Author: Jon Bell

• Associate Director (2-year term)
• North Section Director (2-year term)
• West Section Director (2-year term)
• Secretary (2-year officer term)
• President-elect: 1-year term as President-elect); succeeds to office of President and Immediate Past President for total of 3 years.

• Strategic Council (3-year term)
• Small Firm Exchange State Representative (1-year term)
• Young Architects Forum State Representative (2-year term)

Eligibility: You must be an active member in good standing with AIA Colorado (see eligibility for each open position) and your membership must remain current for the upcoming membership year(s).

All qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to submit during the open application period from October 1– 31, 2023.

Other Volunteer Opportunities: These are by no means the only ways to work on issues important to the organization and gain leadership experience. We encourage you to consider opportunities to volunteer as a member of a task force, committee or knowledge community. Visit the AIA Colorado website to learn about the current lineup. The Call for Interest to serve on a committee or task force will be published in November. AIA Colorado also offers excellent leadership development programs for members who wish to build their professional portfolios.

Please review the competencies sought, responsibilities, commitments, and position descriptions before applying for consideration to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils. 

Critical Competencies Sought

Strategic Visioning and Direction Setting: Board members must possess the ability to analyze events, perceive trends and respond to industry trends, anticipate changes and recognize threats and opportunities impacting the profession. They also need a strategic orientation that helps guide AIA Colorado’s future direction.

Team Orientation: The AIA Colorado board is comprised of a group of individuals working together to fulfill governance roles and responsibilities. This team-work orientation includes an ability to listen to and synthesize multiple perspectives, leading to a cohesive and unified strategy. Board members must be able to support and prioritize organizational goals rather than individual desires.  

Communication and Relationship Building: Board members should be effective communicators who are capable of building relationships with individuals both on and off the board, to build a positive climate of trust, openness, shared knowledge and passion for the work of AIA Colorado.  Those with already established connections in the profession and across the industry are also highly desired.

Personal Commitment and Capacity:  Commitment to the organizational work of AIA Colorado is an important quality for all board members. Board members must also have the time and capacity to fully engage in governing the organization, and to openly acknowledge when issues might lead to a conflict of interest.

Business Mindset and Experience: Interested candidates should understand the role of a board member in the governance of a nonprofit organization, including setting the strategic direction; publicly supporting the organization’s mission, vision and goals; and fiduciary and legal oversight. The AIA Colorado Board of Directors oversees a $1.5 million annual budget plus reserves. Candidates should be familiar with budgeting processes and understand how to read financial reports. They should also be committed to supporting revenue goals through their participation and personal outreach with members and allied professionals, fundraising activities and membership recruitment goals.

Diversity: The nominating committee is seeking to build a well-rounded group of directors and officers representing various backgrounds, perspectives and practice areas within AIA Colorado’s architecture profession. AIA Colorado encourages interested applicants from various demographics, ages, locations, practice areas, firm types/sizes and years of practice to apply for consideration.

Responsibilities and Commitments of AIA Colorado Board Members

This overview informs volunteer leaders and all potential board candidates of the unique aspects associated with governing our nonprofit organization. Incorporated in the State of Colorado, AIA Colorado is the statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which provides members with business and career resources, enables architects to protect and advance their profession through advocacy and supports members’ advancement through all stages of their careers.

Volunteer leaders to the AIA Colorado Board oversee the affairs of the nonprofit and are responsible for setting the direction of the organization—and for ensuring that the organization has sufficient financial and human resources to carry out its strategic direction.

Legal principles of nonprofit board service

Duty of Care—requires leaders to use reasonable care and good judgment in making decisions on behalf of the interests of the organization.  Each officer or director is also required to be appropriately informed about the issues requiring consideration and to devote appropriate oversight to the organization’s activities.

Duty of Loyalty—requires leaders to be faithful to the organization, avoiding conflicts of interest.  Puts the interests of AIA Colorado before personal and professional interests when acting on behalf of the board in a decision-making capacity.

Duty of Obedience—requires leaders to ensure that AIA Colorado complies with applicable federal, state and local laws and adheres to the organization’s mission.

Other Essential Board Duties and Responsibilities
As an individual board member of AIA Colorado, officers and directors are expected to:

• maintain a working knowledge of the affairs, policies and activities of AIA Colorado; and of developing trends, issues, AIA public policies, legislation and regulatory practices impacting the profession and practice of architecture in Colorado
• actively and enthusiastically advocate, support and enhance the mission and public image of AIA Colorado 
• prepare for, attend and actively participate in all board of directors’ meetings (estimated four hours; six per year), attend a board orientation and special meetings as necessary
• serve as appointed liaison to one or more assigned committees. As liaison, you’ll act as a resource and advocate for the committee’s progress and proposals to the board.
• serve as ambassador to AIA Colorado programs, including but not limited to the annual Practice + Design Conference, Design & Honor Awards Celebration, local connects with members near your home/work and end-of-the year member milestone receptions
• attend and actively participate in meetings with other allied professional organizations in support of AIA Colorado’s strategic partnerships 
• fulfill the duties and responsibilities specific to each position

Applicants who are interested in being considered for board or council service by the Nominating committee should return a completed Request for Qualifications (linked here) by October 31, 2023, 11:59 pm.

