Ted Landsmark Becomes Newest Member of the BRA/EDIC Board of Directors

Sep 12, 2014

Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s first appointment to the BRA/EDIC Board of Directors was unanimously confirmed by the City Council this week, paving the way for Dr. Theodore C. Landsmark to join the board for its next meeting on September 18. Dr. Landsmark – whose name even fits his new role of advising on urban planning and development issues perfectly –recently became President Emeritus of the Boston Architectural College after serving as its distinguished President and CEO for seventeen years. Dr. Landsmark, or Ted as he prefers, will bring a wealth of expertise in architecture, urban design, civic leadership, and architectural and construction law to the board.

“Ted has proven to be an insightful leader who possesses a great sense for what goes into building successful cities,” Mayor Walsh said upon nominating Ted to the position.  “His dedication to public service has inspired countless others, and I’m excited by the fresh perspective and ideas he will bring to the board.”

Ted, who attended Yale University and earned a Ph.D. from Boston University, has established himself as an innovative leader with a passion for public service. He has facilitated city planning sessions of the Washington, D.C.-based Mayor’s Institute on City Design, lending his perspective on planning issues in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Santa Fe, and Charleston.  He has traveled the world to study cities – from London, Paris, and Istanbul, to Beijing, Tokyo, Mexico City, and Havana. He has also served as president of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

During his tenure as President and CEO of the Boston Architectural College, development revenues quadrupled, enrollment doubled, the operating budget rose substantially, governance was restructured, international students began to be recruited, and community service became a part of the curriculum for all students.

Throughout his life and professional career, Ted has been highly engaged in public policy, social justice, and the arts.  During the 1980s and 1990s, he held several positions within Boston’s city government, where he directed community partnerships, oversaw workforce training and employment programs, and created initiatives to prevent violence and improve youth opportunities. More recently, he has contributed to local civic life by serving on Boston’s Climate Action Leadership Committee and the Green Ribbon Commission.

Ted currently serves as a trustee of the American Architectural Foundation, a fellow of the Design Futures Council, and a board member at Historic New England, Historic Boston, the Fund for the Arts, the New England Foundation for the Arts, and the Trustees of Reservations.  He is Trustee Emeritus of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

He will join Chairman Tim Burke, Vice Chairman Paul Foster, Treasurer Consuelo Gonzales-Thornell, and Mike Monahan on the board. Members serve staggered five-year terms. The Mayor of Boston appoints four of the five members, and the Governor appoints the remaining member.