OCTOBER 2024
CLARB welcomes new leadership for 2024-25, strengthening future of landscape architecture regulation
Joel Kurokawa, ASLA, CLARB assumes the role of president, bringing international expertise and a vision for strengthening industry connections. As founder and principal of Ki Concepts in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kurokawa brings extensive experience in both private and public projects, along with teaching in higher education and a distinguished record of service with CLARB, the Hawaii Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors
& Landscape Architects, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
"Joel's focus on building connections will strengthen CLARB's work to ensure that the world's people, places and environment are protected by landscape architecture," said Matt Miller, CEO. "His thoughtful perspective and leadership style align perfectly
with our mission to advance the profession while protecting public welfare."
- Brian Verardo, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP will serve as president-elect. Verardo is principal landscape architect and managing partner at Pland Collaborative in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has over twenty years of experience working for private sector landscape architecture firms and has volunteered for CLARB in various roles for over fourteen years.
- Lea Ann Macknally will complete her three-year leadership service term as past president. In that role she will also serve as the chair of CLARB’s Leadership Advisory Council. Macknally is president of Macknally Land Design in Birmingham, Alabama where she has extensive experience in the design of public spaces and integrated sustainable design.
New directors-at-large
- Leehu Loon, ASLA, PLA was appointed director-at-large. Loon serves as professor and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University in
Lubbock, Texas. He has years of experience as an educator, administrator, licensed landscape architect and advocate for the profession. He has volunteered with CLARB, the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) and the American Society
of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in areas relating to professional practice, education and the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
- Amy Stewart was appointed director-at-large. Stewart is a licensed attorney in Rhode Island and chief of legal services for the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, where she works on all aspects of design professional licensing, regulation
and enforcement. She serves as legal counsel to seven licensing boards: Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors, Landscape Architects, Accountants, Real Estate Commission and Real Estate Appraisers. Stewart has successfully drafted and implemented
legislation to streamline pathways to licensure and is the first attorney to serve on CLARB’s board of directors.
Returning directors-at-large
Treasurer: Craig Coronato, Colorado
Adriana Hernandez Aguirre, Texas
Emily Cronbaugh, Wyoming
Allison Fleury, Wyoming
Edward Kinney, South Carolina
Ramon Murray, Florida
Monica Pallares, Mexico City, Mexico
Acknowledgments
Two board members recently concluded their service terms.
Recognition of excellence
During the 2024 CLARB Annual Meeting in Buffalo, outgoing president Lea Ann Macknally presented the Presidential Recognition Award to Nicole Crutchfield, celebrating her exceptional volunteer service.
"Your passion, dedication and tireless service epitomize what it means to be a leader and a volunteer," said Macknally. "It has been an honor to work alongside you, learn from you and witness your commitment to advancing CLARB’s mission and
values. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for CLARB."
Other committees announced
CLARB also announced its 2024-2025 Leadership Advisory Council, MBE Committee and Exam Committee members.
Leadership Advisory Council
Volunteers who help ensure the organization has the most effective, qualified individuals to lead the organization toward its goals.
Chair: Lea Ann Macknally, Alabama
Ryan Collins, Alabama
John Cothron, Mississippi
Candace Dillingham, Oklahoma
Keven Graham, Illinois
Jolene Rieck, North Dakota
MBE Committee
Volunteers who provide Member Board Executive (MBE) input to the organization's goals, strategy and work by reviewing and providing feedback on key projects.
- Chair: Leslie Hanska, Oklahoma
- Board of Directors Liaison: Ramon Murray, Florida
- Lance Brenton, Texas
- Helen Creak, British Columbia
- Amy Hall, Indiana
- Shannon Himes, Ohio
- Avis Pearson, Washington, D.C.
- Laura Zuniga, California
Exam Committee
Volunteers who are responsible for the continual development and maintenance of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.). In the interest of exam integrity, committee members’ names are
not publicly available.
Inventory, Analysis and Project Management Subcommittee
- Chair + 7 committee members
Planning and Design Subcommittee
- Chair + 7 committee members
Construction Documentation and Administration Subcommittee
- Chair + 7 committee members
Grading, Drainage and Stormwater Management Subcommittee
- Chair + 7 committee members
Nominations
CLARB's success depends on volunteers to bring unique and diverse perspectives to advance the organization's mission. From elected and appointed leadership positions to opportunities that exist throughout the
year to serve on committees, each role has its own qualifications, responsibilities and time commitments. Nominations are now open for a variety of volunteer positions that begin October 1, 2025. Learn more and apply at clarb.org/home/volunteer.
CLARB’s fiscal year runs October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.