AIA Chief Operating Officer James Dinegar has taken the position of CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. In that position, which he will begin in early July, Dinegar will facilitate business development opportunities in the District of Columbia, including city planning and development. Dinegar had worked at the AIA national component for eight years, first as head of government affairs and then as chief operating officer.

“We lose a forward-thinking businessman who has been key to leading the Institute to its current position of financial stability,” says AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee. “At the same time, we gain a powerful ally in this city and, by extension, the national stage who knows well the value of architects in making businesses—and the communities they serve—better, stronger, and more capable enterprises.”

“It has been a privilege and distinct honor,” Dinegar says, “to work on behalf of architects who are passionate about and good at what they do. I appreciate keenly how effective architects are in making our communities better. I will work closely with the profession to ensure that architects here continue to do what they do so well. My deep respect also goes to the wonderful and tireless staff at all levels of the AIA, seeing them day in and day out do all the things that make this Institute hum. My appreciation goes to everyone I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside. It is never a one-person show. It is and always has been a team effort.”

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