AIAO Open Position - Disaster Assistance Coordinator

AIA Oregon is seeking members interested in serving in the role of Disaster Assistance Coordinator. 

Beginning in 2018, every AIA state component is required to appoint a state disaster coordinator to the Disaster Assistance Network. This requirement recognizes the critical importance of disaster preparedness in each state. Many local components have also worked to enhance their own disaster preparedness. Collectively, we are stronger when information, lessons learned, and examples are shared throughout the AIA disaster assistance network.  Disasters are generally local, and a network of professionals from outside the effected area is necessary for the recovery. This is the purpose of the Network.

The role of the state coordinator is to participate in disaster assistance network events and work with the chapter staff disaster assistance liaison to coordinate activities throughout the chapter.  Through the diligent work of the AIA Oregon Legislative Affairs Committee in 2019, Oregon now has a Safety Assessment Program to coordinate post-disaster response, and we expect the Disaster Assistance Coordinator will be involved in our efforts to see the SAP come to life.

If you are interested in the coordinator position, or interested in assisting the coordinator, please send an email to Curt Wilson, AIA, EVP/CEO at cwilson@aiaoregon.org.

AIAS Reverse Crit Professional Pin Up Results

On January 20, 2021 AIAS and AIA Eugene hosted the annual Reverse Crit Professional Pin-Up - a yearly tradition where AIA firms showcase their current or recent projects to UO students. Pin-up style consists of working drawings and imagery, allowing students to get an ‘inside look’ into the professional workings and resolutions to architectural issues. There was good attendance, and active participation from the students, despite having to switch to a virtual format this year.

Long-Term Disaster Recovery Manager Selected for Holiday Farm Fire

News Release from Lane Co. Government
Posted on FlashAlert: January 14th, 2021 8:30 AM

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Matt McRae has been selected as the long-term disaster recovery manager by Lane County. McRae will lead long-term recovery efforts along the McKenzie Corridor as residents and businesses work to rebuild following the Holiday Farm Fire. He will start on January 25, 2021.

 "As a native of Oregon, I have a deep love of the McKenzie River Valley and it is a real privilege to be selected to serve our community in this role," said McRae.

The long-term disaster recovery manager is a two-year position and is responsible for planning and coordinating fire recovery activities and projects; collaborating with partners in the government, private, and non-profit sectors; and preparing and delivering reports and making recommendations in accordance with FEMA disaster recovery guidelines.

McRae has demonstrated skill in bringing large, diverse groups together to work toward a common goal, strong communication skills, and a passion for serving the community.

McRae brings previous experience in emergency planning and hazard mitigation. Most recently, he served as the climate policy strategist for Our Children’s Trust. Prior to this work, he served at the City of Eugene for 13 years in several positions including as the project manager for the Eugene/Springfield Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan where he led the City’s first Climate and Hazards Vulnerability Assessment, as a climate policy analyst where he led the development of the City’s first Climate Action Plan, and as a volunteer coordinator where he led the City’s Stream Team and the Community Gardens Program.

McRae holds a bachelor’s of science in environmental studies from Utah State University.