As Executive Director of AIA Utah, Angie Harris Roberts plays a central role in supporting the architectural profession across the state. Her work spans operations, strategy, advocacy, and long-term stewardship, often within the realities of a small, highly focused team.
Leading with Operational Stewardship
At AIA Utah, Angie is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, implementing board-directed strategies, and ensuring the financial stability of the chapter. Working closely with Managing Director Joe Mangum, she helps ensure the organization consistently delivers on the Core Member Services established by AIA National. That responsibility requires both precision and adaptability, particularly within a two-person staff where roles are necessarily broad.
A key focus of Angie’s leadership has been strengthening the internal infrastructure of the chapter. Over time, she has prioritized documenting processes and reinforcing operational systems so the organization can function smoothly regardless of staff transitions. Her goal is continuity: an organization that remains stable, effective, and financially sound over the long term—one where leadership changes do not disrupt service to members.
Advocating for the Profession
What motivates her most is working alongside architects and gaining insight into how their work shapes communities. Angie is keenly aware that the profession is often misunderstood, viewed primarily through the lens of aesthetics rather than the rigor and problem-solving that underpin architectural practice. She values the discipline architects bring to complex challenges and sees their thinking as essential to addressing issues such as housing accessibility, urban design, school safety, and environmental concerns.
That broader understanding informs how she views the role of marketing within AIA Utah. For Angie, marketing is a tool for advocacy and education, not self-promotion. It is a way to elevate the profession, highlight the impact of architects’ work, and ensure that their expertise is recognized in conversations that shape policy and community outcomes. It is also a means of helping members better understand the value of their AIA membership, both locally and nationally.
Building Visibility Through Strategic Communication
Through AIA Utah’s partnership with MARKETLINK, the chapter is working toward a more intentional and sustainable communication strategy. The goal is to better highlight the work of committees, share member stories, and recognize the sponsors whose support makes much of the chapter’s programming possible. Strengthening these connections helps reinforce the ecosystem that supports architects throughout their careers.
Across all aspects of her role, Angie approaches leadership with a steady, systems-oriented mindset. Her work is not always visible, but its impact is lasting. By focusing on infrastructure, advocacy, and clarity, she helps ensure that AIA Utah remains a strong, reliable resource for architects across the state and a voice for the profession well into the future.
