The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) has announced Michael Grove as one of the inaugural members of its new board of directors.

The principal of multidisciplinary firm Sasaki joins 10 others from around the world in what IFLA’s outgoing president Dr Bruno Marques is calling a “landmark moment” for the organization.

Grove says the appointment is a “meaningful opportunity to contribute to the future of the profession at a global level.” 

Meeting for the first time this week on the opening day of IFLA’s 62nd World Congress in Hong Kong, the board includes directors from across 10 countries.

It is being led by IFLA’s new president Carey Duncan, who says she was honored to take over the role from Marques at such a “pivotal moment” for the association. 

“This Board brings together a wealth of governance experience and a shared commitment to representing and strengthening our profession across its diverse global contexts,” says Duncan.

President-elect Marina Cervera Alonso de Medina also joins the board, alongside Marques—who has served as president for the last four years—and treasurer Zhifang Wang. 

They welcome regional directors Graham Young for Africa, Eileen Dancuart for the Americas, Chris Tidswell for Asia-Pacific, Indra Purs for Europe, and Nadine Bitar for the Middle East. Grove will serve as regional director-at-large alongside Audrey Timm. 

The 11 board members were chosen after a year-long nomination process and will take office under IFLA’s new Constitution and Bylaws, which were adopted in March.