Paula Wallace founded SCAD in Savannah, Georgia, in 1978. As president, she has led the university’s expansion and pioneered learning across over 100 degree programs. She has overseen SCAD’s rehabilitation of more than 100 historic structures, garnering global acclaim. Under her leadership, SCAD interior design has earned DesignIntelligence’s top ranking an unprecedented 13 times. Wallace is an honorary AIA member, a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council, recipient of ASID’s Design Luminary Award, the Arthur Ross Award for Stewardship, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award, the Roger Milliken Honorary AIA Legacy Award, and more.

As vice president, Member Experience, Kari leads the ASID Education, Student and Chapter teams, creating relevant member communities, cultivating forward-thinking learning experiences and member engagement, and working to improve both the ASID member and chapter experiences.

With more than 20 years of experience as a facilitator, coach, consultant, and association leader, Kari is dedicated to managing the strategic intersection of learning experiences and member engagement. Her experience leading organizational training and development initiatives includes Fortune 500 companies, higher education institutions, and non-profits, like Estee Lauder Companies, George Mason University, and the National Automobile Dealers Association. She is most passionate about creating relevant, forward-thinking, and innovative initiatives that not only meet the needs of the industry today, but where they need to be prepared to go tomorrow. 

Mr. Bonnett, the Founder and President of the CorePath Companies, focuses his efforts on the innovation of the Financial Advice Profession by empowering, specifically, women and young people to break the mold of traditional financial advice relationships.  Mr. Bonnett uses his gifts of experience, insight, passion, and enthusiasm for the profession to lead other professionals towards alignment in all aspects of their lives.    Prior to establishing CorePath, Mark spent 2 decades in a traditional financial adviser role and served in a senior leadership role within one of the country’s largest General-Agency financial services firms. Recipient of numerous industry and community awards, Mr. Bonnett is most proud of his service as President of GAMA International in 2017-2018. GAMA International is the premier association responsible for leadership and professional development within the financial services profession globally.  This organization has now expanded its impact and is known as FINSECA.  Consistent with his goal of supporting and empowering others, Mr. Bonnett also serves as adjunct faculty at Midwestern University in Phoenix Arizona, where he is responsible for the development, content, and delivery of financial education to students in graduate medical programs. As graduate of University of Arizona with a degree in finance, Mr. Bonnett resides in Scottsdale Arizona. Prior to the COIVD-19 pandemic, he spent a considerable amount of time on the road domestically and internationally, speaking within the financial services and medical industries. He is regularly retained to deliver keynote and break-out presentations for groups ranging in sizes from 13 to over 3,000. 

Gary E. Wheeler is a renowned professional with more than 30 years of design experience. Distinguished for his strategic approach to workplace design, Gary began his career as co-founder of the Wheeler Group in 1978 and has since led practices at Perkins&Will, Gensler and HDR.

Gary's ASID accomplishments include being named Designer of Distinction, granted fellowship and serving as National President. He has been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame and received the Senior Fellow Award from The Design Future Council (DFC). Gary is one of the few designers with Fellow distinction with ASID and IIDA.

Susan Chung, Ph.D., focuses on the impact of design research. She connects design with research to improve human experiences in the interior environment, translates research into applicable design implications, and conducts research projects that create meaningful positive impacts. She comes from an interior design background, holding a BA from Michigan State University and an MID from the University of Florida. She integrated interior design with behavioral research for her doctorate degree in Human Behavior and Design at Cornell University, with a focus on design attributes related to creativity in workplace environments.

Royce Epstein, Industry Partner ASID, LEED AP is the A&D design director for Mohawk Group. Royce shares her passion and vision for design, cultural trends, and the meaning of materials in a broad context. Her role is to evolve and share Mohawk Group’s design vision with the A&D community, and to leverage product design with what A&D desires. Constantly on the watch for new trends in all aspects of culture, Royce feeds this insight to our industry’s touch points. A veteran materials and product specialist, Royce spent two decades working in A&D firms before Mohawk. She is based in Philadelphia, where she is active in the design, art, and music scenes. 

