board LEADERSHIP

2023 PRESIDENT
LEANNE MEYER-SMITH, AIA
Ms. Meyer-Smith has nearly 30 years of extensive experience that ranges from building design, facility analysis, and master planning to construction administration and project management applying her unique skills to both new construction and renovation work for a variety of clients. Leanne is committed to collaborating with other architects in service, advocacy and public awareness relative to the profession of architecture. Email Leanne

2023 PRESIDENT-ELECT | TREASURER
JEFF JENO, AIA
Jeff Jeno works with Moody Nolan Architects, as part of the firm’s Chicago Regional Office leadership group. As an AIA member for over 25 years, Jeff has devoted time to serve AIA Chicago’s Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community in various leadership roles, volunteered to work with and mentor aspiring designers, taught college courses focused on design & construction – and served as a Chicago Chapter Director to the AIA Illinois Board. As a past participant of the AIA Illinois Leadership Institute program, Jeff is honored to contribute service back to the Illinois Chapter and membership - and will work to advocate for and support emerging & experienced professionals, and issues important to our communities and region. Email Jeff

2023 SECOND VP | SECRETARY
Jeremy Gentile, Assoc. AIA
Jeremy Gentile, Assoc. AIA is skilled in managing collaboration and coordination between key stakeholders, consultant teams and end users to deliver optimum results on concurrent projects. A successful design leader that enjoys tackling complex challenges and delivering innovative and thoughtful solutions that are on brand, on budget, and on time. Gentile has served with AIA Illinois as 2022 At-Large Director and Founding Chair for Emerging Professionals Network. Email Jeremy

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
(12/2023)
Ayonna Patterson
Chicago Public Schools

CHICAGO DIRECTOR
(12/2025)
Cesar Santoy, AIA
Studio ARQ

NORTHEAST DIRECTOR
(12/2024)
Megan Harte, AIA
845 Design Group

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR
(12/2023)
Patty Lloyd
Leopardo

CHICAGO DIRECTOR (12/2023)
Wei Yu, AIA
Yu & Associates Collaborative, PLLC

PRAIRIE DIRECTOR
(12/2023)
Todd Higginbotham, AIA
Bailey Edward

CHICAGO DIRECTOR
(12/2024)
Molly M. Rademacher, AIA
Lamar Johnson Collaborative

EASTERN DIRECTOR (12/2025)
Jose Pareja, AIA
JP Architects, Ltd.

State and Territorial Associate Representative (12/2023)
Rachel Wiesbrock, Assoc. AIA
Legat

YOUNG ARCHITECT REPRESENTATIVE
(12/2023)
Raquel Guzman Geara, AIA
SmithGroup

ILLINOIS REP ON NAT'L STRATEGIC COUNCIL
(12/2023)
Janeen Harrell, AIA

STUDENT DIRECTOR
Nese Altintas, AIAS
ILLINOIS REP ON AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS
John Syvertsen, FAIA
Holly Gerberding, FAIA
ILLINOIS REGION AXP ADVISOR
Sean Gallagher
Judson University
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS | 2021-2023 AIA AT-LARGE
Jon McNeely, AIA