Marilyn Specht

Marilyn was an environmental studies student working on her thesis when she was drawn into the world of green building and sustainability. “The built environment is responsible for about 40 percent of global carbon emissions, so the impact on our planet is undeniable,” she acknowledges. “I realized quickly that this was my path. What an opportunity to influence our industry and make a difference! Every project matters and I feel a real sense of responsibility and urgency to drive positive change. I bring that framing to work with me every single day.” Prior to joining SmithGroup, Marilyn worked for some of the world’s largest companies to develop and implement sustainability programs across their global real estate portfolios. Leading multi-disciplinary teams around the world to solve critical climate challenges for such expansive organizations gave her a unique foundation she is excited to apply in her role at SmithGroup. Charged with integrating sustainability throughout the firm, Marilyn is excited to work across disciplines, markets, and regions to drive high impact at scale. She adds that working in sustainability also has impacted “every aspect of my personal life—how I eat, the car I drive, where I live and how I spend my time.” It’s a lifestyle that includes tending a garden, taking long walks in the woods with family, and continuing her lifelong love affair with horses, both wild and domestic. “I am most at peace and myself at the barn,” she says.