The Council of Advisors (COA), is a committee of AIA California, providing leadership to AEP programs and activities and advocating for Emerging Professionals’ issues throughout California. Comprised of AIA members at all stages of their career, both elected by the AIA CA Board of Directors and appointed by the AIA CA President, this group guides all AEP activities within the organization.

Download a PDF copy of the AEP COA Placement here. 

2023

Mandy Freeland, AIA
VP of the AEP

Ali Rafieetari, Assoc. AIA
State Associate Director

Vadilies Beseau, AIA
Young Architect Representative

Jamal Powell, Assoc. AIA
Associate Director, South

Ginger Thompson, AIA
Associate Director, North

Drishti Bajla, AIAS
Student Advisor, North

Stuart Stielau, AIAS
Student Advisor, South

Liam Hanlon, Assoc. AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor, North

Michael Cintron, Assoc. AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor, South

Betsey Dougherty, FAIA
Member-at-Large

Ashley Taylor
AIA CA Staff Liaison

In addition to the COA, the leadership of the Academy is also comprised of 21 local Chapter Emerging Professional Directors. Each AIA Chapter in the state selects one individual to represent their local Chapter in the Academy. These individuals are the key contacts through which the AEP disseminates information to all California AIA Chapters, in-turn, the EP Directors disseminate the information to all Emerging Professionals in their respective chapters.