The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) has announced Ben Thomas as their new Executive Director. The current Director of Programs for the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) comes to the post with more than 17 years of experience in higher education non-profit work and will replace Pauline Salinga when he steps into office on February 1st.

“Ben Thomas’ deep knowledge of membership organizations and his commitment to diversity make him the ideal person to lead SAH at a transformative moment for the Society,” the organization’s President, Patricia A. Morton, said in a statement. “We are delighted to welcome Ben to the SAH team.”

The roughly 2,300-member strong Chicago-based organization is in the early stages of developing a five-year strategic plan that will rely heavily on Thomas’ extensive past experience with DEI initiatives, fundraising drives, and programming to best position it for “long-term stability and sustainability.”

Thomas, who holds a PhD in Archaeology from Boston University, is credited with overseeing some 100 local societies through his work for the AIA. There, he has also been instrumental in the development of the organization’s successful Site Preservation program, the redesign of its National Lecture Program (NLP) series, and the creation of the ever-popular International Archaeology Day, which to date is celebrated in 27 different countries and reaches over 250,000 people a year worldwide. 

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead this prestigious organization and am grateful for the trust that the SAH has placed in me to guide the society into the future,” Thomas, who also currently lectures at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, said finally. “I look forward to working with SAH's leadership, members, and talented and committed staff to fulfill and expand the organization's mission and goals.”