In July 2015, AIA Virginia commenced a comprehensive review and revision of the organization’s Bylaws, working through a Bylaws Task Group (a sub-committee of the Board of Directors including Eric Keplinger, AIA as chair with Valerie Hassett, FAIA: John Burns, FAIA; Mitch Rowland, AIA; Pamela Sams, AIA; and Jeanne LeFever, AIA.) The original intent of their work was to:
- Correct any, few grammatical or punctuation items;
- Amend the name, throughout, to mirror the new name of AIA Virginia;
- Provide updates to recognize new communication/outreach methodologies and technologies; and
- Make other non-substantive changes to reflect new business or programmatic approaches.
However, as the group worked through the process, they realized that a ‘deeper dive’ would be preferred to bring the existing Bylaws (review here) into alignment with current best governance practices. In consultation with AIA Virginia’s attorney, along with advice from AIA legal counsel, the Bylaws Task Group developed an amended set of Bylaws, which the Board of Directors now sponsors for adoption by the members of AIA Virginia.
The revised Bylaws (read here) will be voted upon by the membership during a virtual meeting on Friday, June 16 at 11:30 a.m. (register>>). In the meantime, those wishing to learn more about the document and understand the changes will be offered that opportunity through a special member Bylaws Webinar on Thursday, May 25 at 4:00 p.m. (register>>).
In the next newsletter, we shall delve into the substantive changes to the content, and also explain the new Rules of the Organization, which is a companion document that is intended to replace the current Rules of the Board.
Eric Keplinger, AIA Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Chair, Bylaws Task Group Executive Vice President
2017 President-elect