Woods named American Institute of Architects EVP and CEO

WASHINGTON–Lakisha Ann Woods has been selected as the next American Institute of Architects (AIA) executive vice-president and chief executive officer effective Jan. 31, 2022.

Woods currently serves as the president and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), which convenes experts from the building industry, design, government and regulation to identify and develop solutions to critical issues impacting the built environment, including climate action, natural disasters and inequity, indicates a release.

Prior to NIBS, Woods served as the senior vice-president and chief marketing officer with the National Association of Home Builders. Woods also serves on the board of directors for several organizations. She is currently the 2021-2022 vice-chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, 2021-2022 chair-elect of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and chair of the ASAE Foundation.

In her new role, Woods will manage the national office in Washington, D.C., oversee approximately 200 employees and partner with the board of directors as well as work collaboratively with over 200 chapters nationwide and overseas to support AIA members and advance AIA’s strategic vision.

Additionally, she will ensure AIA continues to effectively serve as the collective voice of architecture and design by expanding an engaged membership base that increases diversity in the profession and evolves AIA’s programs, products and services, states the release.

She will also sit on the independent board of AIA’s Construction Document business, which is led through a strategic partnership with True Wind Capital.

“I am excited, from day one, to build on AIA’s strong foundation of achievements and to expand its leadership role in the industry and society,” said Woods. “I look forward to working with the AIA team, volunteer leaders, and most of all, AIA’s passionate and engaged members to take full advantage of this dynamic moment in history to secure a future for the association that is as diverse as our society, as inclusive as everyone deserves, and as sustainable as the next generation demands.”