2026 President-Elect Candidate Forum: Why I Want to Serve

Ahead of the 2026 ASLA election, we asked the President-Elect candidates to share their vision for the Society. They discuss their primary motivations for seeking the presidency and how they plan to lead the profession forward. This week's question: Why Do You Want to Be ASLA President?

Christopher J. Della Vedova, FASLA, PLA

Jennifer L. Nitzky, FASLA, PLA, ISA, AIA

Get all the information on the ASLA 2026 National Election.

Christopher J. Della Vedova, FASLA, PLA
President & CEO, Confluence, Inc.

Why Do You Want to Be ASLA President?

My willingness to serve as ASLA President comes down to a simple desire: to give back and help elevate the profession. That focus on advancement has been a defining value of my firm for 25 years, and it has shaped my three decades of involvement with ASLA. For over 125 years, ASLA has been our profession’s lighthouse—the place where we find mentors, enhance our knowledge, and amplify our collective voice. It has certainly been that for me. We are far more than a directory of members; our membership is a promise we make to one another to protect what we’ve built and to carry it forward. To keep that promise, we must focus on what’s next and build on the current Strategic Plan with an updated 2028–2030 Strategic Plan that further elevates the profession and supports our members.

As I’ve written and rewritten this statement, I’ve reflected on both where we’ve been and where we must go. I think about defending licensure, combating attacks on academic programs, and strengthening recruitment into the profession. At the same time, I see real progress: achieving STEM designation, forging new relationships with allied professions, advancing the Climate & Biodiversity Action Plan, enhancing SKILL-ED, publishing the Economic Benefits Guide, and launching the new website. These are not isolated wins; they are the DNA for our next chapter.

Two words guide my vision for ASLA’s future: Advocacy and Evolution.

Advocacy means turning our hard-won advances—like STEM status—into even greater influence, so landscape architects are recognized as essential partners in shaping the built environment. We must keep arming our members, chapters, firms, and universities with the ROI data that makes our expertise a requirement, not an afterthought. Strong, sustained advocacy broadens understanding of the profession, creates new partnerships, and opens new opportunities. It positions us to head off licensure threats before they become bills and reinforces that our license is a non-negotiable guarantee of public health, safety, and welfare. It also means identifying new research funding, strengthening recruitment pipelines, and making our programs so visible and valuable that universities view them as indispensable assets.

Evolution recognizes that our profession, our tools, and our workplaces are changing rapidly. ASLA must help members understand and harness these changes. AI is one example, but not the only one. Shifts in workforce expectations, client demands, data availability, and how we share knowledge are reshaping practice. Our charge is to anticipate what’s next, help members adapt, and ensure that new technologies and trends strengthen—rather than dilute—our core values of design excellence, stewardship, and equity.

I’m not brazen enough to claim I know all the answers. Leadership isn’t about knowing every answer; it’s about asking the right questions, listening, and committing to see the work through. I’m ready to stand with you—members, chapters, educators, partners, and students—to ensure that ASLA remains resilient, proactive, and above all unified, as we advocate for our profession and evolve to meet the future together.

Jennifer L. Nitzky, FASLA, PLA, ISA, AIA
Design Principal, Studio HIP Landscape Architecture

Why Do You Want to Be ASLA President?

I am honored to be considered for the ASLA President-elect role at a time when our profession is more essential than ever. ASLA has made significant progress advancing its strategic goals, strengthening our mission, and positioning landscape architects as leaders in addressing climate, public health, and social equity challenges. I am energized by this momentum and ready to build on it with purpose, clarity, and impact.

My commitment to ASLA is grounded in active service and deep engagement across committees, leadership roles, and partnerships. These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of our organization, our members, and the opportunities ahead. I have worked alongside diverse voices within our profession and beyond it—advocating for landscape architecture, fostering collaboration, and expanding awareness of the value we bring to communities. This has prepared me to serve as a strong, informed, and authentic voice for ASLA.

What draws me most to this role is ASLA’s unique ability to convene, connect, and catalyze. We are at our best when we bring people together—across geographies, practice types, and perspectives—to share knowledge, build relationships, and advance common goals. I have been continually inspired by the passion and leadership within this community, and I am committed to fostering an environment where all members feel seen, supported, and empowered to contribute.

As President, I will focus on three priorities: elevating the visibility and influence of our profession, strengthening support for our members, and expanding meaningful partnerships. We must continue to clearly communicate the essential role landscape architects play in shaping resilient, healthy, and equitable communities. At the same time, we must ensure our members—especially small firms, public practitioners, and emerging professionals—have access to the tools, resources, and networks they need to thrive. As ASLA President, I look forward to meeting members from across the country to support chapters, firms, and organizations.

Equally important is reaching beyond our profession. By strengthening relationships with allied organizations, policymakers, educators, and communities, we can amplify our impact and position landscape architecture at the forefront of critical conversations shaping our future. My experience with several local and national organizations has prepared and inspired me to make connections and strengthen collaborations.

I am deeply passionate about the power of landscape architecture to transform places and lives. This role is an opportunity to harness that passion in service to our members and our mission. Together, we can continue to grow our profession, expand our influence, and lead with purpose in creating a more resilient and just world.