News and Announcements
Dear FARB Members,
As we begin the new calendar year, FARB has transitioned its executive management support from Smith Warren, led by Keith Warren, to Julie Hildebrand, who will serve as FARB’s sole executive management consultant.
We are grateful to Keith for his leadership during an important period of growth for FARB, including the expansion of our membership and the successful launch of our single, integrated annual conference. His contributions helped to position the organization well for its next phase of evolution.
We recognize that FARB has experienced more than one management transition in recent years, and we want to acknowledge that directly. After careful consideration, the Executive Board determined that moving to a dedicated, sole executive director consultant model is in FARB’s best interest. We believe this model supports the best use of FARB’s resources, and will strengthen institutional knowledge, responsiveness to members, and long-term organizational stability.
Many of you already know Julie and have worked with her through past FARB Conference Design Teams or during her tenure as Executive Director for the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, where she oversaw the regulation of architecture, landscape architecture and interior design. Julie also brings the perspective of a trained attorney and a longtime, engaged participant in FARB’s work, which will further support the organization’s legal, regulatory, and policy-focused mission.
We are excited to have Julie’s support as FARB moves forward with several key initiatives, including planning for the July conference, exploring periodic virtual programming, developing a new credential for regulatory staff and volunteers, and strengthening FARB’s connections with regulatory agency directors across the United States.
I would also like to highlight two important reminders:
- Our virtual Annual Business Meeting will be held in late March, toward the end of our fiscal year. Board elections will occur at that time. We encourage members interested in leadership service to let us know. One incumbent term is expiring, and we welcome interest from multiple candidates.
- Our second annual joint conference, bringing together legal, jurisdictional, and national policy perspectives, will take place July 23–25, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Please mark your calendar; we look forward to seeing you there.
Additional details for both items will be shared under separate cover.
With best wishes for a productive and healthy New Year and thank you for your continued engagement and support of FARB.
Sincerely,
Michael Armstrong
Executive Board President
Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards
July 25, 2025
2025 FARB Summit on Regulatory Excellence
The Inaugural FARB Summit on Regulatory Excellence is a huge success. With over 150 attending, the summit encompasses all the past FARB meetings into one larger meeting to include all regulatory community members! You can access the agenda along with the presenters information under the Conferences Page of this site. FARB provides an opportunity for continuing education, networking opportunities, and latest trends and best practices in regulation. Be on the lookout for the 2026 FARB Summit details being released soon.