Kim Thompkins, CPSM
Since 2005
Active
SMPS Atlanta member
AEC marketing professional
Kim leads comprehensive marketing operations strategy for Cumming Group, an international project management and cost consulting firm with more than 50 offices globally serving clients across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. As Senior Director of Marketing Operations, she oversees the full scope of marketing functions including capture planning, pursuit strategy, proposal development, team development, and performance measurement for a firm specializing in construction consulting across multiple high-value sectors.
Her expertise spans education, healthcare, hospitality, themed entertainment, commercial development, and high-end residential markets serving both public agencies and private developers. Kim brings specialized knowledge in pursuit management, proposal excellence, and team leadership, with particular depth in capture strategy and business development operations. With over 30 years of AEC industry experience, she has contributed to marketing excellence at prominent firms including Pond & Company, Heery International, Stevens & Wilkinson, Gensler, and Steinberg Architects.
Her comprehensive understanding of construction project and cost management services enables effective marketing leadership for complex infrastructure and development projects, helping position Cumming Group’s owner’s representative approach for sustained competitive advantage across diverse market sectors. Kim’s StrengthsFinder profile—Relator, Maximizer, Strategic, Adaptability, and Deliberative—reflects her relationship-focused and strategically-minded approach to marketing leadership.
Kim exemplifies the highest standards of professional leadership through her FSMPS distinction—named Fellow of the Society for Marketing Professional Services in 2019, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the AEC marketing profession. This prestigious recognition represents the pinnacle achievement for marketing professionals in the design and construction industries, requiring 15 years of experience, 10 years of active SMPS membership, and at least five years as a CPSM holder.
As a national SMPS leader, Kim served as At-Large Director on the Society Board of Directors from September 2020 to August 2022, representing the interests of 7,000+ members during a transformative period for the organization. She has served on the Society’s Certification Committee, contributing to the advancement and promotion of CPSM standards across the profession.
At the chapter level, Kim demonstrates sustained commitment through leadership spanning more than 20 years with SMPS Atlanta. She served as Chapter President from September 2015 to August 2016, guiding the chapter to “Striving For Excellence – Outstanding, Large Chapter” recognition with significant accomplishments including a 10% membership increase with 83% retention, 300% increase in platinum sponsor firms, offering 39 CEUs, and raising $10,000 for the ACE Mentor program. During her presidency, the chapter implemented major initiatives including website redesign, enhanced social media strategy, new financial standards, improved consent agenda protocols, and consolidated event platforms while increasing communications open rates from 15% to 21% through analytics reporting.
Her professional contributions extend to extensive thought leadership, having co-presented “Making A Case for Certification” at numerous SMPS regional conferences including SERC (Southeast Regional Conference), helping hundreds of AEC marketers understand the value and pathway to CPSM certification. Kim has also served in numerous additional chapter roles including Committee Director and active mentor within the chapter’s mentorship programs.
Her professional excellence has earned industry-wide recognition, including being named 2017 SMPS Atlanta Marketer of the Year and recognition as one of the “50 Women in the Know” by Engineering Georgia Magazine in 2019. She also received the 2010 SMPS Atlanta Pacesetter Award, acknowledging her achievements as a consummate AEC marketer and business developer. Prior to relocating to Atlanta, Kim was an active member of SMPS San Francisco.
Kim’s 30+ years of experience across prominent AEC firms in both California and Georgia markets provides invaluable industry perspective that continues to advance both individual professional excellence and the broader marketing profession.
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