AIA Governance Task Force
The AIA Governance Task Force is conducting a comprehensive governance assessment and providing recommendations to enhance communication across AIA and cultivate a culture of trust and transparency.
Advancing transparent, inclusive governance at AIA
The AIA Governance Task Force was established to study and assess the AIA’s governance structure—how decisions are made, who represents the membership, and whether our current systems meet the needs of today’s architects. Appointed by the AIA Board of Directors, they recommend to the board ways to improve communication, foster trust, and ensure a governance model that reflects the breadth and diversity of the AIA community.
The task force is committed to transparency and welcomes member feedback throughout its work.
Task force mission
In response to a 2024 member-approved resolution, the AIA Governance Task Force was formed to:
- Conduct a governance assessment with support from an external consultant
- Examine the structure and composition of the AIA Board of Directors and AIA Strategic Council
- Evaluate whether the current governance model and makeup reflects members’ needs and intellectual diversity
- Recommend improvements to strengthen communication, trust, and transparency across AIA
The task force produces monthly memos—posted in the AIA Member Exchange—that share recommendations for delegate review and approval.
Explore the AIA Member Exchange—a centralized resource for board notes, decisions, and governance updates—making it easier for members to find and review governance material in one place.
Meet the task force
The AIA Governance Task Force includes a diverse group of leaders from AIA chapters, Knowledge Communities, the Strategic Council, and across the broader membership. The group also works in close collaboration with AIA staff and an external governance consultant.
Mickey Jacob, FAIA – Chair (Former AIA President)
Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA – Member at-large
Gabriella Bermea, AIA – Member group representative
Susan Chin, FAIA – AIA Knowledge Community representative
Jeffrey Gill, FAIA – Component representation
Anne Hicks Harney, FAIA – Director at-large
Timothy Hawk, FAIA – Past board member
Cheryl McAfee, FAIA – Member at-large
Jessica O’Donnell, AIA – AIA Strategic Council moderator
Carol Rickard-Brideau, AIA – Member at-large
Anthony Rohr, FAIA – Member at-large
Nicki Dennis Stephens – Component representation
Darral Tate, AIA – YAF/SAC representative
Curt Wilson, AIA – Member at-large
Heather Wilson – Component representation
Susan Wyeth, AIA – Resolution sponsor
Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA – Interim EVP/CEO (Ex Officio)
Resources & FAQ
Stay informed with monthly updates and explore common questions about the task force’s work and purpose.
Each month, the task force posts memos in the AIA Member Exchange with recommendations for delegate review and approval.
What is the task force doing?
We're conducting a governance assessment—a comprehensive review of AIA’s governance structure to ensure it supports transparency, communication, and trust across AIA.
Why was the task force formed?
The 2024 AIA membership passed a resolution to study whether the current governance model still meets the needs of the membership and reflects AIA’s diversity.
Who is involved?
The task force includes leaders from various parts of AIA and is supported by AIA staff and an external governance consultant.
How can members get involved?
Members can read monthly updates in the AIA Member Exchange and submit feedback using the form linked below. More engagement opportunities will be shared throughout the process.
Your voice matters. Share your thoughts and questions with the task force—anonymously if you prefer—to help shape the future of AIA governance.