing category, demonstrating excellence in creating compelling content that advances client relationships and showcases technical expertise. Her writing and presentation skills contribute to thought leadership that benefits the broader professional services marketing community.
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