Much appreciation for the under-appreciated!

Much appreciation for the under-appreciated! As Thursday approaches and we all pause (one hopes) for a time of Thanksgiving, I can think of no better moment to celebrate the true heroes of the AIA: the chief executives and staff team members who serve our local and state components. (When I reflect on the ‘care and feeding’ of AIA components over some four decades, the inimitable Pat Harris comes to mind first, so she is today’s photo spotlight!)

In my ventures through The Three Aspens, Ltd., I ‘associate’ with many executive directors and executive vice presidents and work with component staff teams across the country. These professionals are highly dedicated to the core mission of the AIA – often to a surprising level – and they are deeply devoted to our members in fulfilling that mission. Beyond the members, they are invested in the future of the architecture profession. Wow!

I am always impressed with their ‘can do’ approach and their readiness to jump into ‘other duties as assigned.’ Often, their organizations are quite small, so everyone wears many hats; they seem to pitch in willingly. The members of the AIA are extremely fortunate to have these incredible teams providing such amazing levels of service and support.

Working with each of you through the years – in one way or another – has been my pleasure and honor, and I salute your individual and collective accomplishments. I especially admire your willing attitude and strong commitment, and I extend my gratitude to each one of you for your boundless efforts on our behalf and for our benefit!

CACE Friends and Staff Team Folks, I know your leaders and members are grateful as well … and I hope they will express their appreciation to you often. With a thankful spirit, I wish you and yours an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day … and I trust you will indeed take the time to pause and give thanks!

Photo Credit: The now-retired, much-loved, and greatly-missed Pat Harris blowing bubbles at her AIA colleagues at a staff team event in 2007.