Joseph B. McCoy, AIA
For more than 15 years, Joe has been one of the most consistent and dedicated leaders in AIA Northern Virginia. A past Chapter president, he has served in countless capacities—always reliable, always present, and always leading with integrity. He knows everyone, and everyone knows him. His relationships have been instrumental in connecting the Chapter to the broader community, including museums and architectural sites throughout Northern Virginia, showcasing the value architects bring to the public.

Joe’s influence has touched nearly every corner of our programming. He has been a driving force behind Architecture Week and Month, guided the success of our Design Awards, and continues to serve as Co-Chair of the Committee on Architecture for Education.

Joe is equally committed to mentoring his peers. As Co-Chair of CAE, he leads with a spirit of mentorship, sharing expertise, fostering collaboration, and preparing others to step confidently into leadership roles. He extends this same commitment to our ARE® Prep program, where he stepped in as a co-instructor to support and mentor the lead instructor, ensuring that knowledge is both shared and sustained.

Joe’s unwavering commitment, his ability to bring people together, and his dedication to the profession reflect the very best of AIA Northern Virginia.

Joshua A.W. McKenrick, AIA
Josh has long been a dedicated leader within AIA Northern Virginia, serving across multiple committees, task groups, and initiatives. Perhaps most notably, he has reinvigorated the Custom Residential Architects Network—known as CRAN—bringing new energy, momentum, and visibility to this important community after a period of dormancy. His leadership has ensured that the voices of sole practitioners and small residential firms remain connected and represented within our Chapter.

In addition, Josh played a pivotal role connecting our local chapter to the recent National Housing CRAN Symposium held in September in Alexandria, Virginia. His contributions extend even further in supporting our student Mug Competition and securing grants from AIA National for many years, advancing the Interschool Design Competition, and previously serving as chair of the Schools Connections Committee. His reach and influence span across programs that connect students, professionals, and the broader public.

Josh consistently shows up with dedication, enthusiasm, and a willingness to ask, “What can I do to help?” Now in his second term on our Board of Directors, Josh continues to set an example of service, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

Christopher S. Kehde, AIA 
As 2025 Chapter President, Christopher identified Design + Dialogue as the central theme of his presidency. This focus reflected his commitment to building a chapter that is forward-thinking, connected, and responsive to the needs of our members and communities. To translate this theme into action, he created task groups focused on committee engagement, sponsorships, and the Chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration. The results of these efforts strengthened connections between the Board and our committees and made it a priority to celebrate the Chapter’s 50th anniversary throughout the year.

He further championed firm engagement through coordinating firms visits and serving as an AIA Ambassador in his office, reinforcing the value of AIA to colleagues and peers and supporting their involvement in committees like Young Architects Forum and Legislative & Government Affairs and programs like the Emerging Leaders in Architecture.

Christopher also helped strengthen our culture of mentorship and connection through support of the Mentor Golf Event, combining his own enthusiasm for the game with a creative way to connect members across generations. He has been a consistent advocate for Northern Virginia’s voice within AIA Virginia, working to ensure equitable representation at the state level.

Christopher Kehde has left a meaningful mark on AIA Northern Virginia and his work has strengthened the Chapter today while positioning us well for the future.

Sunny Carroll, Assoc. AIA
Sunny has long been a vital part of the Women in Architecture Committee (WIA), contributing her energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to its success. Before stepping into leadership, she played an active role in planning popular programs such as WIA Pop-Up Lunches, Construction Tours, and Holiday Parties. She also organized the Purses for Purpose charity drive for several years and collaborated on the Soft Skills Lecture Series in 2020, providing meaningful programming at a pivotal moment during the pandemic.

In 2023, Sunny stepped up to serve as Co-Chair of WIA, bringing both dedication and vision to the role. As Co-Chair, she spearheaded the WIA Connect event, aligning it with the AIA Conference on Architecture in Washington, DC, to create a remarkable opportunity for connection and visibility nation-wide for our local WIA Committee. She also led the 2024 WIA Lecture Series on Women’s Health and is already shaping the 2026 lecture series, ensuring its continued growth and impact. 

Through her dependability, collaborative spirit, and generous nature, Sunny has strengthened WIA and the chapter as a whole. Her leadership has left a lasting imprint on our members and programs, and her contributions exemplify the true spirit of service.

