Benjamin Sawa, CPSM
Since 2012
Active
SMPS Boston member
AEC marketing professional
Benjamin leads corporate development strategy, strategic planning, and organizational growth as Chief Development Officer at GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation’s leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms. He partners with leaders across the organization to drive the strategic plan, acquisitive growth program, and strategic partnerships that position GEI for sustainable expansion across diverse markets and geographies.
His expertise spans comprehensive corporate development including mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, corporate finance, operations management, marketing strategy, and business development. With over 22 years at GEI, Benjamin brings unique perspective gained through progressive roles spanning technical consulting (Project Geologist 2004-2008), finance and operations (Strategic Business Analyst 2008-2011, Corporate Development Manager 2011-2015), marketing leadership (Director of Marketing 2015-2018, Vice President Marketing 2018-2023), corporate development (VP Corporate Development 2023-2025), and board governance (Board of Directors 2021-2023).
Previously serving on GEI’s Board of Directors (2021-2023), Benjamin contributed strategic oversight to firm governance during a critical growth period. His multidisciplinary background in geotechnical engineering, environmental science, operations, corporate finance, strategy, and marketing enables him to translate between technical excellence and business strategy in ways that drive organizational alignment and measurable results.
Benjamin holds a Master of Science in Administration from Boston College and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from University of Vermont. His Project Management Professional (PMP) certification demonstrates expertise in executing complex initiatives that require cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
Benjamin demonstrates extraordinary national and chapter leadership as the 2025-26 President of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), leading the international organization representing nearly 8,000 AEC marketing professionals. His Society presidency follows service as SMPS President-Elect (2024-25) and SMPS Board of Directors At-Large Director (2023-24), positioning him at the forefront of professional services marketing advancement and strategic direction for the entire profession.
Elevated to SMPS Fellow status in 2020 (Class of 2020), Benjamin joins an elite group demonstrating at least 15 years of marketing expertise and 10+ years of active SMPS involvement. His Fellowship recognizes sustained commitment to advancing the profession through leadership, mentorship, and strategic contributions at chapter, regional, and national levels.
Benjamin’s SMPS Boston chapter leadership includes service as President (2014-2015), receiving the prestigious SMPS 2015 Chapter President of the Year Award recognizing excellence in leadership while serving chapter members. The national award citation highlighted his “passion in leading a reinvestment in the Chapter’s members, development of new programming, and innovative strategic leadership,” with nominators noting “to know Ben is to know and appreciate what leadership really means. Ben embodies what it means to be an effective leader with a combination of enthusiasm, strategy, and purpose.”
His chapter service includes Treasurer (2010-2013) and Vice President (2013-2014), demonstrating sustained commitment across seven years of progressive board roles. As Past President (2015-2016), Benjamin provided continuity leadership ensuring chapter strategic initiatives remained on track through governance transitions.
Benjamin’s thought leadership extends nationally through featured articles published on the SMPS website, including “Culture Is Our Competitive Advantage” (January 2026) as Society President, articulating how organizational culture differentiates firms in competitive AEC markets. His writing addresses strategic topics that resonate across the profession, from cultural transformation to leadership development.
Beyond SMPS, Benjamin serves on boards of several nonprofit organizations aimed at improving the AEC and related industries, demonstrating commitment to advancing the broader professional community. His board service at Professional Women in Construction (PWC) champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that create pathways for women’s advancement in construction and related fields.
As a featured speaker in SMPS Boston Member Spotlight interviews, Benjamin shares insights on the welcoming and inclusive nature of SMPS, noting in a 2023 interview that he’s “eternally grateful” for being introduced to SMPS early in his marketing career. He emphasizes that SMPS membership provided opportunities and connections unlike any other organization in the industry, encouraging others to engage actively in committees and chapter leadership.
Benjamin’s professional recognition includes the SMPS 2013 Best Publication Award, recognizing excellence in contributing content that advances professional knowledge and strengthens member engagement. This award demonstrates his commitment to thought leadership and sharing practical insights that benefit the entire AEC marketing community.
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