Governance at AIA
Review the preliminary recommendations of the AIA Governance Task Force—aimed at evolving governance at AIA and strengthening AIA through role clarity, representation, and strategic focus.
Strengthening how AIA serves its members—today and into the future
The AIA Governance Task Force was established by the AIA Board of Directors to evaluate and strengthen AIA’s governance framework—ensuring it remains clear, effective, transparent, and representative of the members it serves.
Over the past year, the task force has conducted a comprehensive review of AIA’s governance structure, building on prior assessments and engaging with volunteer leaders, components, member groups, and staff across the organization. This work examined how governance functions today and where improvements are needed to better support member voice, decision-making, and accountability.
Why governance evolution matters
As AIA has grown in size and complexity—and as member expectations and the profession itself continue to evolve—our governance structures must evolve as well. This effort is not about changing who AIA is. It is about strengthening how AIA works.
The task force identified consistent themes across AIA, including the need for:
- Clearer roles and decision-making authority
- Stronger, more direct pathways for member voice
- Improved transparency and trust in governance processes
- More efficient, non-duplicative structures that respect volunteer time
What the task force is proposing
Based on these findings, the AIA Governance Task Force has developed a set of preliminary recommendations grounded in governance best practices and focused on positioning AIA for long-term success. The recommendations aim to:
- Clarify the distinct but complementary roles of the board, member representative bodies, and staff
- Strengthen how member perspectives and expertise inform decisions
- Improve communication, accountability, and transparency across governance bodies
- Support a more nimble, inclusive, and strategic AIA
These recommendations are working drafts, intentionally shared early to allow time for dialogue, learning, and refinement.
Review the task force recommendations
Your voice matters
This work is now entering a critical stakeholder engagement phase, and member input is essential. AIA members are encouraged to:
- Review the preliminary recommendations
- Participate in upcoming town halls and listening sessions
- AIA Governance Town Hall: Monday, February 9 at 2pm ET—register now >
- AIA Governance Town Hall: Tuesday, March 3 at 4pm ET—register now >
- Share feedback online and through other engagement opportunities
Your feedback will directly inform refinements to the recommendations before they return to the board for consideration and potential action.
Together, we can help shape a governance model that supports AIA’s mission, reflects our shared values, and serves the needs of today’s—and tomorrow’s—members.
Your voice matters. Share your feedback and questions with the task force on their preliminary recommendations—anonymously if you prefer—to help shape the future of AIA governance.
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.
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.
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 – SAC, YAF & NAC representative
Curt Wilson, AIA – Member at-large
Heather Wilson – Component representation
Susan Wyeth, AIA – Resolution sponsor
Carole Wedge, FAIA – EVP/CEO (Ex Officio)
Resources & FAQ
Stay informed with monthly updates and explore common questions about the task force’s work and purpose.
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.