Tennessee State Representatives to AIA National Committees
AIA Strategic Councilor – Tilman “Trey” Wheeler, FAIA
Formed in 2015, the Strategic Council advances the architecture profession by informing the Board and other Institute bodies about important professional issues, opportunities, and threats. Learn more about the Council.
Young Architects Forum – Sarah Page, AIA
The AIA Young Architects Forum is the voice of recently licensed Architects and the catalyst for progress within the Institute. Learn more about the YAF program.
Specific goals of the group are to:
- ENGAGE recently licensed Architects in leadership to become agents of change within the Institute and the profession overall.
- INSPIRE professional growth among recently licensed Architects through fellowship within the Institute.
- ADVOCATE for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed Architects to the Institute.
- SERVE to make AIA memberships meaningful to recently licensed Architects through programs and services that effectively anticipate, meet and exceed their needs.
- PROMOTE mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development.
National Associates Committee – Dezha McCoy-Overton, Associate AIA
The National Associates represents and advocates for associates, both mainstream and non-traditional, at all components of the AIA. By promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness and encouraging individual, community and professional development, the NAC strives to integrate the growing associates community of the profession into a strong voice within the AIA. Learn more about the Committee.
Small Firm Exchange (SFx) – Jamie Sinz, AIA
AIA National’s Small Firm Exchange works to advance the interests of architects practicing in small firms by advocating for the value of small firms; developing and disseminating resources and information; and informing the AIA of current issues facing small firms and areas in which current resources and information are lacking.
Approximately 75% of all firms within the AIA are small firms (10 employees or less), which equates to 14,288 small firms within the organization. SFx exists to leverage that size for collaboration and influence. Learn more about SFx here.
Small Firm Exchange (SFx) – National Board – Scott Busby, AIA
The SFX National Board is made up of 13 AIA members who work in small firms. The board may include a CACE rep (selected by the current CACE president). Board goals include:
- Provide strategic guidance and constructive feedback on AIA national’s progress in delivering the value to small firm members.
- Review, align, and advise on goals and priority areas in AIA Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and annual AIA operating plans.
- Provide organizational leadership of the Small Firm Exchange national membership and state representative body.
- Identify big picture trends across states.Â
- Share resources with small firm members through established communications channels.
- Serve as ambassador for small firm engagement within the AIA.
- Share, inform, and coordinate with AIA national knowledge communities, member groups, committees, and staff.
Scott serves on the national SFx Board of Directors, helping shape the monthly topics each year, identifying area of concern to small firms.. He reviews and sends out recommended seminars of interest at the national AIA Conference to small firms nationwide and assists at the meet-up of small firms at the Conference. He also helps moderate the break-out sessions at the All-Call of the state representatives.