Betsy Sheppard, director of strategy for Gilbert & Sheppard/Immersion Active, has been named Professional Woman of the Year by Professional Women in Building (PWB).  This national award was announced at the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) annual International Building Show in Las Vegas Feb. 23.  The winner of this prestigious award is selected from PWB members nationwide.

Sheppard is a 35-year marketing veteran, who launched Gilbert & Sheppard Group with Kerrie Gilbert to focus on marketing home builders and new home communities, with a special emphasis on the 55+ market and active adult communities.  The company, which recently merged with Immersion Active, specializes in strategic planning, creative development, interactive e-marketing programs, business consulting, public relations and social media.  Clients include large, medium and small home builders, real estate developers, real estate brokers, senior living communities and other companies focused on the housing industry.

For the past six years, Sheppard has served on the Board of Trustees of the NAHB 55+ Industry Housing Council.  She is NAHB’s 2018 55+ Industry Council Membership Chair and also serves the NAHB’s Atlanta Chapter as a Board Trustee and former Council Chair.  She was just named Vice Chair of the PWB Board of Directors and also serves as a Regional Trustee.  Sheppard is a founding member and past Chair of the group’s Atlanta PWB chapter.