The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) proudly welcomes Diana Lee Tucker, CAE, as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a distinguished career in association management, Tucker brings a wealth of transformative leadership expertise to DBIA, having successfully reshaped organizations through strategic planning, financial management and the cultivation of new roles and programs.
As DBIA propels forward on a trajectory of substantial growth within the AEC industry, Tucker’s appointment assumes paramount importance. The COO position at DBIA is instrumental in providing strategic leadership to support organizational growth and increased capacity, requiring a collaborative and communicative leader with a proven track record in influencing organizational-wide decisions. Tucker’s background makes her well-suited to the task.
Strategic Leadership for Organizational Growth
Tucker will oversee key functional areas, including membership, conferences/events, education and certification. Working closely with the CEO, she will develop annual operational plans aligning with DBIA’s strategic goals. As a key member of DBIA’s executive team, Tucker will collaborate with the CEO, senior staff and the board of directors to advance DBIA’s strategy.
Her engagement with external organizations and stakeholders sets a benchmark for the industry, emphasizing that fostering an inclusive environment is both a responsibility and an opportunity for growth and innovation. This commitment aligns seamlessly with DBIA’s mission.
“We are thrilled to have Diana join DBIA as our Chief Operating Officer. Her exceptional track record in developing and growing chapters, designing educational programs and spearheading organizational leadership and strategy perfectly positions her to help lead our organization to new heights,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA Executive Director and CEO.
Milestone Appointment: Strengthening DBIA’s Commitment
As DBIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Tucker brings along years of relevant experience, showcasing her ability to drive positive change and deliver results across various functional areas.
As Vice President for Membership and Chapter Relations at NAIOP, the commercial real estate development association, Tucker managed teams supporting 21,000 members and 53 affiliated chapters, achieving remarkable growth in membership and revenue. She consistently surpassed annual dues revenue goals, showcasing her capacity to align financial strategies with organizational objectives and making her a valuable resource for DBIA’s continued financial growth and stability.
Tucker played a pivotal role in the success of NAIOP’s flagship events, introducing cutting-edge educational content and leveraging technology for virtual engagement. These outcomes underscore her commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of conferences and educational programming, aligning seamlessly with DBIA’s mission to provide valuable educational opportunities and continue ushering design-build toward –– and beyond –– projections of nearly half of construction spending by 2026.
Her impact extends beyond traditional metrics, reaching into the heart of an association’s mission. By spearheading initiatives that fostered a sense of community within NAIOP, she ensured tangible value for members. Demonstrating her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, Tucker spearheaded impactful initiatives, including a supplier diversity program that broadened participation and created opportunities for underrepresented businesses. This experience uniquely positions her to bring innovative and community-centric strategies to DBIA, enhancing member satisfaction and engagement.
Tucker’s appointment marks a significant milestone for DBIA, strengthening the organization’s commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusivity in the AEC industry. Her strategic leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing DBIA’s strategic goals and ensuring continued success in a dynamic industry landscape.
