Lakisha Ann Woods to step down from AIA post in February

2024-12-10T17:48:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced its EVP/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha Ann Woods will be stepping down from the post in February of next year, following a misconduct scandal that sparked outcries about organizational leadership, corporate spending, and nepotism. Woods was cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent investigation in August, which prompted the AIA Board of Directors to file an ethics complaint against her accusers in September. She has served as EVP/CEO since being named to the position in November 2021.

AIA President Kimberly Dowdell, lauded her tenure in saying: "[The] AIA is losing an incredible talent in EVP/CEO Woods, but we were so fortunate to have benefited from her leadership for three years. She is a leader among leaders, and those who have had the opportunity to collaborate with her understand how much of a loss this is to our organization and the pr...

Former Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers is announced as the new interim CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences

2021-12-13T17:53:00-05:00

In an effort to fill its leadership void caused by the departure of former CEO Lakisha Woods, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has announced that former Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA will be serving as the organization’s interim chief executive until such time as a permanent replacement to the AIA’s new EVP and CEO can be found.

The Washington, D.C.-based Institute appointed Ayers to provide a familiar and experienced hand that will now help guide the influential industry group as it searches for its next leader.

Ayers had previously served in the Capitol architect role under President Obama and made headlines in 2018 when he stepped down with two years yet to go in his decade-long appointment.

Prior to his position as the AOC head, Ayers held a number of junior administrative positions within the office beginning with his appointment assistant superintendent for Senate Office Buildings in 1997 and culminating in his official confirmation as the...

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Lakisha Ann Woods to step down from AIA post in February

Former Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers is announced as the new interim CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences