Member Spotlight | Jessica Davila
Posted by [email protected] on Mar. 17, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Jessica has been with McCarthy for 15 years and currently serves as the Marketing Director for our Central Region. She has been in marketing for more than 20 years. In her role, Jessica oversees all marketing and communication efforts for our St. Louis, Omaha, and Kansas City offices, covering a 28-state region. Her team focuses on raising brand awareness, securing great projects, and retaining top talent. She feels lucky to work with an amazing group of creative and hardworking marketers who inspire her daily with their dedication and talent.
How long have you been a member of the St. Louis Chapter? What has been your involvement with the St. Louis Chapter throughout your membership?
I joined SMPS St. Louis in 2007 when I was starting in the AEC industry. At the time, I was working for a small construction firm, and my boss suggested that I join SMPS to help me grow in my role. Being the only marketer at my company, I was looking for a community of like-minded people to lean on, and SMPS was the perfect fit. It’s been a huge part of my career, and I quickly learned that the more you put into it, the more you get out.
As an introvert, I found it challenging to walk into events where I didn’t know anyone, but I pushed myself to get involved. I joined a committee, which led to a spot on the board. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving in several roles, including Education Director, Programs Director, Secretary, President Elect, President, Past President, and Membership Director. Each role has been an excellent opportunity for growth, and I’m so thankful for the connections I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had through SMPS.
What has kept you a part of this chapter? What have been your most memorable experiences?
The genuine sense of community and support that SMPS offers keeps me a part of this chapter. It's unlike any other organization I’ve been a part of. SMPS has been an incredible resource throughout my career, especially in those early years when I was learning the ropes. The educational programming is top-notch, and I’ve always appreciated the opportunities to grow and expand my skills. The knowledge and connections I’ve gained have been invaluable, and I continue to learn from the incredible people around me.
One of my most memorable experiences was serving as Chapter President. I hadn’t managed a team before at that stage in my career, so stepping into that role was a huge learning experience. Leading an organization that thrives on the hard work of volunteers—all of whom have full-time jobs—taught me a lot about motivating people, building alignment, and bringing everyone together toward a common goal. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding year, and I’m so grateful for the amazing people I had the chance to work with.
As the Chapter's Membership Director, what do you enjoy most about this role? What made you want to get back on the board?
After several years on the St. Louis Chapter’s board, I felt a bit burnt out. Given my growing responsibilities at McCarthy, I decided to step back and give others with fresh ideas the chance to take the lead.
When we began looking to expand our marketing team at McCarthy a couple of years ago, I saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with the industry. I wanted to understand the talent better out there and see who was doing innovative work to inspire new ideas. Joining the St. Louis Chapter Board as Membership Director was the perfect way to tap into that energy. I was excited to reconnect with our members, collaborate, and learn from each other.
Professionally, what do you find to be the most rewarding aspects of your job? What do you find to be the most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my team succeed. I’m fortunate to work with an incredibly talented group of marketers here at McCarthy, and I’ve had the privilege of hiring most of them. It’s been amazing to watch them grow and thrive within the company. Our team is so special because everyone is focused on supporting one another and leveraging each other's strengths. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, and everyone is always ready to lend a hand. The energy and teamwork they bring to the table makes coming to work every day truly fulfilling. Looking back at the end of each year, it’s always inspiring to see how much we’ve accomplished together and how much everyone has developed.
I’m also passionate about creating clear paths for marketers in our industry. When I started at McCarthy, there were no defined career paths for marketing roles, and we didn’t even have a dedicated marketing department. Advocating for these roles and ensuring future generations have a clearer path has been a big focus for me. Marketing in the AEC industry is demanding work, and it’s not for everyone, so finding passionate, creative talent is crucial. Once you find them, it’s all about helping them grow and creating an environment where they want to stay.
Throughout your career, what is a valuable lesson you had to learn the hard way that has continued to help you now?
A valuable lesson I’ve learned the hard way is knowing when to speak up and when to listen. Early in my career, I was advised never to say no and always find a way to make things work, even when resources were tight and deadlines were looming. It was tough, but over time, I’ve learned to balance advocating for my ideas while recognizing when to step back.
This job can be frustrating – there are constant tasks, competing deadlines, and you must navigate many different personalities. When an unexpected RFP came my way, my initial instinct was often to push back and focus on all the reasons for not pursuing the job. I’ve learned to take a step back, breathe, and consider the other person’s perspective before reacting. It's still challenging, mainly because I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve, but I’m working on it. Understanding why something is important and how it aligns with broader business goals has helped me find a path forward, even for tasks I’d rather avoid. It’s all about finding a way to say yes; that mindset makes a big difference.
What is your favorite thing(s) to do when you are not at work?
Honestly, I don’t have many hobbies these days, so it might sound cliché, but my favorite thing to do when I’m not at work is spend time with my family. My love language is quality time, so it doesn’t need to be anything fancy – a simple dinner out or watching a movie on the couch is my idea of paradise. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially with growing family commitments. But I’ve learned that if my kids have an event or game, it’s okay to say no to work and be there for them. Family always comes first.
What did you want to be when you grew up? And why?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a teacher. I thought I liked kids, and teachers get the summers off, so it seemed like the perfect job. But after just a few months of student teaching, I quickly realized how wrong I was and switched my major. Looking back, I can confidently say that teaching is not for me. When the pandemic hit and I had to help my kids with virtual school, it reinforced my choice. I have so much respect for all educators—they truly deserve all the recognition and appreciation in the world. I’m just incredibly grateful that I’m not one!
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