Mayor Walsh appoints Ted Landsmark to BRA/EDIC Board of Directors

Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the appointment of Dr. Theodore Landsmark, who has served as President and CEO of Boston Architectural College, to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) Board of Directors. Dr. Landsmark, who holds degrees in environmental design and law, is Mayor Walsh’s first appointment to the BRA/EDIC board, which will fill a currently vacant position. The five-member board meets monthly and is responsible for voting on all final determinations and agreements at the agency, including planning studies, rezoning initiatives, and project permitting.  

“Ted has proven to be an insightful leader who possesses a great sense for what goes into building successful cities,” said Mayor Walsh. “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.”    

“After coming through the harsh economic realities of the Great Recession, Boston is well-poised to draw upon the talents of innovators and long-time residents to work together to make this a truly global city,” Dr. Landsmark said. “I share Mayor Walsh’s priorities for making the BRA more open and accountable, and I am honored by the opportunity to help guide the agency into a new era. I look forward to applying my knowledge of architecture, design, and sound fiscal management in shaping the future of development in our city.”    

At the helm of Boston Architectural College for 17 years, Dr. Landsmark, 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, involving mayors’ think tanks in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Santa Fe, and Charleston. He has also served as president of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.    

Under Dr. Landsmark’s leadership, the Boston Architectural College has been accredited for programs in architecture, landscape and interior architecture, and design studies, and created new programs that focus on global historic preservation, sustainable design, and health and well-being. During his tenure, 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, Dr. Landsmark has been highly engaged in public policy, social justice, and the arts. During the 1980s and 1990s, he held several roles 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, Dr. Landsmark has contributed to local civic life by serving on Boston’s Climate Action Leadership Committee and the Green Ribbon Commission.  

Dr. Landsmark 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 Timothy Burke, Vice Chairman Paul Foster, Treasurer Consuelo Gonzales-Thornell, and Michael Monahan on the BRA/EDIC board. Board members serve staggered five-year terms. The Mayor of Boston appoints four of the five members, and the Governor appoints the remaining member. Dr. Landsmark’s appointment must be confirmed by the City Council.  

The BRA’s next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 900 at Boston City Hall. More information about the meetings, including agendas, minutes, and video coverage of past meetings, is available on the BRA’s website: www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org. All meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.