Board of Directors

2025 AIANN Board of Directors:

President: Gary Williams

President-Elect: Daniela Moral

Secretary:

Treasurer: Brad Van Woert

Emerging Professionals Director: Kristen Levin

Director at Large: Marshall Cowan

Advising Director: Angela Bigotti

Former President: Nathaniel Hudson

Managing Director: Gitte Russo

Government Affairs Chair: Audrey de la Cruz

Allied Members Chair: Paul Vanderbyl

Allied Members Chair: Rowland Perez

Education/Scholarship Chair: Nathaniel Hudson

Social Media Chair: Shannon Ferguson

Communication Chair: Stan Byers

Events Chair: Arlee Fisher

Sustainability Chair: Tim Sweeney

TMCC Coordinator: Kreg Mebust

Advising Member: Colton Schaefer

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Gitte Russo, Managing Director Welcome Letter:

Hello Northern Nevada! I’d like to introduce myself as the new Managing Director of the organization – a newly created role designed to take AIANN to the next level.  It’s been a very exciting and fast-paced year so far where I have had the opportunity to meet so many of you and hear your thoughts and feelings about the AIA and our Northern Nevada Component.

My husband, daughter and I relocated here last year to be closer to family and we are really enjoying this entire region. The natural beauty is astounding and we are thrilled to learn the passion for the area and City is mutual among all residents we meet. Reno has a fabulous energy and it is heartening that so many of you care so deeply about its growth, change, design, livability, and built environment. 

Previously, through my consulting firm, Urban Admin, I supported several large organizations as an administrative consultant focusing on association and executive management for professional organizations, non-profits, and boards of directors. I have supported and run offices, groups, and events for the past 30 years both domestically and internationally and I feel that my biggest asset is concept-to-reality project execution through bringing voices and ideas together to create something larger.  My passion and experience has always been and continues to be in land use policy, local urban civic development policy, and good design. 

The potential for this region to grow and change is a challenge for us all and as architects, interior designers, landscapers, contractors, developers, city decision-makers, urban planners, and space-makers, it’s thrilling to see folks attend and participate in our many civic and networking events we, as a group, produce to encourage conversation about how to do things and build a community that serves all residents. Through a common vision can have stronger momentum to affect future change in Northern Nevada and make it an even greater place to live. Where do we want to go? How do we want to do it? Let’s talk about it.  

Our goal this next year is to engage, exchange and discuss what it is we as a Community want to address in our neighborhoods, housing, downtown, buildings industrial developments, suburban areas, art, and our collective places.   I am looking forward to meeting more of you and hearing your thoughts and feelings about what you would like to see the AIA accomplish as a group. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your managing director and see you at our next event! 

Gitte Russo, Managing Director

American Institute of Architects, Northern Nevada