AIANY and Center for Architecture launch national search for new executive director

To further elevate the architecture profession and strengthen the voice of the design community in New York City, the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) and the Center for Architecture today launched a national search for an executive director to lead both organizations. Together, AIANY and the Center for Architecture have become an important voice in the discussion of the power of design excellence to improve the quality of life of all New Yorkers. The new executive director will be charged with leading AIANY's work with city officials and partner organizations to foster design excellence for all New Yorkers as well as leading the Center for Architecture, a preeminent cultural institution for architectural education, exhibitions, and discourse. "AIANY and the Center for Architecture are looking for a leader with a strategic vision for deepening our positive impact on New York City's built environment by demonstrating the transformative power of architecture," said AIANY president Tomas Rossant, AIA. "The two institutions have accomplished much for the city and lead a global network of architecture centers focused on educating the general public about the value of design thinking. We seek an Executive Director that will enhance this work and usher in our organizations' further growth." "We look forward to reviewing candidates that feel a strong commitment to our mission for design excellence and public outreach," said Center for Architecture president Joseph Tortorella, PE. "The executive director position offers a wonderful opportunity for a charismatic, savvy leader to expand the center and harness the power of our community of 5,000 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and public members to make lasting, meaningful contributions to the built landscape of our great city." To identify a superior candidate for the executive director role, AIANY and the Center for Architecture have hired Phillips Oppenheim, an executive search firm for nonprofit organizations, and have formed a seven-person search committee. In addition to Rossant and Tortorella, the executive director search committee also includes the following professionals: Lance Jay Brown, FAIA, immediate past president, AIA New York chapter; Carol Loewenson, FAIA, president-elect, AIA New York chapter; and David Piscuskas, FAIA, vice president for design excellence, AIA New York Chapter. They are joined by Susan Henshaw Jones, executive director, Museum of the City of New York; and George Miller, FAIA, 2010 president, AIA National. David Burney, FAIA, architect and former commissioner of the city's Department of Design and Construction (DDC), currently serves as interim executive director. Burney's April appointment followed the resignation of Rick Bell, FAIA. AIANY and the Center for Architecture expect to name a new leader by early next year.