SMPS Colorado Leonardo Award

The Highest Honor for A/E/C Marketing and Business Development Professionals in Colorado

Program Overview
The Leonardo Award is the most prestigious recognition bestowed by SMPS Colorado. It honors an individual who demonstrates outstanding professionalism, leadership, and integrity in the marketing or business development of professional services for the built environment. Recipients have achieved prominence within their firms, the A/E/C industry, and the community; have advanced the practice of marketing professional services; and have demonstrated mastery of the SMPS Six Domains of Practice.

Eligibility
To be considered for the Leonardo Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the A/E/C industry
• Current or past SMPS membership, with active involvement in the local Chapter
• Not currently serving on the SMPS Colorado Executive Committee (includes the Immediate Past President, the President, the President-Elect, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Director(s)-at-Large.)
• Demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and positive impact within their firm and industry

Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Nomination Process 
Nominations for the 2026 Leonardo Award are now open.

See the Leonardo Criteria for Eligibility or follow the instructions below:

Email your nomination to Michelle Ott at [email protected] by Sunday, February 22. Please include the following information about the nominee in your email: 

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s position
• Nominee’s firm name
• Nominee’s email address
• Nominee’s contact phone number
• Brief statement of why you’re nominating this individual

Once nominations close, all eligible nominees will receive a formal invitation to submit their written qualifications.

Written Submittal
Eligible nominees will be asked to provide a written submittal (maximum 15 pages, not including reference letters) addressing their accomplishments and qualifications. The submittal is reviewed by the Leonardo Selection Committee (comprised of previous Leonardo Award recipients) and is the basis for determining the interview shortlist.

Nominees must address the following areas in their submission:

• Confirmation of Eligibility (Required, Not Scored)
• Career Development and Firm Leadership
• Sustained Contributions to SMPS
• Accomplishments, Awards, and Recognition
• Performance and Measurable Results
• Integrity and Character (with three reference letters)
• Contribution to the Profession and Community
• Knowledge and Practice of the SMPS Six Domains of Practice

Nominees are encouraged to treat the submittal as a formal RFQ/RFP response and to highlight specific, quantifiable achievements.

Detailed Instructions for Nominees
Nominees who meet the eligibility requirements will receive a formal Nomination Notification Letter outlining the full Leonardo Award submittal and interview process. This letter provides detailed instructions, evaluation criteria, timelines, and interview expectations. You may view a sample of this letter here:

Sample Nomination Notification Letter

Evaluation & Interview Process
The Selection Committee thoroughly reviews all written submittals, ranking performance based on tangible outcomes in each of the categories above, and typically shortlists three candidates for interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with their interview time and details. Interviews are conversational in format and explore the same criteria addressed in the written submittal. Each shortlisted candidate is interviewed individually by the Selection Committee. All nominations, submittals, and committee deliberations are kept strictly confidential.

Feedback for Nominees
SMPS Colorado is committed to supporting the professional growth of all nominees. After the interviews have taken place, nominees are welcome to request feedback on their written submittal by contacting the Selection Committee Chair. Feedback is available to all nominees upon request. Because the Leonardo Award is highly selective and competitive, it may not be awarded to a nominee on their first attempt. Many past recipients submitted multiple times before being selected. We encourage nominees to take advantage of the feedback process and continue refining their materials for future years.

Award Announcement
The Leonardo Award recipient will be honored at the SMPS Colorado Marketing Excellence Awards on May 14, 2026, at Balistreri Vineyards.

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of A/E/C marketing and business development professionals who elevate our industry and exemplify leadership, integrity, and excellence.

SMPS Colorado Leonardo Recipients