Ware Malcomb, a Newark-based design firm, announced two leaders based in the firm’s Newark office have been sworn into presidency roles of local industry associations.
Erica Godun, director, sustainability, is president of the New Jersey Chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Women Network for the 2024 calendar year, and Sean Van, regional operations manager, is the president of the AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey.
Godun has been an active volunteer and board member at CREW NJ for eight years. Ware Malcomb professionals have been actively involved with CREW Network for more than 20 years and, in that time, several firm leaders have served on CREW chapter committees and boards. The firm regularly sponsors the association at the national level as well as more than a dozen regional CREW chapters and events.
“It is a great personal honor to work with my colleagues on the board of directors and to continue Ware Malcomb’s strong relationship with CREW Network,” Godun said. “Since its establishment in 1989, CREW has provided a valuable platform for women in the commercial real estate industry to exchange best practices, foster new connections and advance their professional growth.”
Godun joined Ware Malcomb in 2015, and recently was named director, sustainability, to develop and lead the firm’s sustainability-focused service offerings. She is a registered architect in the states of New York and New Jersey, a LEED and WELL accredited professional and a Fitwel ambassador, dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of wellness and sustainable design in the built environment. She has worked on numerous sustainable projects and participated at both the national and local levels of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Van recently started as the president of the AIA Architects League of Northern New Jersey, an AIA component covering North Jersey. He has served on the board of trustees for the past four years for the organization with over 600 members. As president of the Architects League of Northern New Jersey, he will be involved in overseeing of the chapter, which includes public relations, programs/events, scholarships, education of associate members towards licensure, communications, legislation and serving as a liaison between the state and national efforts. Additionally, Van will be focused on recruiting, member engagement and implementing new initiatives for the year.
“I am honored to have been chosen as president of the AIA Architects League and to return as a section trustee for AIA New Jersey,” Van said. “It’s a privilege to carry on the legacy of this distinguished organization. This role offers me the opportunity to contribute to its rich 96-year legacy and it also presents a chance to enhance Ware Malcomb’s visibility within the AIA community and the broader industry.”
Van joined Ware Malcomb in 2021 as a senior project manager and was promoted to regional operations manager. Van is a registered architect in the state of New Jersey as well as a WELL accredited professional.
