Former members of the AIA Board of Directors and Strategic Council are being recognized for their leadership and dedication as ambassadors to the organization through the Upjohn Fellowship and Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship awards, respectively. 

Named after co-founder and first AIA president Richard Upjohn, the Upjohn Fellowship Award celebrates outstanding contributions made in service to the Institute. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the AIA confers this honor upon members of its Board of Directors as they conclude their term of service. During AIA Governance Week last week, the following distinguished outgoing members of the 2025 AIA Board of Directors were presented with the esteemed Upjohn Fellowship Award:

Heather Philip-O'Neal, AIA
Alyanna Subayno, Assoc. AIA
Korey White, AIA
Mary-Margaret Zindren, CAE
Evelyn Lee, FAIA

Established in 2016, the Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship honors retiring AIA Strategic Council members, most of whom have served a three-year term. Named after Louise Bethune, the first woman to receive an AIA fellowship, it celebrates their contributions to the profession. Included in the list below are this year’s Bethune Fellows and the state or position they represented on the Strategic Council:  

Kimberly Dowdell, AIA
Bruce Herrington, AIA
Ryan Morse, AIA
Kathy Hancox, AIA
Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA
Andre Brumfield, Assoc. AIA
Gwen Fuertes    , AIA
Heather Wilson    
Leah Bayer, AIA
Garfield Peart, FAIA
Jason DeMarco, AIA
Richard Polk, AIA
Rex Cabaniss, AIA
Timothy Lock, AIA
Michael A. Daly, AIA
Jean Carroon, FAIA
Patty Boyle, AIA
Jeffrey Seabold, FAIA
Verity Frizzell, FAIA
Peter R. Wehner, AIA
Mary E. Womble, AIA
Brien Graham, AIA
Robert L. Easter, FAIA, NOMAC
Matthew S. Hutchins, AIA
Melissa Schulteis, Assoc. AIA

This year, the Bethune Fellows were integral to the development of the comprehensive Year in Review 2025 report. The publication highlights the council’s study group findings, features thought-provoking articles, and much more.

“The council's innovative initiatives are instrumental in driving progress, fostering meaningful collaboration, and advancing essential knowledge that greatly enriches both the architectural profession and society as a whole,” said Stephen Ayers, FAIA, interim EVP/CEO of AIA. "I strongly encourage all AIA members who are passionate about shaping the present and future of architecture to consider serving on the council.”

AIA announced the 2027 Call for Candidates for service on the AIA Board of Directors. This is an important opportunity for members who are committed to advancing the profession, shaping AIA’s strategic direction, and serving the broader architectural community. Members interested in running for office can find full details, requirements, and deadlines on the AIA Call for Candidates page.