Kathy Desselle Awarded 2018 AIALA Presidential Citation

The Presidential Citation and Medal honors those individuals or non-profit organizations who make special contributions to AIA Louisiana. This year’s recipient is someone who has been a quintessential member of the staff of AIA Louisiana since 1983.  For 35 years, Kathy Desselle’s commitment to the growth and development of the AIA has been amply demonstrated by her unconditional dedication to success in every responsibility she has undertaken.

Kathy joined the staff in Baton Rouge as a part-time receptionist and word processor.  In 1987, she became a full-time employee and was elevated to Executive Assistant in 2000.  Her thorough knowledge of the history and operations of the component and the bonds of trust she has with the members made her the obvious choice to assume the interim duties as Executive Director until a permanent replacement was named in the spring of 2005.  She now holds the title of Director of Membership and Programs.

Examples of her determined endeavors range from the tedious and long-range coordination effort necessary to implement our annual convention, to the daily, routine questions and requests for information from our membership.

Always cheerful, always cordial even when work laden, Kathy is always efficient when deadlines are pending.  Through her enthusiasm and diligence, she continually achieves excellence in contributing to the American Institute of Architects. It is obvious that AIA Louisiana is more than a job to Kathy.  She tirelessly continues to support and promote the architectural profession and AIA activities.