Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon Executive Vice President/CEO

More Than Just Meetings

In just a few weeks, there will be a call for applications to the AIA Oregon Board of Directors, and I am looking forward to hearing from members interested in joining this dynamic group. The AIA Oregon Board of Directors is a vibrant, active group of professionals from around the state, in all levels of their career, coming together to accomplish the strategic goals of the membership.

While that is a neat summation, it still doesn’t tell you all you can expect as a member of the AIA Orgon Board of Directors. Our board members are tasked with achieving long term goals, fiduciary responsibility, and future viability for the chapter and for the profession. Serving a term (or two!) on our board will leave you more knowledgeable about the Oregon Legislature, laws that affect practice locally and nationally, and how you can make an impact. You’ll have direct influence over the protection of professional practice, and you can take that voice all the way with us to Capitol Hill in DC for Leadership Summit, an activity we support our Board of Directors to attend.

By working with your Board class, you will develop relationships that will extend beyond the table, and you’ll have the opportunity to sharpen communication skills, listening skills, and leadership skills.

Don’t think you’re qualified? Don’t know if you’re the type of member who would be a good Board member? If you’re a member, you’re qualified. Bring your experiences, insights, and concerns exactly as they are to the table for discussion. Are you a great manager of tough conversations? A master detangler of interconnected issues? A provider of safe spaces for creativity? You’re more than qualified. Don’t think you’re any of those things yet? You can be if you join.

For example, this week, President Kaley Fought, AIA had the opportunity to testify before the Oregon Legislature in support of clean air, water and energy bills we have been working on for at least a year and a half through dedicated volunteer efforts. While it was just a few minutes of time in the scheme of things, she left an impression with the committee members of organizational unity and represented the full professional body of licensed practitioners when she spoke. This is the last benefit of being a Board Member – accessing and having the tools to maximize the agency of your voice.

I hope that this year, when you see the call for applications, you give it serious consideration and reach out to me or other Board members to connect and learn more. This will be an exciting few years to be a Board member – there are lots of key decisions to be made in the next 2-4 years. Along with the ongoing work to consider the future of AIA Oregon headquarters, we’re also going to be planning ODC24, creating a new diversity scholarship for the state, and refreshing our strategic plan.

I hope that you’ll consider bringing your unique self and skills to the table. You may be exactly the voice we need.