James A Gatsch, FAIA

The Institute will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2007. While commemorating our rich history, we have the opportunity to use our restored financial strength to imagine a future based on our values, which continues to build on our already significant accomplishments.

Restored financial strength
The Institute’s financial recovery and its accelerated compliance with Board-mandated fiscal policy provide a foundation for all future growth and facilitate the effective implementation of our strategic plan. I am committed to canceling, in 2008, the advertising dues increase passed last year and protecting our members’ financial investment through efficient operations.

Continuing our progress
We must continue the progress already under way to coordinate component activities, support and implement our SDAT projects, effectively disseminate knowledge, enrich our government- and public-advocacy programs, and maintain the relevance of our national convention.

Imagining the future
Imagine focusing the media spotlight on our values by delivering our message to all people interested in working with us to realize a common vision for livable, sustainable, and healthy communities. By actively promoting our values to our chambers of commerce, mayors and legislators, and civic and corporate groups, the public will gain a better understanding of what we do and the value we deliver.

As your first vice president and as president of the AIA, I promise to work with you to make today’s vision tomorrow’s reality. By seizing the opportunities inherent in our sesquicentennial anniversary, together we can truly make a difference.

For more than 18 years, I have served the Institute in a variety of leadership roles, at all component levels.

National component
• Treasurer (2004–2005)
• AAF Octagon Task Force (2005)
• Vice President (2002)
• Finance Committee (2000–2005)
• Livable Communities Committee Co-Chair (2002–2003)
• Strategic Planning Committee (2001, 2003, 2004)
• National Director (1998–2001)
• NCARB Interior Design Task Force Liaison (2001)

AIA New Jersey
• President (1997)
• President-elect (1996)
• Treasurer (1995)
• Secretary (1994)
• Board of Directors (1990–2001)
• Public Affairs Chair (1993)

AIA Central New Jersey
• President (1989)
• President-elect (1988)
• Secretary (1986–1987)
• Newsletter Editor (1989–1991)
• Government Affairs Chair (1987–1990)

Presentations
• Minimizing Legal Risks
• Practical Tips for Component Governance
• The Business of Architecture
• The Automated Architectural Practice.

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