ELECTIONS

About the AIA California Board of Directors & Election Procedures
Looking to make an impact in the architectural profession? AIA California Board of Directors members shape the direction and activities of the largest AIA state in the country. Standing for election offers a platform to lead, learn, and contribute.

AIA California leadership is comprised of two main groups, the Board of Directors and the board’s Executive Committee. Each holds different responsibility.

The Board of Directors establishes policy. With elected leaders from across the state, it is composed of: individuals who represent 21 local components, ex officio members of the Executive Committee, and members who represent California at AIA, the national level.

Implementing policy and overseeing organizational operations is the Executive Committee, which is comprised of the AIA California President, and eleven other elected members who oversee different areas such as the Vice-President of Government Relations, the Vice President of Professional Practice, and the Vice President of Climate Action. These Board Members are empowered to conduct the business of AIA CA and responsible for implementation of Board-directed policies.

As AIA California transitions to a new governance model, the number and responsibilities of elected leaders will change in 2027. To support this shift, encourage behavioral adaptation, and avoid shortening existing terms, several positions will remain unfilled in 2026. During the October 9, 2025 meeting, the Board will be asked to consider proposed changes to the AIA CA governing documents to reflect this shift.

For more information on AIA CA leadership roles and opportunities, contact AIA California Executive Vice President Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA.

Elections

AIA California elections are held annually, in November, with nominations for open positions due 60 days prior. Candidates may also be nominated from the floor. Any AIA California member in good standing is eligible for election.

Nomination Submittals – General Information (All Positions):

Nominees must be AIA CA members in good standing and be able to attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings.
Nomination letter(s) from an AIA CA member in good standing, which includes a statement in support of the candidate, and should be on company letterhead, if applicable, is to be sent via email to mdouet@aiacalifornia.org by the deadline of 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Nominations for any office not received by the posted deadline must be made from the floor by 2/3 vote of the AIA CA Board of Directors on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Annual Meeting.

Disclaimer
No member of the AIA CA Executive Committee shall engage in the endorsement, sponsorship, or nomination of any candidate for AIA CA or AIA office.

Submission Requirements

No later than Wednesday, October 8, 2025, candidates must provide the following items via email to mdouet@aiacalifornia.org:

- A 100-word (maximum) summary of the candidate’s background, education, professional history, and service to the professions.
- A 200-word (maximum) summary of the candidate’s philosophy, goals, and objectives in serving in this office.
- E-photos: please save as a 300 dpi, average size is 2”x3”, in either jpeg or png.
- Candidates are also permitted to submit a letter of support for their nomination from any individual, AIA member or otherwise. This letter shall not be longer than 2 pages in length, including letterhead. Letters exceeding this requirement will not be accepted.
  - Letters meeting this requirement will be included in the Board of Directors agenda packet posted on Basecamp for the Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, November 14, 2025.
  - Letters will not be published on the AIA CA’s website, nor will they be included in the Relevance newsletter.

The nominees for the 2026 open positions will be verified by the AIA CA Secretary/Treasurer.
Qualifying nomination packages will then be forwarded to AIA CA Communications for publication on the AIA CA website and in the newsletter.
The election for all open positions will be held during the AIA CA Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, November 14, 2025, virtually via Zoom.
Candidates for all offices will give a speech not to exceed 3 minutes in length.
Statements of background and philosophy will be included in the agenda packet for the AIA CA Board of Directors Meeting being held on November 14, 2025. Accordingly, the materials will also be posted on AIA CA Basecamp approximately two weeks prior to the meeting.

For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the open offices, please contact AIA CA Executive Assistant, Mirna Douet at (916) 642-1712 or mdouet@aiacalifornia.org.