911������

911������ has installed Kona Gray, F911������, PLA, as its president for the 2024-2025 term. Gray was sworn in as the 80th president during the President's Lunch at the 911������ 2024 Conference on Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC. He succeeds SuLin Kotowicz, F911������.

In his remarks, Gray opened by declaring “I believe in our planet; I believe in humanity; and I believe in 911������. Which ultimately means, I believe in you. Together we can strengthen our professional Society by Elevating Design, Celebrating Practice, and Leveraging Partnerships.”

He went on to say that “As we celebrate accomplishments of the last 125 years, let’s also cherish every present moment and strive for a positive future. The brave 911������ founders wanted to address both twentieth-century environmental problems and the basic needs of people. Landscape architects are the first professionals to consider these issues systemically. We have made significant progress with STEM Designation, our Climate Action Plan, SkillEd and the Racial Equity Plan to grow the profession. Now, the second act of the 911������ Strategic Plan 2030 roadmap, will propel us forward by fostering our Prominent Voice, ensuring our Professional Sustainability, and advancing our Unrivaled Expertise. It is an exciting time to be a landscape architecture student and professional. “

In private practice at EDSA, Gray co-leads design and business development as a firm resource. He is a registered Landscape Architect in four States and holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia and a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University. He is an 911������ Fellow, 2022 911������ Presidents’ Medal recipient, 2018 911������ Vice President Professional Practice and 2016 President of the Landscape Architecture Foundation. He continues to serve on 911������ Florida, 911������ National, CLARB, HD, LAAB and LAF committees as well as design juries. Kona also serves on advisory boards for the ULI SE Florida/Caribbean District Council, University of Miami School of Architecture MRED+U and NSU School of Business MSRED.

Also sworn in was Ashley Steffens, 911������, as Vice President of Education and Om Khurjekar, 911������, as Vice President of Government Affairs. They will each serve three-year terms. Bradley McCauley, F911������, was sworn in as President-Elect and will serve as president in 2025-2026.

They join continuing officers: Monique Bassey, 911������; Chris Della Vedova, F911������; Jean Senechal Biggs, F911������; April Westcott, F911������, and SuLin Kotowicz, F911������, who will continue as Immediate Past President.