As we turn the page on the New Year, I’m honored and excited to welcome you to 2026 as President of AIA Cleveland. It’s a privilege to serve this chapter, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated community of architects, associates, and partners. I’d also like to welcome our 2026 Board of Directors—an engaged and thoughtful group committed to advancing the mission of AIA Cleveland and supporting our members throughout the year ahead.

We begin 2026 on strong footing with Ann Davis, our new Executive Director, fully onboarded and ready to engage our members and partners. Ann brings energy, experience, and a collaborative spirit that will help us strengthen relationships and move our chapter forward. Together, we will continue meeting with partner organizations and regional institutions to promote AIA Cleveland, explore opportunities to collaborate, and highlight the value our members bring to the built environment and the communities we serve.

A continued focus this year will be member value and advocacy. We will learn from the experience and history of our chapter while looking ahead—working intentionally to attract, support, and retain the next generation of professionals entering the field. Your voice, ideas, and involvement are essential to that effort. One of the best ways to get involved is by joining a committee. Whether your interests lie in programming, outreach, mentorship, or advocacy, our committees are where ideas take shape and impact happens.

As you set your intentions for the year, I want to offer a friendly reminder to renew your AIA membership by January 15. Renewing isn’t just checking a box—it’s reaffirming your place in a 500+ strong local architecture community. Your membership connects you to meaningful networking opportunities, continuing education through design lectures and hard-hat tours, mentorship programs for emerging professionals, and advocacy efforts that protect and promote our profession at the local and state level. It’s a resolution that truly pays off.

I look forward to meeting and working with all of you in the year ahead. Thank you for being part of AIA Cleveland, and here’s to a thoughtful, collaborative, and inspiring 2026.

Megan Pros, AIA
AIA Cleveland, President