Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon EVP/CEO
Subject: Reflecting on 2024 and Wishing You a Peaceful Holiday Season
Dear AIA Oregon Members,
As 2024 draws to a close, we're taking a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey we've shared. This year, we've witnessed the collective power of our architectural community, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to design excellence.
We hired our newest AIA Oregon staff member: our Member Experience Manager, Paul Davis! Paul joined us in April and got to work right away, enriching ODC 24 and launching initiatives that our committees are all benefitting from.
We hosted the Chris White Golf Tournament in September at Langdon Farms, continuing to raise funds to offset the costs of AXP matriculation. We produced the first video that introduces the Tournament to others and helps preserve Chris’ legacy. I would very much like to thank Amy White and the White family for their contributions and continued support, and to Opsis for their ongoing volunteer effort and sponsorship.
We hosted our first Oregon Leadership Summit in Salem, canvassing the halls of the State Capitol with Emerging Professionals and Legislative Action Committee members. A member-driven new statewide program, AIA Oregon helped offset the costs of attendance for those who took advantage of our Leadership Scholarship. We’ll offer the same opportunity in 2025.
We hosted a 4-part online Resiliency Series with experts from our own AIA Oregon membership providing valuable continuing education credit. Oh – and speaking of those CE credits, we offered over 100 of them this year through our carefully curated and partner sponsored courses, conferences, and presentations. Ideas for programming are often generated from our committees and Sections, so I’d also like to thank the volunteers who helped create all of that content this year.
I’d also like to thank our sponsors. They offset the costs for and provide many of the highlights of our best programs, like our recently celebrated Oregon Architecture and Professional Achievement Awards, and we could not be successful without them. We’re very pleased to announce we’ve published our 2025 Sponsorship Prospectus, and we hope you will help us share it with potential industry partners and new allied members that come through your offices.
If you have a chance to, please send a note of thanks to your 2024 Board of Directors, Strategic Councilors Curt Wilson and Corey Squire, YAF Representative Nicole Becker, STAR Representative Evon Calebrese, and National SFx State Representative Jennifer Wright. They have represented your concerns at meetings throughout the year on a national level. Nicole, Jennifer and Curt are finishing their terms; Nicole will be taking on a new role in YAF leadership, and Corey and Evon will continue the next year of their terms. Thank you for your service.
I know I’ve left some people out. Please know that wasn’t intentional – it’s hard to remember all of our great accomplishments this year! Your contributions are deeply appreciated.
Finally, thank you to the AIA Staff, the 2024 Board of Directors; our Lobbyist, Cindy Robert; our Business Manager, Lisa Ercolin; and our Communications consultants, Erin Halasz, Annie Ozols,