The Board was eager to start the 2017 initiatives, having a strategic discussion on many AIANYS areas of interest. A legislative agenda was outlined, giving a direction for our lobbying efforts, and robust public advocacy initiatives were set in place. The roadmap for getting our voices heard was set.

The installed 2017 president, Robert E. Stark, AIA, said, "It is a privilege to represent the members of AIA New York State. The public and government agencies are turning to architects to address many important issues including historic preservation, resiliency, and sustainable, energy efficient design. Our members are prepared to advise our clients and the public, about not only designing buildings, but also about designing our cities and streetscapes. As architects, we are trained to address these complex issues and to incorporate 'design thinking' in order to improve our everyday lives." 

With membership nearing 9000, it is more important than ever AIANYS leadership set a course to succeed. Identified, are core, resonating, issues set forth to advocate and inform of our profession. They include:

• Demonstrate the values an architect can bring to various aspects of everyday life.
• Advocate for the Members – promote members and the profession in the media and amongst the general public.
• Provide the Chapters with resources to promote themselves and, in turn, have the Chapters relay local issues of interest back to the State component.
• Create a unified message for advocacy, government and public, and enhance and promote initiatives which will allow architects to better help the public, inform on what services we can bring and encourage legislation to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the residence on New York.
• Advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art+Architecture and Mathematics, dubbed "STEAM" education and incentives.
• Support policies which are inclusive and cultivate diversity within the architectural community.
• Facilitate grassroots advocacy initiatives at the local, state and federal level.
• Empower a new generation of volunteer advocates to expand the relevancy and impact of the profession in our communities.

See our Annual report for an overview of the year that was and the strategic agenda for 2017.

Officers:

President - Robert E. Stark, AIA, Buffalo, NY

President Elect – Kirk Narburgh, AIA, Syracuse, NY

Immediate Past President - Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, FAIA, New York, NY

VP/Government Advocacy - Joseph Aliotta, AIA, New York, NY

VP/Public Advocacy – Paul McDonnell, AIA, Buffalo, NY

Treasurer - Mark Kruse, AIA, Long Island, NY

Secretary – Allen Rossignol, AIA, Rochester, NY 

Also elected to serve as the Regional Representative to the AIA Strategic Council is Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, Buffalo, NY. She will join sitting members of the Council, Illya Azaroff, AIA, New York, NY and Jessica Sheridan, AIA, New York, NY.

Article originally published by AIA New York State