AIA Minnesota New Leadership Program
This program was created in response to the Leadership Task Force to foster and develop leadership for AIA Minnesota member architects during mid-career. The mission of the FORUM is to assist AIA members in understanding and strengthening their role in leadership in areas of community involvement, government, professional practice, business development and mentorship. Experts related to each area of curriculum will speak at each session.
At the end of the six month program, FORUM participants are encouraged to participate in a community service project to further their leadership. The session is intended to run on an annual basis from January to June, starting with a new group of leaders each session. Jon Buggy, AIA, managing principal of Ellerbe Becket will serve as an advisor to the group.
Firm principals and the membership should seriously consider participating or nominating candidate(s) for the program for 2011.
Leadership Forum Program for 2010
The inaugural FORUM program began January 2010, with 14 students (listed at right) who expressed interest in strengthening their abilities in leadership. The students hail from a wide variety of companies and represent firms that are small and large, residential and commercial, and private and corporate. These young women and men began the six month course with a session on defining the parameters and attributes of leadership and will be led by facilitator Jon Buggy, AIA, managing principal at AECOM Ellerbe Becket.
See the FORUM press release with all of the 2010 graduates and program speakers.
Program Requirements
Candidate must be an AIA Minnesota member
Candidate must be licensed a minimum of five years
Tuition must be paid by December 31, 2010 for the 2011 program (Expected tuition is $600. Some scholarships may be available.)
Selected participants are expected to attend all of the sessions
Non-architect candidates must meet equivalent requirements
2010/2011 Schedule
Mid-September: FORUM Launch Mixer
End of September: Applications Due
October: Candidates Selected
Mid-November: Candidates announced at the AIA Minnesota Convention
December: Candidates meet and discuss program specifics
January-June 2011: 6 sessions, one per month
FORUM Launch Mixer
Over 50 people attended the first FORUM Launch Mixer at the AIA Minnesota office early 
September 2009 where FORUM leaders and the Advisory Board unveiled the program's concept and reviewed details to begin the application process.
If you have questions, contact:
Brian Tempas or
Heidi Neumueller