One of the most important activities of the AIA national convention each year is the election of the First Vice-President/President-Elect for the next leadership cycle. This year, three members stepped up to run as candidates for the position and I want to thank them all for their commitment, courage, and passion to make a difference in our profession. This year's decision is a difficult one because of the quality of each candidate. At any other time, we would be well served by any of them.
I have the privilege of knowing all three candidates well and I have witnessed their leadership in action. Last year, I served on the AIA board with Illya Azaroff, FAIA and Ryan Gann, AIA, NOMA. Both are thoughtful and bring unique leadership qualities to the position. I am proud to call Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC a friend and a champion for change in our profession. This man knows what it means to be a strong leader and a passionate advocate for making architecture a profession representing ALL communities in our nation.
Our profession and our association face stiff headwinds in the coming years. Difficult economic conditions have impacted every firm in the country. The economic model of architect's and architecture's value has been degraded and new technologies threaten that value even more. In many ways, it is our form of climate change that threatens the very foundation of who we are. But it is also an opportunity for the profession to define new ways of delivering value and new opportunities to show how the creativity of architecture can make a difference in the world.
It is for this reason that I encourage the annual meeting delegates to support Illya Azaroff, FAIA for the First Vice-President/President-Elect. Illya has the expertise we will need in the coming years and I am confidant he understands the task at hand. I believe he can guide the institute through these changing times.
I don't make this decision without remorse because I truly believe in the message that both Ryan and Steven offer as well.
Again, thank you all for stepping up and choosing to offer your leadership to our profession.
#leadership #resiliency #makingadifference
Founder & CEO at Glow Architects
2 个月Thank you so much! I’m honored to be a part of Arquitina and to represent you in everything I do! Love you all! ??????