AIA Minnesota is seeking applications for officer and board leadership positions that will begin January 1, 2026.

If you’ve thought about growing your leadership skills, expanding the circle of professionals you work with, or raising your profile in the community, getting involved in your state or local chapter is a great way to do so.

About the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors and Election Procedures

AIA Minnesota Board of Directors members shape the direction and activities of our organization serving nearly 2,400 members in Minnesota. Serving on the Board offers an opportunity to lead, learn, and contribute. Board members are engaged in key decisions as we model the desired culture of the profession and business practices that are sustainable, continue to serve the interests of current members, to shape a profession where all can thrive, make architecture accessible, understandable, and highly valued, and take bold action to address climate change — in our organization, in our profession, and in our communities. 

Open AIA Minnesota Officer/ Board Leadership Positions for 2026

Members of AIA Minnesota in good standing who are AIA, Assoc. AIA, or FAIA are eligible for the following open positions, except as noted

  • President-Elect. A three-year commitment as President-elect, President, and Past President, this person serves on the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and the Executive Vice President Performance Review and Compensation Committee. In year two as President, this person represents the organization to the membership, to external organizations, and to the public.
  • Treasurer. A one-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second year. Treasurer serves on the AIA Minnesota board of Directors, Executive Committee, and chairs the Finance Committee, and engages with the staff team on financial matters of the organization.
  • Secretary. A one-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second year. This vital role is a member of both the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, where they are responsible for recording accurate minutes of the meeting activities, and actively participates in the Community of Practice for Culture Change and the Equity in the Built Environment Committee, contributing to the organization’s broader initiatives.
  • Associate Director. A one-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second year. Position exclusively open to Associate AIA members. If an individual in this role becomes a licensed architect during their tenure, they are permitted to retain their seat on the Board for the remainder of their term, providing continuity and valuable perspective.
  • Minnesota State/Territory Associate Representative. A two-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second term, serving as the National Associates Committee representative from Minnesota. Candidates must be an Associate AIA Minnesota member not licensed at the time of submission (may become licensed during the two-year term). Individual serves on the AIA Minnesota Board and the National Associates Committee. This position is appointed by the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors and not voted on by the membership. 

      Who should apply to serve as an AIA Minnesota officer or associate director?

      Any AIA Minnesota member in good standing is eligible to apply for an open officer position. The Nominating Committee is particularly interested in members who have these qualifications and experience:

      • Demonstrated leadership skills and leadership experience within a firm setting and/or within the profession
      • Engagement in AIA Minnesota, a local AIA Minnesota chapter, and/or AIA on a national level
      • Professional achievement in the field of architecture
      • Strategic thinking skills and abilities
      • Communications skills (in various settings, and with a wide variety of individuals)
      • Commitment to growing equity, diversity and inclusion in the profession and within AIA Minnesota
      • Emotional intelligence and the ability to engage and facilitate inclusive group decision-making
      • Compatibility with the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors, officers, and staff

      What is the selection process?

      Anyone interested in being considered as a candidate should complete an application form by September 15, 2025. Apply online, today. The application asks you to briefly answer these questions and to provide a resume:

      • Why do you want to serve in this leadership role?
      • What leadership experience would you draw upon in serving in this position?
      • How have you been engaged with AIA (local, state, and/or national)?
      • As the organization, members, and the architecture and design profession continue to move forward , what should the leadership of AIA Minnesota keep in mind as we continue to serve members and plan for the future?

      Following the September deadline for applications, the Nominating Committee will work to determine its recommended slate of candidates. The selection process may include individual interviews with the Nominating Committee – afternoon of September 25 is the proposed date. If many applications are received for a particular position, the Committee may narrow down the list of candidates to be interviewed based on the qualifications demonstrated in the written applications.

      The Nominating Committee will present a slate of candidates for consideration by the AIA Minnesota Board of Directors at its October meeting. The slate approved by the Board of Directors will be communicated to the membership and voted on at the Annual Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 4 at 1:30 pm. Successful candidates will assume office on January 1, 2026.

      Local Chapter or Minnesota Architectural Foundation Leadership Opportunities

      If you are interested in exploring leadership opportunities at the local chapter level – AIA Minneapolis (Hennepin County and central Minnesota), AIA Northern Minnesota (St. Louis County and northern Minnesota), or AIA St. Paul (Ramsey County and southern Minnesota) – or with the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, members are encouraged to express their interest by September 15, 2025 by emailing Amber Allardyce; a follow-up call or meeting with a current leader will be set up to talk about the various opportunities available and your interest in serving.

      Where can I find out more information?

      Not sure about whether to apply? Want more information about AIA Minnesota leadership positions or the selection process? Contact Amber Allardyce, Deputy Executive Director or Mary-Margaret Zindren, Executive Vice President.