R. Corey Clayborne is the Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice, at The American Institute of Architects (AIA). In this role, he is in responsible charge of member education & learning, 21 knowledge communities, economics, research, climate action & design excellence, and professional practice for 100,000+ members to increase their value to clients, employers, and communities.

Most recently, Corey served as Executive Vice President for AIA Virginia. There he was responsible for the success of the advocacy, education, outreach, and member services portfolios while coaching staff to tap into their fullest potential. During his five-year tenure, he grew its Political Action Committee (PAC), cultivated impactful industry and government relationships, and established AIA Virginia as a reliable, authentic resource on the built environment to city councils, mayors, the General Assembly, and the Governor. Prior to his role at AIA Virginia, Corey worked in private practice for 13 years managing local, state, and federal government projects.

In 2020, he became the youngest African American member of the AIA College of Fellows to achieve fellowship through the traditional submission process. Today, he serves on the Albemarle County Planning Commission (2023 Chairman), the Executive Committees of ACE Mentor Program of America and LEAD Virginia, the Virginia Tech School of Architecture advisory board, and invests in a number of local organizations in Charlottesville.