For more information please contact: 

• Wells Squier, AIA, Nominating Committee Chair and Past President: wellssquier@andarch.com
• Mike Waldinger, Honorary AIA, CEO, AIA Colorado, Email: mike@aiacolorado.org

About the Nominating Committee: 

The Nominating Committee for the AIA Colorado Board of Directors is chaired by the immediate Past-President of AIA Colorado. Additional members are appointed from each local section. The long-term role of this committee is to identify, cultivate and recruit future leaders of AIA Colorado. Specific to the AIA Colorado Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee is responsible for presenting a slate of recommended, qualified candidates to the membership.  After publication of the Nominating Committee’s report, the final ballot will be prepared. In the event of contested elections, a secure online election for members will be conducted to determine the results.

Terms begin January 1^st

In addition to the qualifications, competencies and essential responsibilities as outlined in previous sections, any additional or unique duties for each position are detailed below.  Every elected member to the board of directors is a voting board member responsible for the strategic direction and fiduciary oversight of the organization.  

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (2-year term) 

• Voting director of the board

• Liaison to the AIA Colorado Architect Licensing Advisor to serve as conduit to the board of directors on related ARE prep outreach efforts and to report on pertinent updates on NCARB license requirements and/or state regulatory requirements related to licensure.
• Attend national AIA Grassroots leadership conference alternating with National Associates Committee or YAF representative and provide summary report to members. Travel stipend available pending annual budget.
• Directly engage with associate and emerging professional members of AIA Colorado throughout the year to promote involvement in AIA Colorado programs and leadership development opportunities.
• Identify and mentor associate and emerging professional members to grow leadership pipeline; assist in recruiting prospective members.

Associate Director Eligibility: Assigned Assoc. AIA members of AIA Colorado in good standing are eligible for nomination for the associate director position. *Members must not be licensed at the time at the time of nomination but may become licensed in the course of their term and continue to serve.  The nominating committee is seeking committed associate director candidates who have been AIA Colorado members a minimum of one complete year, with leadership competencies, a passion for the architectural profession, a track record of engagement with professional colleagues, and experience related to serving on a volunteer committee or board of directors. Ideal candidates will bring key relationship-building skills and possess a commitment towards nurturing trust to build a positive and welcoming organizational culture. 

SECTION DIRECTORS* (2-year term, renewable 1 time)

NORTH SECTION DIRECTOR and WEST SECTION DIRECTOR

• Voting director of the board
• Work alongside colleagues entrusted with fiduciary responsibility and institutional stewardship. Ensure that the organization stays on course with its purpose as an incorporated not-for-profit and fulfills core member services. 
• Maintain knowledge of the association’s mission, services, policies and programs and be available to respond to inquiries from local members and the broader membership.
• Actively gather input, assess and report trends to the board including opportunities and unique needs within the architectural profession and across our geographically diverse state. 
• Conduct regular and personal outreach with local members in your area between board meetings. 
• Lead the local section advisory council remaining available to but not directed by co-chairs.
• Attend and participate in Chapter events to better understand the needs, wants and values of the broader membership. Leverage this information to contribute to annual review and evaluation of Chapter programs— to ensure strategic objectives of AIA Colorado and committee responsibilities are being met.  
• Attend end-of-calendar year milestone receptions to recognize and celebrate contributions of local members in service to AIA Colorado, their firms and the profession
  

Section Director Eligibility: Assigned AIA, Assoc. AIA and Intl. Assoc. AIA members of AIA Colorado in good standing are eligible for nomination for the local section director position. *Members must be located within the local section relative to the seat for which they are running at the time of nomination.  The nominating committee is seeking committed local section director candidates who have been AIA Colorado members a minimum of one complete year, with leadership competencies, a passion for the architectural profession, a track record of engagement with professional colleagues, and experience related to serving on a volunteer committee or board of directors. Ideal candidates will bring key relationship-building skills and possess a commitment towards nurturing trust to build a positive and welcoming organizational culture. 

