Cindy Culbertson, CPSM
Since NA
Active
SMPS Indiana member
AEC marketing professional
Cindy brings exceptional strategic thinking and creative problem-solving to AEC owner’s representation and construction consulting, currently serving as Operations Leader at Zurbuch Development/Construction Consulting. In this role, she provides strategic support to businesses, institutions, and municipalities through comprehensive owner’s representation, construction project management, site inspection QA/QC, and development program management for complex projects throughout Indiana and the Midwest.
Her unique multidisciplinary background distinguishes her approach to the built environment. With formal training in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Cindy has held diverse roles spanning design, construction management, business development, and strategic marketing. This well-rounded experience across technical, operational, and strategic functions enables her to navigate complexities and deliver innovative solutions that maximize value for clients.
Cindy specializes in educational facilities, commercial construction, institutional projects, and infrastructure development serving public and private sector clients. Her expertise spans strategic marketing planning, brand strategy development, business development, and client relationship management with over 25 years of experience helping AEC firms achieve measurable growth and competitive advantage.
Cindy demonstrates extraordinary professional leadership through both her CPSM certification and her prestigious FSMPS designation, representing the highest level of achievement in AEC marketing. As a Fellow of SMPS, she has been recognized for sustained excellence and exceptional contributions to advancing the professional services marketing profession through decades of dedicated service.
Her most significant leadership contribution came through five years of consecutive board service with SMPS Indiana Chapter, culminating as President during 2015-2016 and Immediate Past President through 2016-2017. During her presidential term, she led the board in updating the chapter’s five-year strategic plan, increased membership by nearly 10% with 26 new members, coordinated annual scholarship fundraisers that grew attendees and sponsors each year, and developed high-quality education and networking opportunities that maintained the chapter’s financial stability and service excellence.
Beyond her presidential leadership, Cindy served in progressive board roles including Education Director (2012-2013), Programs Director (2013-2014), and President-Elect (2014-2015), demonstrating sustained commitment to professional development. As Education Director, she led the committee in developing sessions around SMPS’s “Six Domains of Practice” and provided critical support to CPSM Study Groups, helping numerous professionals achieve certification. She coordinated the chapter’s annual meeting, member surveys, and slate development while serving on programs and special events committees.
Cindy’s leadership extends to CPSM Study Group facilitation, where she personally mentored aspiring CPSMs through the certification process, sharing her expertise and encouraging professional growth throughout the Indiana AEC marketing community.
Achievements:
