Author John Maxwell says, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” As architects, we understand this statement better than most. The work that we do responds to and reflects changes in our culture, our environment and technology. We make it possible for individuals and organizations to meet the challenges of change and continue to grow and thrive in their homes, businesses and communities. I am always amazed at the facial expressions as I explain to people what architects do. Most folks have an idea of the creative work that architects perform, but when I tell them about the research, the technical tasks, the administrative and leadership roles, and the legal responsibilities, their jaw often drops. Those who work with architects know that we can help them with the growth part of John Maxwell’s axiom.
Looking back over 2024, AIA Wyoming itself has navigated several changes. At the end of 2023, longtime Executive Director Susan Menghini retired to spend time with family and to travel. Our chapter owes tons to Susan, who initiated and structured so many aspects of our thriving organization. Susan will be missed by all who had the privilege of working with her! Finding the right replacement for Susan took a while, but in April, the board hired Jessica Howard to assume the responsibilities of executive director. We welcome Jessica to our organization and look forward to many productive years with her administrative and leadership skills. Jessica is located in Gillette, so you will notice a change in our mailing address.
We also welcomed two new board members to AIA Wyoming in 2024. Carl Kohut, AIA, and Ellen Martin, Associate AIA, began their stint on the board in January and hit the ground running. Ellen chaired the planning committee for our spring conference in Laramie, and Carl chaired the planning committee for the fall conference in Jackson. While I hear of many AIA chapters struggling to engage younger professionals, AIA Wyoming is blessed with young, exuberant board members like Carl and Ellen. Our future is bright!
As AIA Wyoming president, I was privileged to attend the Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., along with Mitch Blake and Carl Kohut, where we met with Wyoming’s members of Congress. Then in June, Carl and I attended the Conference on Architecture, also in Washington, D.C. A recap of those events is included along with articles about our two state conferences.
As you take some time to read through this award-winning publication, you will recognize that our industry really is changing, AIA is changing, and we are changing with it. If you are not an architect and reading this, I encourage you to look to the 150-plus AIA Wyoming architects to help you respond to the changes you are facing in the built environment. We can help!!
At the end of 2024, my two-year term as president ended, and Mitch Blake, AIA, took the reins as president. I want to say thank you to the great people that I have worked with and to an amazing chapter! I am grateful that I have another couple of years to serve as past president and can be a part of the influence and impact that our successful chapter has at both the state and national levels.
GO ARCHITECTS!