SECRETARY (2-year term) 

• A voting officer of the board
• Responsible for accurate recollection of board decisions; list of topics discussed and determination of eligibility to vote/quorum requirements at board and membership meetings–and for ensuring the accuracy of all official board records.
• Act as signatory and witness on certain legal and fiduciary documents of the chapter
• Ensure proper notice of meetings of the board and/or membership when such notice is required.
• Participate and record proceedings for AIA Colorado annual business meeting (scheduled in last quarter of calendar year)

Secretary Eligibility:  AIA, Associate AIA and International AIA members assigned to this chapter who are in good standing are eligible to be considered for the position of Treasurer. The nominating committee is seeking committed candidates who have been AIA Colorado members a minimum of three consecutive years, with leadership competencies, a passion for the architectural profession, excellent listening skills and attention to detail, good communication skills and prior experience serving on a volunteer committee or board of directors.

PRESIDENT-ELECT 

(3 YEARS INCLUDING 2025 President and 2026 Immediate Past President) 

• A voting officer of the board
• Must understand all the powers and perform all the duties of the President in the event of the absence of the President or of the President’s disability, refusal, or failure to act and shall perform such other duties as are properly assigned by the Board of Directors or the President 
• Shadow president in preparation of becoming Chapter leader and spokesperson
• Represent the association in the absence of the president
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the president
• Attend AIA National Business Meeting (held in conjunction with AIA Conference on Architecture) as a voting delegate on behalf of AIA Colorado members. Travel stipend provided to support participation.
• Attend AIA Grassroots Leadership Conference to hone volunteer leadership skills; communicate best practices and report current AIA initiatives back to AIA Colorado leaders and membership
• Trustee of the Architectural Education Foundation
• Attend meetings of Design/Construct Coalition of Colorado (quarterly meeting/call with Associated General Contractors (AGC), American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and AIA Colorado 

President-elect Eligibility: AIA, Assoc. AIA and Intl. Assoc. AIA members of AIA Colorado in good standing are eligible to run for the President-Elect position. 

The nominating committee is seeking seasoned and committed president-elect candidates who have been AIA Colorado members a minimum of five consecutive years, with demonstrated leadership competencies. Past board service is highly desired including past elected or appointed positions in service to AIA Colorado or other non-profit or community organizations. Ideal candidates will also have a demonstrated track record for exceptional teamwork, collaboration and consensus-development skills; an earned reputation for emotional intelligence, integrity and honesty; and a solid understanding of the factors impacting the practice of architecture combined with a passion and vision for the future of the profession.

PRESIDENT – Julianne Scherer, AIA

• The President shall perform all duties incident to the office, those required to be performed by law and the Bylaws of this Chapter, and those properly delegated to the office by the Board
• Work with Executive Vice President/CEO in preparing agenda for board meetings and help guide and mediate actions with respect to organizational priorities and governance concerns
• Assist Executive Vice President/CEO in conducting new board member orientation
• Lead and facilitate board meetings by making sure the agenda is followed, that every board member has an opportunity to participate in board discussions, and the board uses proper decision-making procedures
• Act as AIA Colorado spokesperson and representative with external and partnership meetings with other organizations and committees unless otherwise delegated 
• Act as and appoint delegates to AIA National Business Meetings (1 per year)
• Preside over AIA Colorado Annual Business Meeting held in last quarter of calendar yr. 
• Annual review of Executive Vice President/CEO, with input from board
• Architectural Education Foundation Trustee
• Attend Design/Construct Coalition (quarterly meeting/call with AGC, AIA, ACEC)
• Attends AIA Colorado programs and/or delegates ambassador role to President-elect or other member of the board
• Prepare president’s message to members on quarterly basis or as scheduled in coordination with staff team
• May be asked to serve as juror for American Council of Engineering Companies, Associated General Contractors and/or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) annual awards

PAST PRESIDENT (1-year term) – Sarah Broughton, FAIA 

• Architectural Education Foundation Trustee
• Carry out special assignments as requested by the president
• Chair of Nominating Committee 
• Liaison to AIA Colorado board or program committees as assigned

TREASURER (1 year remaining in a 2-year term) – Jim Childs, AIA

• A voting officer of the board
• Hold charge and exercise general of the financial affairs of AIA Colorado
• Review bank account and reserve balances, income statements, balance sheets, cash flow projections and other applicable financial reports provided by the Executive Director/CEO
• Review financial policies and procedures
• Liaison to AIA Colorado board or program committees as assigned

DENVER SECTION DIRECTOR (1 year remaining in a 2-year term) – Andy Rockmore, AIA

See previous description for Section Director

SOUTH SECTION DIRECTOR (1 year remaining in a 2-year term) – Joey Bahnsen, AIA

See previous description for Section Director

STRATEGIC COUNCIL STATE REPRESENTATIVE (3-year term)  

Eligibility: any assigned member in good standing.

Councilors serve as links regarding deliberations and actions of the AIA. In that role they inform the Institute as advisors in identifying and developing issues that are most relevant to the profession and society.

