The American Institute of Architects, California, (AIA CA), welcomes Rona G. Rothenberg, FAIA, as the 2022 President, succeeding 2021 President, Brett Dougherty, AIA.
Rothenberg has committed her long career as an architect to program and project, as she puts it, in the management style of “from the inside out,” within government and industry organizations. Her contributions including two decades as a government and citizen architect were recognized by the AIA 2020 Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture. In their remarks, the award jury noted: “By leading with an unwavering drive to instill design excellence and best practices, Rothenberg has been a guiding force in shaping California’s public realm through her work … “in state and local building programs.
Rothenberg has been a long-time member of AIA San Francisco as well an active leader and contributor in AIA programs throughout her career. This includes many years of service as a member and Chair of the AIA’s Public Architect Knowledge Community Advisory Group, work with the Academy of Architecture for Justice as a chair and juror, and as a College of Fellows Representative. Prior to her role as the AIACA 2021 President-Elect, she served as the Vice President of Government Relations and has been a member of the Board since 2015.
Installed as AIACA 2022 President December 1, 2021, at AIA CA Headquarters in Sacramento and in virtual format by her son David Ben-Israel, MBA, LEED AP, an Executive with MGAC Consulting, Rothenberg was joined by her husband, her daughter Sarah and brother Rob, as well as AIA CA’s Board of Directors, colleagues, friends, and family. AIA CA Board colleagues offered remarks by video focused on leadership, commitment, integrity, values, and vision.
Rothenberg, FAIA has committed her tenure in 2022 to a platform characterized by “Architects as Leaders: From Generation to Generation.” She challenges our diverse members of AIA California, all architects in our state and allied fellow professionals from all paths and backgrounds to lead by example, drawing from inspiring personal and historic models. In her acceptance speech she said, “This is not really about me. It is about all of us as leaders. So I would submit to you-this is an opportunity to reflect on what leadership means and how we can partner as professional leaders in AIA California’s mission and strategic imperatives this year and beyond.”
Stay tuned for regular communications from Rothenberg, on https://www.aiacalifornia.org.
For more information on any of the above information, contact Shannon Calder, at 916.642.1718, or scalder@aiacalifornia.org.