Rebekah Matheny, NCIDQ is an associate professor of interior design in the Department of Design at The Ohio State University. She holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of Oregon where she also received a Technical Teaching Certificate with a concentration in sustainable design strategies. With over a decade of industry experience in retail brand experience design and consumer strategy, Rebekah’s teaching and research investigates retail environments, consumer behaviors, and product lifecycles to create emotional connections between people, product, brand purpose, and physical place to create a more environmentally and socially sustainable retail culture. She is working on connecting the principles of slow fashion to define “slow retail” experience design.

Haley Nelson is a senior associate and senior interior designer in the Los Angeles office of HGA. With expertise as a designer and strategist, Haley focuses on the cultivation of original insights that support the creation of places for people and organizations to thrive. Many of her projects have achieved the highest levels of certification for sustainability and well-being, have been published, and have won design and sustainability awards. Haley is a thought-leader and has presented at numerous venues on how design can positively impact people.

Joseph White brings over 15 years of design experience to Herman Miller’s ongoing research into human-focused workplace design and currently executes strategies around those findings. He earned a Bachelor of Science in interior design from the University of Tennessee, where his studies opened up explorations into nonverbal communication, color theory, and the interactions between people and their environments. From this academic core, he built a professional vita around one fundamental belief: that everything is connected.

Jennifer has spent 20 years covering interior design, furnishings, and more for magazines in New York, Los Angeles, and now Washington, D.C., where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of i+D, the magazine for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). i+D was named an Honorable Mention for Overall Editorial Excellence in the 2019 Folio magazine awards.

Her work has appeared in various publications, including Luxe Interiors + Design, Western Interiors + Design, FORM, and ASPIRE Design & Home, as well as on Houzz.com and About.com, where she served as Home Furnishings Expert. Prior to working at ASID National headquarters, she served on the Board of Directors for the ASID New York Metro chapter and also as editor of both the New York Metro and New Jersey chapter magazines.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Drexel University and has taken assorted design classes covering theory, practice, and history, at Parsons School of Design, New York University, and Sotheby's Institute of Art.

Jase Frederick, a 17-year design industry veteran, is senior designer at Tom Stringer Design Partners, Chicago, and former principal of JaseFrederickDesign: Sustainable Interiors & Consulting. Jase writes and speaks on sustainable design and wellness for a variety of forums including NeoCon and Design Chicago. She recently developed an interactive program for kids on the effects of the built environment on health and wellness for Chicago Public Schools.

Jase is an ASID professional member, ASID Medalist, former CST Chair, and past-president of the Illinois chapter. She is also a Registered Interior Designer, NCIDQ certified, a WELL Accredited Professional, and WELL Faculty.

Keith Stanton, ASID is the director of design development for Thoma-Holec Design. His experience with high-end residential and hospitality projects led him into senior living design. In addition to being a professional ASID member, Keith is NCIDQ Certified, a past-president of the ASID Arizona North Chapter, a member of the ASID National Ethics Committee, chair of the ASID Adaptive Living Task Force, and one of less than a dozen Certified Healthcare Interior Designers (CHID) in the senior living industry. He resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Emily Roberts is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at Oklahoma State University and has a research focus in Environmental Gerontology, the study of the person-environment fit between older adults and the physical environment. As an Environmental Gerontologist, Dr. Roberts has studied the factors involved in aging in place, as well as evolving models of long-term care, particularly for older adults with dementia and their families. Dr. Roberts has conducted research in the United States in Special Care Units for individuals with dementia, as well as in Canada, focusing on government funded community-based long-term care programs.

