One of TxA’s Board of Directors’ most important responsibilities is ensuring the Texas Society of Architects remains strong, stable, and well-positioned for the future. Today, I want to share an important leadership update with our members.

After five years of dedicated service to the Texas Society of Architects, our EVP/CEO Jennifer Briggs, CAE, has announced that she will be leaving TxA. Her last day will be August 27, 2026.

On behalf of the board and our members, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Jennifer for her leadership and commitment over the past five years. During her tenure, Jennifer has helped guide the Society through meaningful growth and change while advancing our mission to serve architects and strengthen the profession across Texas. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her continued success in her next chapter.

INTERIM EVP/CEO

To ensure a smooth transition, the board has taken several important steps. Effective upon Jennifer’s departure, TxA’s COO Sharna Pascolo, CAE, has been appointed as Interim EVP/CEO while the board conducts a search for its next EVP/CEO. Sharna will serve through December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed. With more than a decade of leadership experience at TxA, Sharna brings deep institutional knowledge and is exceptionally well positioned to provide continuity for our staff, members, volunteer leaders, and the day-to-day operations of the Society during this transition. 

The board has also appointed a Selection Committee, chaired by 2020 TxA President Connie Rivera, FAIA, and will retain a professional search consultant to assist in identifying TxA’s next EVP/CEO. We will share additional information about the Selection Committee, search consultant, and search process as those details are finalized.

We are in a strong position, and I am confident in our staff, volunteer leaders, and the thoughtful process now underway to identify our next EVP/CEO. Thank you for your continued support of the Texas Society of Architects as we begin this important next chapter.

Krystyn Haecker, AIA
2026 President
Texas Society of Architects