Purpose
The Regional Affairs Committee is a central council for all AIA East TN members who are located in rural communities, small towns, and tertiary cities in East Tennessee. The committee addresses issues affecting architectural practice in these localities, cultivates community outreach, and supports equitable engagement for members throughout the entire AIA East TN region. The RAC also serves as a regional resilience building forum for architects supporting Hurricane Helene Long Term Recovery Groups for Washington, Unicoi, Cocke, Carter, Greene, and Johnson Counties.
Committee Chairs – 2026
Polly Horne, AIA
Jay McCusker, AIA
Programs and Initiatives
Monthly Meetings
This committee currently meets monthly online at 1pm on the 2nd Wednesday. Email Polly Horne at mph@polyarch.studio or Jay McCusker at Jay.McCusker@clarknexsen.com to get involved or learn more.
Regional Resilience Roundtable
For two years in a row, the Regional Resilience Roundtable in the Tri-Cities was hosted by our Chapter’s Committee on the Environment (COTE). For the first time in 2026, the RAC will be the hosting Committee. This event exists to help inform people on ways to better plan for a resilient future and the role architects play in that process. Last year’s Roundtable was on May 17th, 2025. Resources from that event can be accessed below, as well as the Zoom recording from that day. To access the Zoom, enter the passcode 3&&pPtuN
The 2026 Regional Resilience Roundtable
Theme: Community Resilience Hubs
Date: Thursday, November 5th
Time: To Be Announced Shortly!
Location: Coming Soon!
Speakers: Coming Soon!
Schedule: Coming Soon!
Registration: Coming Soon!