NCARB Announces Leadership, Plus Six Recipients of President’s Medal
This week, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced the inauguration of a new President and First Vice-President for the organization.
Architect Kristine A. Harding, who practices in Huntsville, Alabama, was inaugurated as NCARB’s 97th president. She will lead the organization and its 54 U.S. licensing boards, which serve more than 40,000 NCARB-certified architects, and 41,000 licensure candidates.”NCARB has become a leader in the regulatory world and an essential voice in the profession,” said Harding, adding that in her new position she would ensure NCARB continues to “strive for excellence, embrace innovative ideas, and build our community.”
Elected to the position of First Vice-President and President-Elect — the position held by Harding until now — is Gregory L. Erny, an architect who practices in Reno, Nevada. “I look forward to strengthening the perception of our profession and helping NCARB reach architects in new and inspiring ways,” said Erny.  By virtue of his election, Erny will become NCARB’s next president in June 2017.
The inaugurations coincided with NCARB’s Annual Business Meeting, held in Seattle, during which outgoing president Dennis S. Ward, FAIA, bestowed the organization’s highest honor, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, on six individuals. The recipients are:
- Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, San Diego, CA
- Dawn Broadfield, Cranston, RI
- John E. Cardone, Jr., Lake Charles, LA
- Ricky L. Engebretson, AIA, Fargo, ND
- Maribel Fisher, FCARM, AIA, Ensenada, Mexico
- Jared Zurn, AIA, Manassas Park, VA
The recipients were selected for their commitment to the architecture profession and to NCARB’s mission of ensuring the health safety and welfare of the public.
Additional information on these announcements can be found in the press releases below.
Alabama Architect Kristine A. Harding Inaugurated as NCARB President
Seattle, WA—Kristine A. Harding, NCARB, AIA, was inaugurated as the 97th president of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) at its Annual Business Meeting. In this esteemed role, the Huntsville, AL, architect will lead NCARB and its 54 U.S. licensing boards, which serve more than 40,000 NCARB certified architects and 41,000 licensure candidates.
“With guidance from our Member Boards, NCARB has become a leader in the regulatory world and an essential voice in the profession,” Harding said. “We will continue to strive for excellence, embrace innovative ideas, and build our community.”
During her term as president, Harding will focus on implementing NCARB’s new experience and examination programs, enhancing benefits to the NCARB Certificate, and streamlining the path to licensure for experienced professionals.
Alabama Governor Robert Riley first appointed Harding to the Alabama Board for Registration of Architects in 2004, where she served as chair from 2008-2009 and continues to serve on the board today. In 2011, Harding was elected to the NCARB Board of Directors to represent the Southern Conference (Region 3), which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Throughout her distinguished career, Harding has volunteered her time and expertise to several NCARB initiatives, serving as chair of the Procedures and Documents and Audit committees, as well as Board liaison of the Professional Conduct and Education committees. She also co-chaired the Intern Development Program (IDP) Advisory Committee, a joint venture between NCARB and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Harding sat on the Alabama Council AIA and the North Alabama chapter from 1998 to 2007, serving as president of the Alabama Council in 2005. In 2011, she received the Alabama Council Accolade Award, the highest honor bestowed by the council, in recognition for her service to the profession. Earlier this year, Harding was appointed to the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture’s (ACSA) International Task Force and Education Coordinating Committee.
As Vice President and group manager of the Huntsville office of the KPS Group, Harding provides architecture, interior design, and planning services throughout the Southeast. An active member in her community, she also sits on the Cummings Research Park Design Control Committee, and has served on the Huntsville-Madison County Marina & Port Authority, the Huntsville Sports Commission, and Leadership Alabama Board of Directors.
Harding, who received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rice University, holds the NCARB Certificate and is licensed to practice architecture in Alabama and Tennessee. She resides in Scottsboro, AL, and works in Huntsville, AL.
To learn more about President Harding, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/NCARBorg.
Nevada Architect Gregory L. Erny Elected as NCARB First Vice President/President-elect
Seattle, WA—Gregory L. Erny, NCARB, AIA, of Reno, NV, was elected first vice president/president-elect of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) at its 97th Annual Business Meeting. By virtue of his election, Erny will become NCARB president in July 2017.
“No stone is left unturned in searching for fresh avenues to improve our programs for licensure candidates, practitioners, and Member Boards,” Erny said. “With guidance from our Member Boards, I look forward to strengthening the public’s perception of our profession and helping our organization reach architects in new and inspiring ways.”
Erny was first appointed to the Nevada Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Residential Design in 1996 by then-Governor Robert Miller, serving as chair from 2011-2013. A dedicated NCARB volunteer since 1998, the Nevada architect has served on numerous committees—including several related to the development of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), the national exam used to test a licensure candidate’s knowledge and skills. He has also been a valuable member of the Professional Conduct, Procedures and Documents, and Professional Development committees.
Since 2008, Erny has served in several positions on the NCARB Board of Directors, including terms as second vice president, secretary, and regional director of NCARB’s Western Conference (Region 6). The Western Conference includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Just two years after earning a license in Nevada, Erny opened his own practice, Architects + LLC, in 1983. He continues to serve as president of his firm and remains an active member of the Nevada Board. Erny is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), having served as president of AIA Northern Nevada and AIA Nevada, and as a current member of the AIA Northern Nevada Scholarship Committee. He remains heavily involved in his community, acting as a commissioner for the City of Reno’s Historic Resources Commission, chairman of the Bailey Charter Elementary School Board, and the Nevada Area Council Director for the Boy Scouts of America.
