Author: ckldpnm

The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) launched in New Mexico on Friday, September 13 at the UNM School of Architecture and Planning in Albuquerque. Co-Chair’s John Clark, AIA and Ashley Hartshorn, AIA, led the session and were joined by 2019 AIA New Mexico President, Steve Alano, and other local architectural leaders including Roger Schluntz, FAIA, Glenn Fellows, FAIA, John Padilla, AIA, and Roy Hertweck, AIA.

CKLDP co-founder Sean Stadler, AIA LEED AP, Managing Principal of WDG Architecture in Washington, D.C., spoke to the program’s creation in 2012 and about its namesake, Christopher Kelley. His keynote address inspired the participants to become leaders within the changing profession of architecture and within their respective communities.

The group was able to hear from each scholar through Pechakucha style presentations. Each was asked to present an image that describes them, to describe the type of leader they are now, and to describe the type of leader which they aspire to become.

Following the scholar presentations, the group began its first breakout exercise – strategically planning the eight individual sessions of the program. With the topics ranging from ‘Working Together and Teambuilding’ to ‘The Future of Architectural Practice,’ ideas were generated by groups of four scholars and a more senior facilitator. This exercise allowed the scholars to describe exactly what they would like to get out of the program in order to benefit themselves, their firms, and their communities.

The smaller groups then reconvened to discuss with the larger class, bringing about additional ideas for the sessions. Then, a pair of scholars was assigned to each of the 8 sessions to further refine the topic and begin to plan its agenda, location, and speakers.

The closing keynote address was given by Patrick Panetta, FAIA, the 2018-19 AIA National Treasurer and Director of Project Management for Arizona State University’s Real Estate Development Department. Patrick spoke to his leadership path within the AIA and through civic leadership in the city of Phoenix. By knowing when to say ‘yes’ (and sometimes knowing when to say ‘no’) one can help to find solutions to problems and set up those around them for success.