Rodney Swink, FASLA, Honored with President's Medal
ASLA Past President Dennis Carmichael, FASLA, surprises Swink with recognition.

Every year since 1978, the ASLA President’s Medal has been a closely guarded secret during the Annual Meeting until the closing dinner’s medal presentations. This year, ASLA Past President Dennis Carmichael, FASLA, honored Rodney Swink, FASLA, with the award.

The President’s Medal, given at the discretion of the ASLA President, is awarded each year to an ASLA member for unselfish and devoted service to the Society at the national level over a period of not less than five years. Members of the Board of Trustees submit nominees for this award to the president, who makes the final selection.

Rodney Swink, FASLA, addresses the awards dinner attendees after accepting the 2006 President's medal.

“Rodney’s calm leadership style created an atmosphere of confidence and stability during an uncertain time for the Society. In his professional work, he exemplifies the spirit of smart growth and sustainability of small town America through the Main Street program. He has served as a mentor to many and a leader to all at ASLA,” Carmichael said.

Swink is a past president of the American Society of Landscape Architects. A registered landscape architect, he is the director of the Office of Urban Development and head of the North Carolina Main Street Center, a position he has held since 1984. Swink is also a visiting lecturer in the College of Design at North Carolina State University and a guest lecturer at other area universities.

Swink is also a past president of North Carolina Partners of the Americas. Through this tie he has traveled to Bolivia to present workshops and assist local officials with strategic planning and development concerns. He was given the 2001 Bramham–Marcus Humanitarian Award for his work with N.C. Partners. A former chairman of the Raleigh Appearance Commission, he currently serves as an advisor to Preservation North Carolina and is on the board of the North Carolina Downtown Development Association. He is the recipient of the 1998 Robert Stipe Professional Award from Preservation North Carolina, the 2002 Frank B. Turner Award from the N.C. State Construction Office, and the 2003 North Carolina Award from the N.C. Chapter of ASLA, and he was named the Distinguished Alumnus of the NCSU College of Design for 2004.

“The President’s Medal was a total surprise and left me practically speechless. It is a wonderful honor and I am especially grateful to Dennis for his recognition of my efforts,” says Swink. “I am so proud to be a part of this profession and I am glad to be able to contribute to its advancement.”