AIA Georgia is governed by a 16-person board that includes elected directors, officers, and AIA Georgia’s Executive Director. Meet the 2025 Board shaping the future of architecture and design across the State.
President
Todd Dolson, AIA
Todd Dolson, AIA
Todd, VP and Director of Design at SSOE, brings over two decades of architectural expertise in higher education and civic practice. Acquired in 2020 from Stevens & Wilkinson, he’s dedicated to crafting spaces aligning with client goals. Specializing in academic and public libraries, higher education environments, museums, and corporate spaces, Todd, a Georgia Tech graduate, fosters design excellence firm-wide from SSOE’s Atlanta office.
President-elect
Chris Welty, AIA
Chris Welty, AIA
Desired Position: President-elect
Biography: Chris Welty is a Professor of Architecture at Kennesaw State University in the College of Architecture and Construction Management and serves as the Department of Architecture Profession Program Sequence coordinator and the KSU Architect Licensing Advisor for the National Council of Architectural Registration Board.
Chris has taught within the department since 2002, serving in many roles including the Professional Program Coordinator and the Portfolio Review Coordinator. He has taught all levels, from freshman to thesis and held a variety of coordinator roles including the second year studio sequence, the design communication sequence, and the thesis sequence. Prior to the merger with Kennesaw State University, SPSU honored him with an Outstanding Faculty Award for 2014 and named him 2014 -15 “Teacher of the Year”. His pedagogical interests center on integration of digital technologies and the art-of-craft focused on the notion of making. He has been awarded several Focus Studio appointments that converged on topics of light, materials and materiality through explorations with Design-Build. In Fall 2014, his topic “Immersion and Interaction, a case for gamification” was selected for a fifth-year Focus Studio. In this studio Chris and his students are continuing a collaboration endeavor started with the SPSU Gaming Department, exploring the role of game techniques in understanding and communicating architectural ideas.
When not teaching Chris heads his small multimedia design firm, weltyworld, which specializes in the creation of spatial experiences in a virtual computer environment. His firm focuses on visualization, architectural animations and web development. This expertise has led to array of clients from architects and builders to developers and corporate owners.
Statement of Qualifications: I am honored to run for AIA Georgia President, driven by a commitment to focus on mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. As an educator at KSU, mentorship has been central to my career, empowering the next generation of architects with the tools to lead and adapt in a rapidly evolving profession. As a Professor of Practice, I am equally passionate about advocating for architecture’s role in shaping policies, advancing equity, and demonstrating design’s transformative impact on our communities. Together, we can strengthen the profession, elevating our members and the communities we serve.
Past President
Sophia Tarkhan, AIA, NOMA
Sophia Tarkhan, AIA
As the Principal of the K-12 Education studio, Sophia draws on her diverse background and two decades of experience in architecture and construction management. A trailblazer advocating for diversity, she played a pivotal role in establishing Cooper Carry’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council. Sophia, a registered architect and LEED AP, graduated from the University of Florida and spearheaded initiatives as the 2017 President of NOMA’s Atlanta Chapter. Recognized for her leadership, she is part of the inaugural cohort of Next To Lead by the American Institute of Architects, focusing on ethnically diverse women in architecture. Notable projects include the acclaimed Midtown High School addition and renovation, and two new STEM schools for Fulton County.
Secretary
Carissa Oyedele, AIA
Carissa Oyedele, AIA
Desired Position: Secretary
Biography: Carissa Oyedele’s passion is implementing inclusive architecture and planning to transform underserved campuses and communities through the built environment. She executes creative design solutions prioritizing Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JEDI) for various project types with complex programs, schedules, and delivery methods. Currently she leads the Corgan Atlanta Education Studio, focusing on K-12 and Higher-Education architecture throughout the Southeast.
Carissa has been a leader in AIA since on the onset of her career- as an AIA Los Angeles Board Director (3 years), AIA California Representative (2 years), and Committee Chairs for AIALA Design Awards & 2×8 Student Exhibition, prior to relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta in 2021. In addition, she has been recognized as a leader in the architectural community as a recipient of AIA National Young Architect Award (2016), Top 20 Under 40 by ENR (Engineering News-Record) California (2016), and NextGen 10 in Real Estate & Finance by CSQ (C-Suite Quarterly) Magazine (2018). She is a registered architect in Georgia and California, a LEED AP BD+C Accredited Professional, and a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer.
Statement of Qualifications: As a dedicated architect with a deep commitment to community development and mentorship, I believe in the transformative power of architecture. My journey in the profession began in 2003 in Los Angeles, where I quickly became an engaged member of the American Institute of Architects, contributing to both AIA LA and AIA California Boards. Since relocating to Atlanta in 2021, I have embraced the vibrant AIA Georgia chapter, actively participating in initiatives that uplift our local architectural landscape.
