Heidrick & Struggles Retained by the American Institute of Architects to Find New Leader
March 28, 2025 – Non-profits as a whole are the third largest employer in the U.S., and as a result its impact on recruiting and talent is significant. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that non-profits often struggle with a narrow talent pool and geographic limitations, making it difficult to find candidates with both the required skills and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission. Search consultants also say non-profits are appealing to work for because they offer the chance to make a meaningful impact on causes one is passionate about. Executive search, leadership consulting, and culture shaping services provider Heidrick & Struggles has been tapped by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to lead in its search for a new CEO.
Following the departure of Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, in early February 2025, AIA has been focused on ensuring a seamless leadership transition and continuity of its mission. In 2021, AIA used Spencer Stuart to recruit Ms. Woods as CEO. Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, has been serving as interim EVP/CEO while the organization undertakes this critical search. The search will be conducted by a dedicated search committee, chaired by AIA’s 2024 president, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, and supported by Heidrick. The Chicago-headquartered recruiter is the fourth largest global firm as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media.
“AIA’s next leader will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission and strategic priorities,” said Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, chair of the search committee. “The search committee is committed to a thorough and inclusive process, ensuring we identify a CEO who will continue to drive forward AIA’s goals of economic opportunity, inclusivity in the profession and the communities we serve, climate action, and a strong and innovative future for the profession.”
The search committee has engaged Heidrick & Struggles to lead the recruitment process. The search will be led by Tonya Muse, a consultant in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, and a member of their social impact and CEO & board of directors practices, as well as co-leader for the association sector.
Related: Navigating a Non-Profit Succession Plan
The search committee represents a diverse group of leaders from across the organization, including past and current board members, representatives from AIA’s Strategic Council, National Associates Committee (NAC), Council of Architectural Component Executives (CACE), AIA International, and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). This broad representation ensures that input from AIA members and stakeholders is integral to the process.
Conducting Outreach and Gathering Input
The search firm will conduct outreach and gather input from AIA’s diverse community, helping to shape the CEO position description to reflect the needs and aspirations of the Institute and its members. AIA remains committed to its core mission of advancing the value of architects and supporting its members in designing a better world. The next CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AIA and the architectural profession.
The Strategic Benefits of Using Retained Search Firms for Non-Profit Leadership Recruitment
As the non-profit sector evolves, effective leadership has never been more critical. A report by J. Michael Durnil of Cooper Coleman and Michelle Alvis of Alvis People Solutions highlights how retained search firms are essential for finding leaders who align with an organization’s mission. These firms offer specialized expertise, access to a broad candidate network, and an unbiased, efficient recruitment process. Let’s take a closer look!
A new report from J. Michael Durnil, director of executive search at Cooper Coleman LLC , and Michelle Alvis, principal owner at Alvis People Solutions, LLC, explains that internal HR functions play a critical role in organization operations and managing day-to-day human resources needs, yet the time required to navigate the complexity and high stakes of executive recruitment often benefit from an external, specialized, and laser focused approach.
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being.
Ms. Muse focuses on talent and leadership advisory initiatives for CEOs, C-suite executives, and senior executives of professional societies, trade associations, and non-profit organizations. She has an extensive background in industry and association leadership initiatives. Previously, Ms. Muse was the executive director of the Council of Manufacturing Associations at the National Association of Manufacturers.
Related: Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
