The Board of Directors has appointed Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA as Interim Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia, a position she also filled from 2015 to 2017. In addition to providing continuity of leadership, she’ll shepherd the search process for AIA Virginia’s new chief executive. Working in close collaboration with a volunteer-led search committee, Dreiling anticipates a four-month search process with announcement of the selected candidate expected in late fall.
“The positive momentum at AIA Virginia is strong, largely due to the solid leadership of departing EVP Corey Clayborne, FAIA,” says Dreiling. “I look forward to continuing that legacy, with a focus on enriching the member experience while elevating awareness of architects and architecture.”
Dreiling has followed a career path largely beyond the bounds of traditional architectural practice. In addition to leading AIA Virginia, she has worked in several prominent not-for-profit settings including serving as Interim Executive Director of the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and as a staff Vice President for The American Institute of Architects, both in Washington, D.C. Her volunteer service to the profession culminated in her presidency of the AIA in 2014, where she was the third Virginian to serve in this role. Her professional background and volunteer service provide Dreiling with substantial non-profit management experience uniquely suited to fill the role of Interim EVP.