Erny graduated from Ball State University with both a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Architecture. He has been an NCARB Certificate holder since 1998 and is currently licensed in Nevada and California.
Six Awarded the NCARB President’s Medal for Distinguished Service
NCARB President Dennis S. Ward recognizes individuals for their dedication and service to the architecture profession.
Seattle, WA—Six individuals have been awarded the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB) highest honor, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. The medals were bestowed by 2015- 2016 President Dennis S. Ward, FAIA, NCARB, at the organization’s 2016 Annual Business Meeting.
President Ward commended each of this year’s recipients for their commitment to the architecture profession and NCARB’s mission to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
“These individuals embody the level of devotion that NCARB seeks to provide,” Ward said. “I applaud them for their dedication and hard work, and am honored to present them with this award.”
2016 Recipients:
Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, LEED AP, of San Diego, CA, was recognized for his distinguished service to the California Architects Board and NCARB, including his leadership of several committees and Region 6. Baker has been a dedicated member of the California Architects Board for over a decade. He has also contributed greatly to NCARB, serving as the Region 6 director on the Board of Directors in 2010-2012, chair from 2008-2010, and currently as vice chair. In addition, he has been involved with the Examination Committee, where he assisted with Site Planning & Design, as well as with the Internship, IDP Advisory, and Regional Leadership committees. He also served on both the AIA San Diego Chapter board and AIA California Council board. Baker was particularly instrumental in the development of the ARE 5.0, serving as the chair of the ARE 5.0 Case Study Task Force.
Dawne Broadfield, of Cranston, RI, was recognized for her service to the State of Rhode Island Board of Examination and Registration of Architects, Region 1, as well as her dedication to NCARB and service on numerous committees. Broadfield became the board executive of the Rhode Island Board of Examination and Registration of Architects in 1997 and the executive of Region 1 (the New England Conference) in 2013. She has been a dedicated volunteer on the Member Board Executives, Regional Leadership, Procedures and Documents, and Professional Conduct committees. In FY14, Broadfield served as chair of both the Member Board Executives Committee and the Credentials Committee. Through her service on these committees, Broadfield helped improve the effectiveness of NCARB’s services to its Member Boards and assisted with the implementation of the Council’s Regional Summit, among other accomplishments.
John E. Cardone Jr., of Lake Charles, LA, was recognized for his many years of service to the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners and NCARB, including his leadership of several committees and Region 3. Cardone has been a dedicated public member of the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners for 14 years. He has held numerous positions on the state board and served two terms as the chair. Cardone has also filled many roles for NCARB, including his service as the chair of Region 3 and his position on a multitude of committees, including the Education, Internship, IDP Advisory, Procedures and Documents and Regional Leadership committees, as well as the Public Member Task Force. In June, he was elected as the public director of the NCARB Board of Directors. Cardone has devoted much of his time to the profession of architecture and helped shape many of NCARB’s policies and procedures.
Ricky L. Engebretson, AIA, NCARB, of Fargo, ND, was recognized for his distinguished service to the North Dakota State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and NCARB, including his leadership of several committees and Region 5. Engebretson has been a dedicated member of the North Dakota Architects Board for over a decade. He has also devoted much of his time to NCARB, serving as the Region 5 director on the Board of Directors. In addition, Engebretson has had roles on several committees, including the Procedures and Documents and Regional Leadership committees, where he helped meld Council policy with regional practice. He also served on the Education, Professional Conduct, Professional Development, Continuing Education, and Practice Analysis Steering committees, as well as the Future Title and Governance task forces.
Maribel Fisher, FCARM, CONARC, APEC, AIA, was recognized for her significant contributions to the implementation of the Tri-National Mutual Recognition Agreement for International Practice between the United States (NCARB), Canada (CALA), and Mexico (FCARM). Fisher served for two terms as the executive coordinator of the Consejo Nacional de Registro de Certificacion (CONARC), the organization responsible for the certification of architects in Mexico. With her support, CONARC and Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos de la Reupublica Mexicana (FCARM) were able to finalize details and complete the pilot program of the Tri-National Agreement. She also served as Mexico’s representative to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Architect Program. She is a member of the certifying committee of her local Colegio, and practices architecture in Ensenada, MX. Fisher is also currently a professor in architecture and graphic design.
Jared Zurn, AIA, NCARB, of Manassas Park, VA, was recognized for his leadership to NCARB and the Examination Directorate, including his guidance of committees, motivation for continuous improvement, and advocacy for examination openness. As a steward of the Examination Directorate, Zurn’s leadership has implemented significant changes to the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), from expanding candidate support and transparency in the examination to overseeing the development and upcoming release of ARE 5.0. His guidance of multiple subcommittees and task forces has led to refinements in exam development processes that contribute to the overall strength of the ARE while expanding volunteer opportunities for architects to engage in examination development. His energy and enthusiasm for improving NCARB’s programs and serving all its stakeholders continue to advance both the organization and its mission.
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural registration boards of all 50 states as well as those of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB assists its member registration boards in carrying out their duties and provides a certification program for individual architects.
NCARB protects the public health, safety, and welfare by leading the regulation of the practice of architecture through the development and application of standards for licensure and credentialing of architects. In order to achieve these goals, the Council develops and recommends standards to be required of an applicant for architectural registration; develops and recommends standards regulating the practice of architecture; provides to Member Boards a process for certifying the qualifications of an architect for registration; and represents the interests of Member Boards before public and private agencies. NCARB has established reciprocal registration for architects in the United States and Canada.
