10.07.2026 President's Report
As we enter October, I want to begin by acknowledging that while our September Board meeting may have seemed a bit out of sorts at times, it provided us with an important opportunity to begin paving a solid path toward the future of AIBD.
Over the past month, we have taken a much-needed, deeper look into the foundation of our Institute, including our governing documents, leadership structure, and organizational responsibilities. This level of examination has been overdue for many years. By aligning our committees, programming, and leadership responsibilities with our established directives and governing documents, we are taking meaningful steps toward ensuring that we are, quite simply, following our own rules.
Significant progress has also been made in examining and better understanding our financial position, clarifying individual staff responsibilities, and beginning detailed, in-depth conversations regarding governance, membership, education, and revenue development. These discussions are essential to building an organization that is financially responsible, operationally effective, and prepared for sustainable growth.
As I have stated many times, none of our concerns or challenges will be resolved in a single meeting. Meaningful progress requires thoughtful, diligent conversations, careful evaluation, and a willingness to make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the Institute. I have also emphasized that some of our most important conversations will undoubtedly be difficult. However, we cannot allow the discomfort of those discussions to prevent us from addressing the very issues that will determine our future.
I sincerely thank each of you for your contributions throughout September. Your willingness to engage, share perspectives, and dedicate your time to this organization is deeply appreciated. I look forward to your continued commitment to the Board, our committees, and, most importantly, the members we have been entrusted to serve.
Looking Forward: October Priorities#
October will bring several important opportunities to continue advancing the vision we have established for this Board year.
Our Conference and Education Committees will begin a deeper collaborative effort to develop the educational programming and content for the 2027 D+B Conference in Williamsburg. By beginning this work now, we have an opportunity to create a more intentional, relevant, and engaging experience that reflects the evolving needs of our members and the residential design industry.
October will also mark the beginning of our conference sponsorship efforts. This earlier approach will provide prospective sponsors and corporate partners with additional time to evaluate opportunities, plan their involvement, and incorporate our conference into their annual budgets. It represents an important step toward strengthening our partnerships and creating a more sustainable financial model for future conferences.
We also anticipate continued progress from the College of Fellows, particularly in the development of long-term programming, mentorship, and educational opportunities. The collective knowledge and experience within the College represent an invaluable resource, and I look forward to seeing its renewed involvement become an integral part of our Institute's future.
Finally, the month will conclude with AIBD taking center stage at Chicago Build. This event presents an important opportunity to elevate our presence within the broader building and design community, share the vital role AIBD plays in the residential design industry, and engage face-to-face with current and prospective members, industry partners, and organizations that share our commitment to the built environment.
Moving Forward Together#
I encourage each of you to continue approaching our work with an open mind, a willingness to challenge old assumptions, and a genuine commitment to supporting one another. We will not always agree, and we will certainly encounter challenges, but our shared responsibility to AIBD and its members must always remain greater than our individual differences.
Thank you again for your leadership, your commitment, and your belief in the future of AIBD. I look forward to another productive month as we continue building an Institute that is stronger, more engaged, and better prepared to serve its members for generations to come.
Brandon Clokey