Contributed to the Telegram

Ann Collier, a partner in the firm Oakley Collier Architects PA, has been named president-elect of the North Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Dave Crawford, executive director of the organization, credits Collier with building the NCAIA through her connections in Eastern North Carolina.

"Ann has been instrumental in extending our network of members in Eastern Carolina," Collier said."Her responsibilities this year include our annual legislative day in June and the NC AIA Design Conference, to be held in Charlotte in August."

The Raleigh-based NCAIA is the state's leading advocate for professional architects. With a membership of 2,200, the NCAIA represents nearly 80 percent of the state's resident architects. The organization sponsors a series of continuing education programs, including the N.C. Continuing Education Academy.

As president-elect of NCAIA, Collier will work with the current president, board members and staff to direct the organization. She'll assume the role of president in 2009. She has more than 20 years experience in the design profession and is a LEED certified professional.

Oakley Collier was founded in 1988 and serves clients throughout North Carolina and Virginia, focusing on municipal, educational and corporate design. Recent projects include the Science and Technology Building at Nash Community College and The Harrison Family YMCA in Rocky Mount. Projects under construction include a new 40,000-square-foot complex for Roanoke Electric in Ahoskie, the Golden LEAF Foundation headquarters in Rocky Mount and an addition to the Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston.

For more information, call 252.937.2500 or visit the company's Web site at www.oakleycollier.com.