I recognize the pivotal role AIA plays in fostering connections and advocating for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community. I am running for the position of AIA Georgia Board Secretary not just to fulfill administrative responsibilities but to enhance collaboration among our members and elevate our collective impact. If elected, my commitment will go beyond record-keeping and meeting participation. I will champion initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and innovation within our industry. I aim to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and valued.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Resume >
Treasurer
April Mundy, AIA
April Mundy, AIA
April Mundy, AIA, LEED AP, serves as Savannah K-12 Sector Leader and Associate Principal, boasting over 20 years of design and construction experience. Her diverse portfolio spans multi-school and individual designs, encompassing LEED certified and LEED Gold constructions. With an educational background from SCAD and Central Virginia Community College, April excels in balancing technical, aesthetic, and functional aspects in complex educational campuses. Her track record includes timely and budget-conscious project completions in areas like education, libraries, city halls, courthouses, public works, and commercial interiors.
At-Large Director
Heather Potts Lang, AIA
Heather Potts Lang, AIA
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography: Heather Potts Lang AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP ND + Homes, is an architect and educator working in affordable housing, ethical development, and social sustainability. She is the owner of Potts Lang Architects and a guest lecturer in the School of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was awarded the CIOS Award for Student Recognition of Excellence in Teaching. A graduate and past Advisory Committee member of the AIA Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program’s Georgia chapter and participant in the AIA/Georgia Tech mentorship program, Heather uses her work to advocate for equity in the building professions.
Statement of Qualifications: I believe that we, as architects, have a public responsibility to our communities. My current research and advocacy efforts center around improving the sustainability of neighborhoods, health of homes, and accessibility of the practice. We are leaders of societal change, and as a member of the AIA Georgia Board of Directors, I will advocate for the integrity of our profession within and among our communities. Recent AIA recognition and involvement include the COFxYAF Align Mentorship Program, 2024 Aspire Planning Committee, 2023 John A Busby Jr Award, 2023 AIA Georgia Honor Awards Jury, and 2023 AIA High School Design Competition Jury.
At-Large Director
Chloe Newton, Assoc. AIA
Chloe Newton, Assoc. AIA
Desired Position: At-Large Director
Biography: From the music, through the traffic, to the ever-growing skyline, Atlanta is truly home. Chloe Newton has always had an interest in creative work and knew she would pursue a career in the arts, in some form or fashion. The journey began at the College of Charleston, pursuing a major in Historic Preservation and Community Planning with a minor in Studio Art and Sociology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Chloe Newton began to follow her artistic dreams at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, in the retail department. Declaring that she did not want to be the world’s best gift shop employee! Chloe Newton stumbled upon a book, Iggy Peck Architect, and this changed the trajectory of her life. She applied to the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Master of Architecture program. Currently, Chloe Newton works as a Senior Design Professional at HOK. Project type experience includes multifamily housing, institutional, medical education, and science and technology. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Emory University and Gwinnett Technical College teaching the fundamentals of architecture, visualization, and BIM software. Chloe Newton is a graduate of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, and a member contributor of AIA Atlanta. Outside of design and teaching, she experiments cooking healthy recipes, takes barre classes, supports her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and most importantly – lives each day to make a difference in some form or fashion!
Statement of Qualifications: I bring a strong background in both teaching and professional practice, having worked on a diverse range of projects, including multifamily, higher education, and science and technology. In addition to my work, I serve on the Kennesaw Scholarship Committee, helping select the recipient of HOK’s annual scholarship. As an instructor, I teach subjects such as architectural history, visualization, and various graphic and modeling software. I’m also a recent graduate of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program and am excited to further expand my experience with AIA Atlanta!
Director
Joy Newberry, AIA
Joy Newberry, AIA
Joy joined McMillan Pazdan Smith in 2022 to play a key leadership role in supporting various studio teams committed to serving the CSRA and broader communities of the region. She offers a wealth of knowledge in master planning and design — including hospitality, multifamily, and healthcare. Joy is passionate about fostering a healthy work culture and mentoring emerging architects. An alumnus of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), Joy serves on the Historic Augusta Board of Trustees, and the Westabou Montessori School Board of Directors.
Director
Marissa Swanson, AIA
Marissa Swanson, AIA
Marissa seamlessly integrates her architectural passion with technological expertise, ensuring a comprehensive approach to diverse projects. Proficient in cutting-edge production software, she navigates seamlessly across project types, from hospitality to multi-family high-rise and higher-education athletic facilities. Marissa’s growth mindset and collaborative approach enhance each project, emphasizing transparency and communication. Beyond her architectural career, she launched the tech company Toss, showcasing skills in rapid prototyping, UI/UX, and project management, with the app now available for download on Apple and Android app stores.
