2011 Branch Leadership Award Winners

Branch leadership Award - Les gerstmann

As an associate at BLRB Architects in Tacoma, WA, Les Gerstmann has played an integral role in advancing the firm's commitment to sustainable and inspired building design.  As the project manager of several award-winning projects, Gerstmann has shown ingenuity and extensive leadership qualities throughout his work.  He is currently board president of the Southwest Washington chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Emerging Professional Leadership Award - Heather Buchanan

A rising star in green design, Heather Buchanan just completed her degree work at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, which included a thesis on a sustainable building centre for Vancouver.  She served as chair of the Kwantlen Emerging Green Builders and is co-chair of the events committee of the Vancouver branch of the Cascadia Green Building Council.

Public Sector Leadership Award - Patti Southard

Patty Southard has been a leader in the sustainable building industry for over a decade.  She is a program manager for King County's "GreenTools" program and as the creative director for the EcoConsumer Program, leads County-wide Built Green and LEED initiatives.  Southard also chairs the Sustainable Cities Coalition and provides education to consumers through King County's "EcoCool" Tool and EcoCribz video series.  She is currently board president of the Northwest Natural Resource Group, and sits on the boards of the New Orleans EcoVillage Park and zHome Partnership