The International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY) has announced the inauguration of its latest Executive Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term. In addition to the recent announcement of Sarah Levine, IIDA, as Chapter President of IIDA NY, the statewide chapter has elected new positions to the executive board and board of directors at large. The incoming board features a variety of design professionals from notable firms and organizations operating within New York State.

“Our new board consists of professionals, both previous and new volunteers, who represent the wide breadth of talent that both our organization and state attract,” said Levine. “We’re excited to continue engaging the chapter with a variety of initiatives surrounding networking, professional development, and fun after a two-year hiatus.”

The new executive board includes Sarah Levine (ZGF), President; Alexandria Davis (IA Interior Architects), President-Elect; and Elsie St. Léger, Immediate Past President. The Board of Directors includes Jennifer Graham (Perkins & Will NYC), Vice President of Action; Corina Folts (SWBR), Vice President of Advocacy; Larry Cohen (VS America), Vice President of City Centers; Vanessa Perry (OFS), Vice President of Communications; Dylan Howe (Perkins & Will) & Samantha McCormack (TPG), Vice Presidents of Events; Stephen Blau (CFI) & Christin Weaver (Perkins & Will), Vice Presidents of Member Services; Haeyoung Shin (Gensler) & Jason Lazarz (KI), Vice Presidents of Professional Development; Ginger Gilden (Macro Consultants), Vice President of Sponsorship; Elisabeth Mejia (HKS) & Robin Reigi (Robin Reigi Inc.), Vice Presidents of Student Development.

IIDA NY is a professional organization that unites interior design professionals throughout New York state, providing them with regular programming including networking opportunities, educational events and charitable initiatives. The chapter includes City Centers, located in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, in which groups of 10 or more IIDA Members in a specific locale organize and deliver programs of interest to local members.

Looking toward the 2022-2023 calendar year, the IIDA NY chapter will continue to spark conversations surrounding equity in design through its ongoing partnership with Equity Council, while prioritizing a return to the in-person programming that characterized the chapter’s pre-pandemic event schedule. Advocacy in the form of support for legislation that advances the rights of interior designers within the State of New York also remains a priority for the board moving forward.

“I speak for the entire board when I say that we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue advocating for New York’s greater interior design community,” said Levine. “We remain committed to promoting proper recognition and equity for the next generation of design professionals while supplementing educational and networking opportunities that support members in the field.”

About IIDA NY

The IIDA New York Chapter (IIDA NY) is a professional networking and educational association of more than 800 Members in five specialty Forums. IIDA NY provides its members with the resources to reach expertise, knowledge and contacts. Networking events allow professionals and industry members to connect on more personal terms that encourage trust, collaboration and innovation. In 2021, IIDA NY formed Equity Council, an independent, open and inclusive body of participants who may or may not be members of IIDA. Their goal is to foster engagement and accountability toward meaningful change in the design industry, advocating for increased equity in the field through four key pillars: inclusion, diversity, education and communication. The Chapter is proud to have been recognized as IIDA Large Chapter of the Year in 2011, 2008, 2001 and 2000. For more information, visit: https://www.iidany.org/.

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