SMPS Boston Member Spotlight: Jennifer Hegarty
Posted on Mar. 15, 2023 / Member Spotlight / Subscribe 0
Our Member Spotlight Blog serves as a platform to welcome new members to SMPS Boston and highlight our established members within the A/E/C community. This week, we're getting to know Jennifer Hegarty, Director of Marketing at Payette.
Name: Jennifer L. Hegarty
Company: Payette
Title: Director of Marketing
Years Involved in SMPS: 22
What SMPS committees are you involved with, if any?
I was on the Executive Board, serving as Secretary, from 2012-2014, and a Member of the Communications Committee in 2002. I was also a Juror for the ROC Awards in 2014 and the Marketing Executive of the Year Award in 2008. I was also named Emerging Marketing Professional of the Year in 2007.
Why did you decide to join SMPS?
I joined SMPS because I was looking for the same camaraderie and excitement that I had previously enjoyed as a member of the Art Libraries Society (ARLIS) New England Chapter. The people in SMPS are amazing. I count several SMPS members as friends, none of whom I would know without this organization. The SMPS members always made me feel like I belonged. I distinctly remember my first meeting. I attended alone and was not very practiced at networking. So many members just came up to me to say hello; I was so relieved!
What advice would you give to someone considering joining SMPS?
Attend meetings, even if you think you aren’t interested in the topic. You will be surprised at what you may learn. I also find that I meet more people when I go alone. Even if you don’t like approaching new people, if you look willing to talk, someone will come up to you. Whenever I go to a conference with colleagues I know, I always make sure that we separate so we can meet new people. Otherwise if you are in a tight group, individuals may feel reluctant to approach you. I also try not to talk about business all of the time. It is great to talk about where you work, etc. but you don’t need to always be trying to find the latest lead or getting a certain number of new contacts. Just try to be friendly and enjoy meeting new people. The leads will follow later when you realize you have a number of friends you can ask when you need something.
What do you work toward in your free time?
I enjoy gardening and working in my yard, so I am really looking forward to spring. I also love to cook and being able to run out and grab herbs from my garden makes me really happy. I love hiking and generally plan vacations around interesting landscapes, particularly ones that are different from New England, such as the desert, volcanoes or old forests like the Redwoods. I also love to swim and try to take a snorkeling trip every few years.
What are you currently watching, reading, or listening to?
I’ve always enjoyed reading and I just finished Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It was really funny. I will read anything by Amor Towles, Alice Hoffman, Barbara Kingsolver, Elizabeth Gilbert and John Steinbeck. I also read the NY Times every day and obsess over Wordle! For TV, I’m currently watching The Last of Us and have recently enjoyed the White Lotus, Mythic Quest, Dickinson and Only Murders in the Building.
If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming spotlight or would like to nominate a member, please reach out to Ethan Olkovikas, SMPS Boston Membership Committee Member, at [email protected], or Jenn Robertson, SMPS Boston Blog Manager, at [email protected].
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