(Washington, D.C.) - The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced the resignation of Peter A. Kirsch from the position of ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO, effective February 1, 2000. He has accepted the position of President and COO of the start-up Internet company EngineNumber9 (E9).

Working for ASLA since 1988 in successively more responsible capacities, Kirsch's leadership brought stability and external visibility to the Society. As CEO, he focused his attention on enhancing the public's awareness and understanding of landscape architecture. Other priorities included continuing education and issues advocacy. He was awarded the Honorary ASLA Membership last year.

"On a personal note, it has been my distinct pleasure to have worked closely with Pete for the past two years, and I will sorely miss the opportunity to finish my presidency with him," said ASLA President Janice Cervelli Schach, FASLA.

Jim Tolliver, currently serving as ASLA Director of Education and Public Affairs, has agreed to assume the newly created position of Head of the ASLA Management Team, providing executive leadership during the period between Kirsch's departure on February 2 and the arrival of a new CEO. Tolliver has previously served as the chief executive of two other associations. The Executive Committee and staff are committed to maintaining full momentum for ASLA programs and activities during this transition period.

The search for a new CEO has already begun. Nominations are being gathered for a search committee to be comprised of two ASLA Trustees, one Chapter President, two members-at-large, and a Landscape Architecture Foundation representative. Schach will make the committee appointments next week.

Kirsch credits his tenure at ASLA for paving the road to his new position. Speaking to the Society's members he said, "I would like to thank you for your support and the entire leadership for their commitment, having confidence in my ability and for simply being a friend. Without exception, every individual I have worked with here is special. I have never had a more difficult decision in my life than to decide to leave ASLA." He has promised his assistance in the search for a new CEO and as a resource to ease the transition.

Enginenumber9.com is the builder and owner of community websites for the future. The Internet company employs new and emerging technologies in a complete package - offering visitors to the Enginenumber9.com sites the ability to personalize their Internet experience. Their first creation to launch this spring will be Tribeside.com, the Generation Y portal to the online universe.

The American Society of Landscape Architects, founded in 1899, represents more than 13,000 members nationwide. Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation. Typical projects include site design and planning, town and urban planning, regional planning, preparation of environmental impact plans, garden design, historic preservation, and parks/recreation design and planning. Landscape architects hold undergraduate or graduate degrees. They are licensed to practice in 46 states and are required to pass a rigorous national three-day examination.