AIA Oregon President Elect Candidate | Jericho Bankston, AIA
I'm honored to be running for AIA Oregon President (2028-2029).
Nearly five years ago, I stepped into my first volunteer role with AIA Oregon without fully knowing where the journey would lead. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving as Small Firms Exchange Chair, Portland Section Director-Elect, and now Portland Section Director. Along the way, I have met architects from every corner of Oregon, worked to build lasting relationships, and seen firsthand the incredible impact our members have on their communities.
What inspires me most is that our profession extends far beyond the buildings we design. Every day, AIA members are mentoring students, volunteering, serving on boards, advocating for better communities, and helping develop the next generation of leaders. That work matters. My vision for AIA Oregon is simple:
✅ Strengthen connections across our state
✅ Support and develop future leaders
✅ Create meaningful opportunities for member engagement
✅ Celebrate and expand the impact architects have in our communities
Through a recent collaboration with the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, The Work We Share, I was reminded that so many of us are already doing extraordinary work within and beyond architecture. I believe AIA Oregon can help amplify those efforts, build new connections, and continue creating opportunities that benefit both our members and the communities we serve.
If elected, my goal is to bring the energy, relationships, and lessons I have gained through the Portland Section and Small Firms Exchange to the state level and help shape the next chapter of AIA Oregon. Voting is open October 1 through October 30. If you're an AIA Oregon member, I would be grateful for your support and your vote.
Thank you to everyone who has supported, mentored, collaborated with, and volunteered alongside me over the years. I would be honored to continue serving this organization and the members who make it so impactful.