Dear AIA Baltimore members,

I am excited to share that next week we will be making an announcement regarding our next Executive Director. Please keep an eye out for a special newsletter and press release!

Many thanks to our Search Committee, who contributed their time to thoughtfully and efficiently considering candidates through a two-stage interview process. Our Search Committee was comprised of representatives from AIA Baltimore, BAF, and MD ASLA. Thank you to Martina Reilly, AIA; Ryan Jordan Pfarr, AIA; Scott Walters, AIA; Kathleen Sherrill, AIA, NOMA; Katherine LePage, AIA; Sarsfield Williams, Jr., Joe Ignatius, ASLA; Suzanne Frasier, FAIA; Melanie Ray, AIA, NOMA; and especially our committee chair Scott McGovern, AIA, 2022 Immediate Past President. Also thanks to Kathleen Lane, AIA, who advised the committee at key moments in the process.

I’m deeply appreciative of the hard work of our staff during this transition period. They are prioritizing the critical tasks that keep our chapter, BAF, and MD ASLA going. Please continue to grant them flexibility and patience with any requests over the next several weeks.

I am also thankful for the board, committee, and other volunteers who are stepping up when asked, and many without even being asked. Our chapter’s greatest strength is its network of dedicated volunteers throughout all levels of the organization. There will continue to be opportunities to pitch in over the next several weeks, and I know we can depend on our membership to do so.

Spring is around the corner, and along with a new Executive Director, we will have another fantastic Lecture Series. Hearing fresh ideas from both local and national thought leaders is a perfect pairing with this season of renewal. More information on this year’s speakers will be released shortly, and I hope you will join us at these virtual events!

Laura Wheaton, AIA, LEED AP bd+c

2022 AIA Baltimore President