The Council will approach its tasks with an emphasis on outward vision, encouragement of diverse viewpoints, strategic leadership, clear understanding of Board, Council and staff roles, an orientation to the future rather than the past or present, and anticipation rather than reaction. In this spirit, the Council will: 1) focus on intended long term effects and outcomes of the Institute’s work, not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects, 2) be accountable to the membership for competent, conscientious and effective accomplishment of the Council’s obligations as a body, and 3) monitor and regularly discuss the Council’s own process and performance and ensure the continuity of its capability. 

The Council shall act in accordance with the mission and vision of the Institute and provide insight into association and professional issues through the following contributions: 1) representation of the interests of the membership in the matters within its charge, and appropriate communication with members, and 2) fulfillment of its planning role to develop and periodically review a long-range strategic framework, in accordance with the Institute Bylaws. 

Councilors, whose actions support and promote the mission, vision, strategic plan, and policies of the Institute, will: 1) attend all assemblies of the Council, be well prepared, and participate fully, 2) advance the overall interests of the Institute and its members, and serve as a link between the members of their respective constituencies and the Institute by regularly corresponding with the members to seek input on issues and communicate Council actions, 3) take up issues only through the Council acting as a whole, 4) keep all Council deliberations (as contrasted to actions) confidential, 5) accept and support Council decisions once decisions have been made, 6) seek to identify and nurture diverse leadership at all levels of the Institute, and promote capable leaders for important roles, 7) be knowledgeable about the principles and documents that guide the operation of the Council. 

Councilors are expected to attend two regular in-person assemblies of the Council each year. (Subject to Board approval, additional in-person assemblies of the Council may take place.) At its discretion, the Council may also meet by telephone conference call or by webinar.

SMALL FIRM EXCHANGE STATE REPRESENTATIVE (1-year term renewable up to 4X)

Eligibility: any member in good standing from a firm of ten employees or less at the time of their nomination.

• Advocate the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups, both within the AIA and to the public
• Curate and disseminate the most pertinent resources and information, from the AIA & elsewhere, that benefit small firms
• Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources/information are desired
• Participate in monthly all-calls with the Knowledge Communities and member groups
• Contribute at least 1 article a month to Flipboard and encourage their network to contribute to the Instagram
• Distribute Quarterly Newsletter to AIA chapter
• Offer SFx presentation to chapter and collaborate with SFx Board members to give presentations to members

YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM STATE REPRESENTATIVE (2-year term) 

Eligibility: any member in good standing who has been licensed for ten years or less at the time of their nomination.

The Young Architect Regional Director is the primary connection between AIA chapters and the national YAF Advisory Committee (AdCom).

1. The YAF Regional Director will keep communication flowing between these groups by:

• Maintaining quarterly communication with all YAF chapters within his or her state. -Serve as a conduit between local YAF chapters and the AdCom.
• Disseminating information to and collecting information from local chapters as requested. -Submitting a state report as requested.
• Participating in full committee conference calls

2. The YAF State Director contributes to the direction and planning of the YAF by:

• Participating in the YAF Annual Meeting. 
• Working with the AdCom on assigned national issues.

3. The YAF State Director is the primary connection at the chapter level to other groups in the AIA by Communicating with their College of Fellows Representative and National Associates Committee Director quarterly about how to work together to support each other’s efforts.

• Suggesting or encouraging young architects for nomination for state, regional or national awards, positions or committees/subcommittees. Attending AIA Conference on Architecture or Grassroots, when possible.

4. Participation in a minimum of one Focus Group led by the AdCom. Funding is dependent on annual budget and fulfillment of duties listed above.

• Funded to attend the YAF Annual Meeting

NON-VACANT NATIONAL COUNCIL POSITIONS FOR UPCOMING YEAR:

NATIONAL ASSOCIATES COMMITTEE STATE REPRESENTATIVE (1 year remaining in a 2-year term) – Kari Lawson, AIA

Eligibility: any Associate member in good standing. Must not be licensed in any jurisdiction at the time of their nomination. May become licensed after selection and complete their term.

Working with their state counterparts – the State Associate Director, Young Architect State Representative, AIAS Quad Director, Architect Licensing Advisor, and AIA Strategic Councilor—this role is responsible for gathering information about issues facing Associates within their State and disseminating information about national activities and resources for use at the local level. Of equal importance, serves as a vital link between Associates in their state and the national organization. The individual is the key to vertical communication, connecting Associate leaders at all levels of the Institute. Is also encouraged to work on various issues important to them and their state through the NAC work groups.

They are funded to attend the NAC Annual in-person meeting in the first quarter. Otherwise, they should expect to participate in monthly quarterly committee calls and monthly work group calls. May attend national AIA Grassroots leadership conference alternating with State Associate Director or YAF representative and provide summary report to members. Travel stipend available pending annual budget.