AIA recognizes departing members of the Board of Directors and Strategic Council for their contributions to the profession
Former members of the AIA Board of Directors and Strategic Council are being recognized for their leadership and dedication as ambassadors to the organization through the Upjohn Fellowship and Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship awards, respectively.
WASHINGTON – December 11, 2025 – Former members of the AIA Board of Directors and Strategic Council are being recognized for their leadership and dedication as ambassadors to the organization through the Upjohn Fellowship and Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship awards, respectively.
Named after co-founder and first AIA president Richard Upjohn, the Upjohn Fellowship Award celebrates outstanding contributions made in service to the Institute. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the AIA confers this honor upon members of its Board of Directors as they conclude their term of service. During AIA Governance Week last week, the following distinguished outgoing members of the 2025 AIA Board of Directors were presented with the esteemed Upjohn Fellowship Award:
Heather Philip-O’Neal, AIA
Alyanna Subayno, Assoc. AIA
Korey D. White, AIA
Mary-Margaret Zindren, CAE
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA
Established in 2016, the Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship honors retiring AIA Strategic Council members, most of whom have served a three-year term. Named after Louise Bethune, the first woman to receive an AIA fellowship, it celebrates their contributions to the profession. Included in the list below are this year’s Bethune Fellows and the state or position they represented on the Strategic Council:
- Kimberly Dowdell, AIA
- Bruce Herrington, AIA
- Ryan Morse, AIA
- Kathy Hancox, AIA
- Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA
- Andre Brumfield, Assoc. AIA
- Gwen Fuertes, AIA
- Heather Wilson
- Leah Bayer, AIA
- Garfield Peart, FAIA
- Jason DeMarco, AIA
- Richard Polk, AIA
- Rex Cabaniss, AIA
- Timothy Lock, AIA
- Michael A. Daly, AIA
- Jean Carroon, FAIA
- Patty Boyle, AIA
- Jeffrey Seabold, FAIA
- Verity Frizzell, FAIA
- Peter R. Wehner, AIA
- Mary E. Womble, AIA
- Brien Graham, AIA
- Robert L. Easter, FAIA, NOMAC
- Matthew S. Hutchins, AIA
- Melissa Schulteis, Assoc. AIA
This year, the Bethune Fellows were integral to the development of the comprehensive Year in Review 2025 report. The publication highlights the council’s study group findings, features thought-provoking articles, and much more.
About the AIA Board of Directors
AIA is governed by a 14-person board that includes elected officers, directors, and AIA’s EVP/Chief Executive Officer. The board also oversees the administration of AIA headquarters, the annual budget, and the approval of policies.
About the AIA Strategic Council
The AIA Strategic Council's mission is to better equip AIA membership with research-based insights to navigate the evolving landscape and long-term evolution of the architecture profession. It advances the profession by informing the AIA Board of Directors and other AIA bodies of important professional issues and opportunities. Discover the impactful work of the AIA Strategic Council and explore how to play an active role as a Strategic Council member.
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