Young Architects Forum Committee (YAF)
Additionally, we are proud to honor four remarkable individuals with this Service to the Chapter award: Thomas Becherer, Assoc. AIA; Elizabeth Parry, AIA; Alexandra Foster, Assoc. AIA; and Ava Helm, AIA. Together, they have revived the Young Architects Forum Committee (YAF), breathing new life into a committee that had been dormant for several years. Their creativity and dedication have brought fresh energy, meaningful connections, and engaging opportunities for emerging professionals.

Among their many contributions, they launched the highly successful Dinner with an Architect series, creating a unique space for conversation and mentorship between generations of architects. They also introduced the YAF Mentor Golf Event, which has grown steadily over the past three years, and added a Mentor Bowling Event—both fun and effective avenues for networking, guidance, and community building. Their sustained energy and leadership has attracted many new faces to join their group, and we look forward to seeing the momentum they created carried forward.

Jonathan C. Shoemaker
As a construction attorney, educator, and community leader, Jonathan has measurably improved architects’ contracts, risk management culture, and day-to-day practice across the DC–Maryland–Virginia region and beyond. His impact extends far beyond any single firm, shaping the way architects approach risk, contracts, and project delivery.

For many years, Jonathan has shared his expertise generously with our Chapter. As both author and editor, he has contributed numerous articles to AIA Northern Virginia publications, providing valuable insight on emerging and enduring legal issues. He has also delivered countless continuing education programs—demystifying topics such as indemnities, standard of care, design-build risks,

insurance, records retention, and even the evolving role of AI in practice. His sessions consistently translate legal theory into practical tools architects can apply immediately in their work.

Beyond remaining a visible and approachable resource for firms of all sizes, what distinguishes Jonathan most is his architect-centric approach in respecting design intent, understanding delivery pressures, and framing risk in ways that empower architects to practice with clarity and confidence.

Jacobs consistently demonstrates unwavering support to AIA Northern Virginia and our community. They have been the cornerstone supporter of our Design Awards program for many years, ensuring its continued success and visibility. They repeatedly open their doors to us, generously hosting meetings and leadership retreats for large groups, creating space for collaboration and growth.       

Jacobs also fosters a culture of engagement within our Chapter—encouraging and supporting their staff to serve as active committee members and leaders. Their team has proudly participated in our annual Canstruction program for many years, combining creativity with community service. And their encouragement of emerging professionals demonstrates their investment in the future of architecture. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jacobs for their leadership and spirit of generosity.

Shelby Pollack, Assoc. AIA
Shelby has demonstrated remarkable determination and initiative in pursuing her goals. She shared how this scholarship will help ease the financial burden of the licensing process as she builds her career in freelance architecture—where access to firm-supported testing resources can be limited.

What truly sets Shelby apart is her commitment to giving back. She is actively involved in several committees, contributing her time, insight, and enthusiasm to strengthen our professional community. Her dedication to both personal growth and the advancement of others exemplifies the intent and spirit of this scholarship.

Kimberly Wojcik, Assoc. AIA
Kim’s dedication to professional growth and mentorship truly embodies the spirit of this scholarship. She shared how achieving licensure will not only mark a personal milestone but also equip her with the tools to become a stronger mentor—allowing her to pay forward the invaluable guidance and support she’s received throughout her own journey.      

Recently, Kim has become an active and enthusiastic presence at AIA Northern Virginia events, showing a genuine commitment to connecting with peers and contributing to the profession. We are confident that her path toward licensure will further deepen her engagement with the chapter and inspire others who follow in her footsteps.

Hanna is an enthusiastic and engaged emerging professional with a strong foundation of leadership and service. A recent graduate of Virginia Tech’s B.Arch program, Hanna has already demonstrated exceptional initiative through internships with multiple firms across Virginia and through her active involvement with the AIA Coastal Virginia board. She is eager to continue that engagement here in Northern Virginia.

Hanna deeply values the mentorship she has received throughout her journey and has, in turn, provided support and guidance to others—believing mentorship to be a critical component of career development for architects. She is also passionate about advocating for those who are underrepresented in both the profession and the communities she hopes to serve through design.