As I wake up to another snowy day, it is hard to remember that spring is right around the corner. The promise of spring brings hope and renewed energy to assess where we’re at and engage with our surroundings. Similar to the spring cleaning I love to do in my own home, I’m excited to begin my tenure as AIA Utah’s Executive Director and to learn more about the organization and how we can better serve you, our members.

I had the privilege to attend AIA’s Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. last month. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with other component staff from across the country, spend quality time with AIA Utah’s leadership, and learn more about the important work the architecture profession does in our communities. In addition, I gained a stronger understanding of AIA’s values and goals. AIA is an advocate for the value of architecture and provides architects with resources to do their best work. AIA’s “work drives positive change through the power of design.”

I hope you had the opportunity to see AIA Utah’s strategic plan in the last issue of Reflexion. Your dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors (BOD) has a plan to better serve you. At its essence, the core purpose of AIA Utah is to help Utah architects be better architects. We will continue to be the benchmark for the profession’s highest ethical standards and work on providing more value for your membership.

What role does the Executive Director play in this? The Executive Director of any professional organization serves to implement the ideas of the BOD. A quality Executive Director helps the BOD become organized and efficient, meet its fiduciary responsibilities, oversee the organization’s performance, and attract top-quality board members.

That is my goal — to be a quality Executive Director. Not just for the AIA Utah component, but for you, our members. Over the remaining year, I intend to do the following:

• Meet with members to learn more about what they need and how AIA Utah can help fill that need
• Guide the organization so that it is relevant, efficient and effective
• Provide more opportunities for engagement and continuing education
• Ensure that AIA Utah’s financial plan is consistent with the strategic plan
• Showcase the unique skills of local architects and their impact on the future

I have a lot to learn, but with the help of the BOD and our members, I look forward to a year of growth and reconnection. Thanks for your continued support of AIA Utah and please reach out to me at ahroberts@aiautah.org!