Steven P. Osborn, CPSM
Since 2004
Active
SMPS Indiana member
AEC marketing professional
As Founding Principal and President & CEO Emeritus of CE Solutions, Steve brings comprehensive leadership expertise across all business dimensions—from structural engineering design and project leadership to business development, financial management, marketing strategy, and human resources. He founded CE Solutions in 1998 with a pioneering vision of integrating marketing and business development mindset into an engineering practice, establishing the firm on core principles of solid relationships, mutual respect, integrity, and ethical practice.
Steve’s specialized expertise spans structural engineering for commercial, public, private, and institutional clients throughout the Midwest and beyond, with professional engineering registration in nearly 20 states. His practice encompasses new building design, forensic investigations of structures damaged by fire, tornado, water, and time, and structural evaluations for building adaptation and restoration. His distinctive approach combines technical engineering excellence with client-centric service and servant leadership culture.
With over 46 years of structural and civil engineering experience, Steve has contributed to engineering excellence at prominent Indiana firms including American Structurepoint (formerly American Consulting Engineers), Fink Roberts & Petrie, and Congdon Engineering Associates before founding CE Solutions. His engineering education from Purdue University and leadership development through the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series have shaped his unique philosophy of building people-centered engineering firms.
Steve demonstrates exceptional industry leadership as a Fellow of SMPS (FSMPS), representing the highest level of professional recognition in marketing and business development within the design and building industry. As Past President of SMPS Indiana (1996-97), he served during a transformative period for the chapter and has maintained continuous involvement in shaping professional development opportunities for AEC marketing professionals throughout the Midwest.
His most significant contribution to the profession came through service on the inaugural SMPS Practice Analysis Committee (PAC) in 1997, a 10-member team that fundamentally reimagined the CPSM certification program from the ground up. Working alongside Tim Barrick, FSMPS (then-SMPS National President), and other visionary leaders, Steve helped develop the six domains of practice that continue to shape the CPSM curriculum and exam today. This collaborative effort created the foundational Body of Knowledge validated by over 350 SMPS members, establishing CPSM as the industry’s legitimate measure of professional competence for AEC marketing professionals.
Steve recently authored the SMPS article “CPSM – A Legitimate Measure of Professional Competence,” sharing insights from his role in creating the certification program and advocating for professional development through the CPSM designation. His thought leadership continues through active involvement in SMPS Indiana programming and service as a panelist at national conferences discussing marketing leadership and business transformation.
Steve’s philosophy of building marketing-led engineering firms has been documented in multiple SMPS case studies and articles, showcasing how CE Solutions integrated best practices from SMPS Body of Knowledge to create a client-centric culture where personalized service and relationship building drive business success. He launched CE Solutions at the 1998 SMPS annual conference in Hilton Head, demonstrating his commitment to applying professional services marketing principles from the firm’s inception.
Beyond SMPS, Steve maintains active involvement in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Indiana, contributing his expertise to engineering industry leadership at both state and national levels. His Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series training has further enhanced his ability to mentor emerging leaders in both engineering and marketing disciplines.
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