BY KATRINA MAJEWSKI, ASLA
2018 – 19 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
To the 2018-2019 ASLA Northern California Executive Committee Members:
Blake Rhinehart, Carolyne Orazi, April Philips, Liz Boults, Amy Cupples, Carmen Erasmus, Tala Fatolahzadeh, Kris Davis, Loretta Drummond, Will Green, Siobhan Hussey, Andy Nowak, Krista Van Hove, Blake Sanborn, and of course- Laura Leuer:
Thanks for your time and energy, your actions and opinions, your interest and friendship. Being the Chapter President is an honor, and serving with you is a privilege. Whether you served on the Executive Committee for a year, five years or ten years, thank you for everything.
To all ASLA Northern California Chapter Members:
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Chapter President.
Having served as President of the ASLA Northern CA Chapter (ASLANCC) for the 2018-2019 year, and on the Executive Committee since 2014, I have seen much growth and numerous changes. This past year was no different; the Chapter saw continued successes in all committees and subcommittees, as detailed in the below summary.
Summary of Actions: Committee Reports
Advocacy, Leadership, Education:
Advocacy:
Chapter President, Blake Rhinehart, Past-President Carolyne Orazi, and Chapter Trustee, April Philips travelled to Washington DC to represent the Chapter at the Annual Advocacy Day. This event provided an opportunity to meet with local congressional and senate offices to advocate for bills that funded our National Parks, water infrastructure and multimodal transportation on behalf of the chapter.
Furthering the Chapter’s Advocacy efforts, CCASLA Representative, Carmen Erasmus attended the annual Advocacy Summit, which focused on improving chapter advocacy efforts for licensure as well as other state-related issues.
Leadership:
Our chapter was successful in elevating two members to the honors of Fellow, Michael Boland and Robert Hewitt, and one Honorary member, Marc Treib.
Education:
In 2018-2019, the Chapter put forth continued effort to grow our connections with allied professions and organizations, having a common goal of advancing educational opportunities and awareness to our Chapter members and to the public.
The Chapter has continued to coordinate with AIASF and AIACOTE to co-host events such as the POPOS walking tour, lectures and workshops.
The Chapter also worked with TCLF to co-host ‘What’s Out There Weekend’, which was open to the general public.
Summary of Actions: Subcommittee Reports
Awards:
In 2019, thanks to the huge efforts from the Chapter Awards Committee, Carmen Erasmus and Liz Boults, and dedication from our Jury, including Jacinta McCann, from Cathy Blake, and Rachel Slonicki and Chris Grampp, we had a record of 70 entrants to our Awards categories, and awarded 27 total awards.
We are looking forward to Awards 2020, which will include revised exciting and robust categories- stay tuned.
Communications and Website
Communications:
Director Siobahn Hussey, for the second year in a row, has filled the role of Communications and PR director. This role never stops, and keeps all members informed on national and local events, news and information on our website, and social media pages (links at bottom).
Siobhan represented the Chapter at the annual Public Relations Summit, focusing on how ASLA can improve outreach, advocacy and awareness efforts.
Website:
The time comes when we can all use an update; websites are no different. Supported by the Executive Committee, Carolyne Orazi lead the charge of a website revamp. Stay tuned to the one and only ASLANCC for exciting updates.
Emerging Professionals and Events
Emerging Professionals:
The Chapter Emerging Professionals group continued to grow and thrive under the organization and energy from Director Kris Davis. Regular networking events, office/firm tours, and portfolio reviews provided important spaces and opportunities for emerging professionals and established professionals alike.
Events:
Two of the Chapter’s more popular annual events, San Jose Shark Night! and San Francisco Giants Night, once again were successful and fun, thanks in large part to our sponsors and event organizers, Tala Fatolahzadeh and Liz Boults. These events provide important opportunities to meet with new connections, and network, socialize, and re-acquaint with previous connections.
More in events:
