Kimberly Miller, AIA 2020 Chapter President

I am honored to be President of the chapter for 2020.  Back in 2013, I was working as the Staff Architect  for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and I heard that the AIA Westchester Hudson Valley chapter was holding a retreat in our conference room.  The introvert in me wanted to stay in my office, especially since I was insecure by not being in a traditional architect’s role, but I had recently read a book by Sheryl Sandberg called Lean in and I thought if there was ever a time to lean in, it was now.  So, I introduced myself to John Fry during a break and he and the rest of the group that day could not have been more welcoming.  Instead of feeling like an outsider, I suddenly felt part of the architectural community – something I hadn’t felt since I left a traditional office.  Thanks to him and Peter Gaito, I ended up joining the board a few months later.  So, I want to encourage you all to lean in and to get involved, even if it pushes you out of your comfort zone as the rewards can be so worth it.  Whether it’s on the chapter board, foundation board, a committee, or task force, we need members and allied professionals to get involved.  We currently need to fill a few spots in our budget, design awards and scholarship committees. We also need to hear from you as our main mission is to serve our members and we need to hear how we can grow on what we do.

Last week I went to a leadership roundtable for the New York State chapter presidents.  It really struck me after hearing from some of the other chapters how lucky this chapter has been to have been led by a continuous series of talented people who always put the best interests of the chapter and the membership first.  Each president has benefited and built on the successes of the previous president.  I strive to continue that trend, but I am greatly indebted to the 2019 President, Jaclyn Tyler.  

A big part of why we have a relatively seamless transition of presidents from year to year and the chapter continues to grow (were now up to around 700 members) is our tireless Executive Director, Valerie Brown.  Valerie not only serves the board and the membership, but she is also sought after by chapters all over the country for her expertise.  Valerie, we could not do this without you and we thank you for leading us so well all these years.