A Letter from Executive Director Kimberly Anderson, Hon. AIA CA
It is with a grateful heart and mixed emotions, I share that after over 20 years with AIA Central Valley I will be departing on June 16th to take on a new role leading the California Architecture Foundation (CAF), the 501c3 charitable arm of AIA California.
Without question, my time with AIA Central Valley has been a wonderful experience. I have loved working together with firms and members to bring initiatives and programs to life. Among the many highlights have been the creation of Experience Architecture, our public outreach event now in its 12th year, defining and fulfilling the goals of two (almost 3) comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plans, development of strong and active Chapter committees, and consistently developing exceptional programming and social events that have brought our members together for education and camaraderie.
With the on-going support of our Chapter’s Board of Directors I have been privileged to participate beyond our Chapter as Vice President of the AIA National Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE) for 2 years, as Vice President of CACE for AIA California for 3 years, serve as co-founder of the national “Mid-Sibs Collaborative” group, as well as serve on numerous AIA task forces and committees. This engagement allowed me to influence positive change throughout the organization and provided exceptional professional development and connection with peer executives and Chapters across the country. Without a doubt, these experiences reinforced that AIA Central Valley is a special Chapter.
The engagement and friendships I have made at AIA have been a key factor in my decision to stay within this organization, as I move on to AIA CA. I thank each of you for the trust and support you have given to me, and would like to give a special call-out to the Chapter staff I have been fortunate to work with over the past two decades: Don Comstock, FAIA, Marina Hill, Hanh Tran, Tinn Lee, Jacy Boles and our bookkeeper Malia Arnold. I am incredibly appreciative to have worked alongside you and thank you for your hard work and unique contributions to the Chapter.
Despite my departure, I have no doubt that AIACV will remain vibrant and engaged. Our Chapter leadership has selected Desiree Gemigniani to serve as our new Executive Director. For the past six years, Desiree has been the Executive Director of AIA San Fernando Valley. With her experience and friendly, genuine demeanor–and Jacy Boles continuing as our Communications and Programming Coordinator–I feel confident our Chapter is in good hands moving forward.
This is not goodbye, but rather a heartfelt thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support over the years. I am hopeful our paths will cross again.
THANK YOU!
