Looking to make an impact in the architectural profession? AIA California Board of Directors members shape the direction and activities of the largest state AIA in the country. Standing for election offers a platform to lead, learn, and contribute.
AIA California leadership is comprised of two main groups, the Board of Directors and the board’s Executive Committee. Each holds different responsibility.
The Board of Directors establishes policy. With elected leaders from across the state, it is composed of: individuals who represent 21 local components, ex officio members of the Executive Committee, and members who represent California at AIA, the national level.
Implementing policy and overseeing organizational operations is the Executive Committee, which is comprised of the AIA California President, and eleven other elected members who oversee different areas such as the Vice-President of Government Relations, the Vice President of Professional Practice, and the Vice President of Climate Action. These Board Members are empowered to conduct the business of AIA CA and responsible for implementation of Board-directed policies.
For more information on AIA CA leadership roles and opportunities, contact AIA California Executive Vice President Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA.
Introduction
This following serves the Call for Nominations for open positions in AIA California and within AIA. Please note that there are important differences in the nominating procedures for open offices of the AIA CA and the AIA.
National Positions
To nominate candidates to represent California on AIA’s Strategic Council of Advisors, National AIA Bylaws and Rules of the Board dictate required nomination procedures. These procedures are replicated in AIA CA’s Bylaws and Rules of the Board and are repeated below.
Date of Elections
The elections will be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, virtually via Zoom, during the AIA CA Annual Board of Directors meeting.
Term: One year, automatically succeeding to the office of President
Current Officer: Scott Gaudineer, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President; Mirna Douet, Executive Assistant
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Sujendra Mishra, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Kylie Cabral, CPA, Director of Finance; Mirna Douet, Executive Assistant
Responsibilities:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Carina Mills, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Rebekah Patterson, Asst. Director of Programs
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Mark Paone, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Hillary Krek, Director of Programs
Responsibilities:
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Bill Leddy, FAIA
Staff Liaison(s): Hillary Krek, Director of Programs
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Mandy Freeland, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Ashley Taylor, Program Coordinator
Responsibilities:
Term: Three years
Current Officers: Mary Follenweider, AIA; Brett Dougherty, AIA; Leah Bayer, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President; Mirna Douet Executive Assistant
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Ali Rafieetari, Assoc. AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Ashley Taylor, Program Coordinator
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officer: Ginger Thompson, AIA
Staff Liaison(s): Ashley Taylor, Program Coordinator
Responsibilities:
Term: Two years
Current Officers: Drishti Bajla, AIAS
Staff Liaison(s): Ashley Taylor, Program Coordinator
Responsibilities:
AIA California elections are held annually, in November, with nominations for open positions due 90 days prior. Candidates may also be nominated from the floor. Any AIA California member in good standing is eligible for election.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the open offices, please contact AIA CA Executive Assistant, Mirna Douet at (916) 642-1712 or mdouet@aiacalifornia.org.