Director
Ai-Lien Vuong, AIA, NOMA
Ai-Lien Vuong, AIA, NOMA
Ai-Lien Vuong, a three-time Georgia Tech alum, holds degrees in Architecture, Architectural History, Integrative Biology, Architecture, and City & Regional Planning with a focus on Urban Design. Passionate about community service, she’s involved in various alumni and professional groups, including AIA-Georgia Equity in Architecture and NOMA-Atlanta. Serving as an At-Large Director on the AIA-Georgia Board, Ai-Lien advocates for mass transit, affordable housing, urban design, and sustainable development. With a diverse professional background in public and private sectors, she currently works as an Architect at HOK, contributing to projects in higher education, science & technology, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, healthcare, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development.
Director
Will Stanford, AIA
Will Stanford, AIA
Will Stanford became part of BTBB in 2012, relocating from Montgomery, Alabama, to Macon. Designated Principal in 2015, he has excelled as a Project Manager, leading Design Teams and managing on-site construction from start to finish. Will’s expertise encompasses project cost estimating, construction document production, and job administration. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He currently serves on the AIA Middle Georgia Board executive committee.
Director
Gulcin Becerik, AIA
Gulcin Becerik, AIA
Hailing from Turkey, Gulcin pursued architecture at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul and earned a master’s degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. With a 13-year career spanning California and Georgia, the architect, now based in Atlanta since 2019 and part of The Beck Group, focuses on design-build projects in healthcare and higher education. Actively involved in CKLD 2023 Class and the Equity in Architecture Committee, they advocate for positive change through thoughtful design and professional equity. Gulcin’s multicultural background enables empathy and understanding, while her commitment to promoting women in architecture stems from personal experiences as a female architect and mother.
Director
Ryan Murphy, AIA
Ryan Murphy, AIA
Ryan R. Murphy, AIA, defies conventional architecture career paths, embodying a civil servant and citizen architect. Serving nearly a decade in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he contributed to critical projects in Afghanistan, addressing infrastructure challenges in a woman-led police department. Post-military, Murphy founded Shamrock+, integrating technology like drones and LiDAR into architectural processes. A 2020 graduate of AIA Georgia’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Program, he chaired the program in 2022, focusing on diversity and inclusion. Committed to advancing the profession, Murphy shares expertise through courses on emerging technologies in AEC.
State Associate Representative
Christopher Tromp, Assoc. AIA
Christopher Tromp, Assoc. AIA
Desired Position: State Associate Representative
Biography: Chris Tromp is an alumni of Georgia Tech obtaining his B.S. Arch in 2019 and his M. Arch in 2021. As a Design Professional at HKS, Chris works on a variety of project types between commercial mixed-use, sports, and senior living. As a Living Futures Accredited professional, Chris is deeply interested in pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and implementing change to produce a healthier, more resilient, and personal built environment that sits in tune with nature. When Chris is not in the studio, you can find him out on a run around town or out on a hike nearby.
Statement of Qualifications: Mentorship and helping others are at the forefront of who I am. In high school, I served as one of two school representatives in the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team which set the stage for me to serve as the Vice President of Graduates on Georgia Tech’s AIAS Executive Board. In this role, I started a Student Mentorship Program, which I now chair as an Associate AIA member today. In addition, I was an advocate for students through my position on the school’s Student Advisory Council. Currently, I work as a Design Professional at HKS fulfilling a multitude of roles on my projects. Outside of project work, I, along with another co-worker, created a new recruitment process for our office that has become a firmwide resource and brought in top talent from across the nation. I also have taken the responsibility as a firmwide Sustainability Champion and am one of eight out of 1500 employees to have my Living Futures Accreditation. With three and a half years of post-graduate experience, I am aiming to become licensed soon where I can take my work as an architect to the next level. As the Associates Director, I will combine my strong servant leadership with a deep drive and compassion to foster the next generation of architects and represent the needs of associate members to the best of my ability. I will bring intention, creativity, and receptiveness as I aspire to connect the associate body, grow its participation, and advocate for emerging professionals.
Additional Leadership
Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA
Laura Sherman, AIA
Garfield Peart, AIA
Jim Fausett, FAIA, College of Fellows Representative
2024, Sophia Tarkhan, AIA, NOMA
2023, Ralph Raymond, AIA, NOMA
2022, Greg Skinner, AIA
2021, Steven G. Stowers, AIA
2020, Michael Tchouaffé, AIA
2019, Perry Jarrell, AIA
2018, Kathryn Bedette, AIA
2017, Neil Dawson, AIA
2016, Theresa Ridley, AIA
2015, Gregory Walker, AIA
2014, Mark Levine, FAIA
2013, Janice Wittschiebe, AIA
2012, Roy Abernathy, AIA
2011, Edward Bernard, AIA
2010, Gerry Cowart, FAIA
