association staff
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
ERIC KLINNER, CAE
Eric Klinner, CAE previously served as the Managing Director of AIA Illinois, where he has worked since 2006. He was also the Executive Director of AIA Prairie Illinois since 2017, where he helped lead a successful formation and transition to their own chapter. He currently serves on the American Institute of Architects Disaster Assistance Committee and has previously served on the Association Forum Certified Association Executive (CAE) Working Group to help fellow executives earn their CAE. Email Eric
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
MARY YOUNG
Born and raised in Springfield, Ill., Mary joined AIA Illinois in 2001 and previously served as Program Director until 2023, overseeing events and meeting planning, continuing education program development, answering questions about Mandatory Continuing Education (CE requirements, accessing transcripts, resources), as well as the development and implementation of the annual Honor Awards program. In addition to ongoing CE and event planning duties, she facilitates downstate Fellowship recruitment, assistance with program fundraising/sponsorship, membership services and office administration. She has a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from University of Illinois Springfield. Mary also serves as the Prairie Chapter Executive Director. Email Mary
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
anna HARKEY
Anna is a graduate of Journalism and Communications with an Emphasis in Public Relations from Iowa State University’s Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. She brings over 15 years of experience in marketing, public relations and graphic design and specializes in public relations campaigns, media outreach, strategic planning, public relations writing, collateral production and design, social media management, photography, and video editing. Anna is a native of Moline, Ill. and now resides in the greater Springfield, Ill. area.