2015 Directory

9 AIA NATIONAL TREASURER-ELECT’S MESSAGE BY STUART L. COPPEDGE, AIA, AIA NATIONAL TREASURER-ELECT, 2012-2014 WMR DIRECTOR, AIA NATIONAL BOARD The Rise of the Everyday Architect So why would an architect in Wyoming engage with an 85,000 member national organization with over 200 staff headquartered in (figuratively as well as literally) faraway Washington, D.C.? For one, you will be a better architect and citizen if you do. How will you be better? B y using the new tools that will be coming on line with the "Digital Transformation" that will serve everyday members, lead- ership, and the public in new and exciting ways, tailored to each audience's and individual's specific needs. By engaging with one or more of the knowledge communities, our little known but extremely valuable peer groups conducting research, assembling blocks of knowledge, and sharing best practices in almost every facet of design and professional practice and available to all members. And be taking advantage of the continuing education programs offered at all levels of the AIA, ensuring that your skills don't become stale and that you and your practice not only remain relevant, but increase in value. Also, the AIA needs you. Each one of those 85,000 members contributes to our profession and our society in his or her own unique way, and the AIA needs your experience, knowledge, and passion at all levels. Katie Wilson of Jackson is the is WesternMountain Region Secre- tary-elect and will serve in 2016 and 2017. Even though she represents all six states, her voice is extra strong for you and members in other numerically small components. It's a new AIA, as exemplified by the innovative thinking gen- erated but "Culture Collective" members such as past national board director Randy Byers of Cheyenne. The governance structure is new, with a smaller board and regional representa- tion through a strategic council. (And did you know that two of the four officers on the 2016 national board will be from small components in your WesternMountain Region?)The new governance model and ways of thinking require your engagement and support if the AIA is to growmore relevant and valuable. The econo- my is recovering, and all seems well for most of us, but there are also significant threats to the profession, and your joint voice and your collaborative participation in the political and regulatory arenas are needed. Both the AIA and the profession at large are looking to you to step up, not just with great design but with great civic and professional purpose. At Grassroots last February, I told an audience that I foresaw "The rise of the everyday archi- tect". Nowhere is that better exemplified than in Wyoming ... and I'mwatching for you to rise. b