KEYNOTE

Torey Carter-Conneen

Since 2020, Torey Carter-Conneen has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the 16,000-member professional association that represents landscape architects in the U.S.  His primary objective and vision since joining is to elevate the profession of landscape architecture in all communities.   Committed to advancing the organization to reach its full potential, he led the development of ASLA’s “2030 Vision,” which affirms the association’s focus on raising awareness of the interaction of people and the environment, thereby better positioning ASLA to take on such challenges as climate change and social equity.  Torey feels passionately about amplifying the story of landscape architecture because of its benefits to people, communities, and the environment.  He advocates for the profession through strategic coalition partners, large media platforms, and discussing key issues on domestic and international panels. In the short time since he started, the Library of Congress now archives all ASLA Professional Award winners.  Torey enjoys collaborating with ASLA members and helping them promote the work they do.

Prior to joining ASLA, Torey served as Chief Operating Officer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He also previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Center for American Progress (CAP) and as COO and later Acting President and CEO at the LGBTQ Victory Fund and Institute. Torey received degrees in economics and accounting from George Mason University, and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Torey and his husband Mike are fathers to two amazing children, Drew and Aiden.

ASLA at 125

This year, ASLA is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The profession was built on our community’s dedication to two core principles: public health, safety, and welfare and the recognition and protection of the land and its resources. CEO Torey Carter-Conneen will discuss the principles on which ASLA was founded that still resonate today and how ASLA continues to help professionals move toward the future.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain an understanding of the core principles that have shaped the landscape architecture profession over the past 125 years, with a specific focus on public health, safety, and welfare, as well as the recognition and protection of the land and its resources.

2. Explore the historical context and significance of these principles in the evolution of landscape architecture practice and advocacy, recognizing their continued relevance and impact on contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the profession.

3. Identify strategies and initiatives led by ASLA to support landscape architecture professionals in advancing these core principles and effectively navigating the evolving landscape of the profession, with a focus on equipping attendees with actionable insights and resources for future professional growth and success.