Shabboo Valipoor, Ph.D., EDAC, is an assistant professor of Interior Design at the College of Design, Construction and Planning. Her research centers on the impact of the built environment on human health and safety, with a specific focus on healthcare facilities and environments for aging. Her current projects aim to (1) improve the quality of care in acute care settings by providing supportive environments for healthcare professionals and (2) minimize environmental risks to independent living for older adults. Dr. Valipoor’s work often combines empirical methods with computational techniques such as virtual walkalong interviews, virtual reality, and discrete event simulation. She has collaborated closely with scholars in engineering, medicine, occupational therapy, and computer science on works supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Science Foundation, Academy of Architecture for Health, and American Society of Interior Designers. She serves on the North America Chapter of the International Academy for Design and Health Leadership Committee where she works with a global interdisciplinary team to promote the application of research findings concerning the interaction between design and health. Dr. Valipoor has taught upper- and lower-division studios, as well as Computer Applications, Advanced Detailing, and Finishes and Materials. Her current teaching focuses on evidence-based design in healthcare facilities and digital design tools.

Susanne Angarano, ASID, CID, WELL AP is the founder and a principal at Vaysen Studio. Her extensive experience includes a focus on learning environment strategy and design, and holistic sustainable design work. Capturing intangible qualities in a tangible way is why Susanne is an exceptional designer and facilitator, always seeking to dig deeper into culture and context, to uncover and realize project and stakeholder potential. Susanne is the recipient of the 2019 ASID Ones to Watch award, and her interior design work on MacArthur Elementary school was awarded honorable mention at the 2019 ASID Outcome of Design Awards. 

Frederick Marks, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Six Sigma Green Belt, is a visiting scholar at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA. As a licensed architect for thirty years, Frederick has a specialty in the planning and design of healthcare and laboratory science facilities. He holds degrees in architecture and business administration. Frederick is a founding member and past-president of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture in San Diego, CA. He is an advisor to the AIA, National Institute of Building Sciences, Delos WELL Living Laboratory, ASHRAE, and Johns Hopkins University Medical Center Mind/Brain Institute.

Jill Pable seeks to elevate awareness of the potential contribution that thoughtful, research-informed design can bring to people experiencing trauma, and especially those who are unhoused. She addresses this through her research and publications that examine the effectiveness of shelter and supportive housing interior environments for the past 16 years, and also through the activities and publications of Design Resources for Homelessness, a non-profit organization that provides research-based, curated information to interior designers, architects, researchers, and others at no charge, translating evidence-based research into applicable design strategies for use in project programming. Through its research reports, summaries, and case studies of projects coast to coast, DRH enables readers to explore trauma-informed design principles, understanding interior planning approaches that really matter to those using these spaces. Spotlight reports discuss specific person types such as victims of domestic violence and families, providing designers the means to empathize with their unique situations.

Joey Shimoda creates architectural interiors that become transformative places for human delight. He masterfully weaves the ingredients of client, public and place into an inclusive and innovative experience. As a master planner, architect, interior designer and landscape designer he guides projects into places that celebrate client culture. In projects like TOMS Shoes and Bad Robot Productions the inside and outside blur to become a holistic experience. The spaces are designed to enliven their philosophy of creativity and philanthropy through an inclusive atmosphere. Shimoda further advances the profession by cultivating design through education. Through lectures, juries, and professional forums he shares his knowledge with students and colleagues. He has presented at ASID Scale X conferences, and is helping to shape a vision for the next ASID strategic plan.

The design voice of impact and change—Kia Weatherspoon, NCIDQ, ASID, D.F.A. (h.c) has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype. The most damaging—interior design is a luxury reserved for a few. Her voice, advocacy for Design Equity™, and design practice have shifted the narrative, making interior design a standard for all. Kia is challenging the lack of these standards in economically challenged communities. Her presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better. 

She became the design leader, educator, business owner and speaker she never saw. In doing so she has been recognized as a recipient of the Design for Humanity National award from American Society of Interior Design, HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, Commercial Real Estate Women Washington D.C. (CREW DC) Raise Up Your Voice Recipient and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient. She also received an Honorary Doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design for her contributions to the industry. Kia is a full-time professor, sought after speaker and mentor. She truly demonstrates what’s possible when you’re determined by design.

With over 25 years of experience, Kerrie is Creative Director for Kerrie Kelly Studio, an award-winning California based interior design firm.  She is also an author, contributor, product designer, and multi-media consultant, helping national brands reach the interior design market. Her work elevates everyday design, bridging the gap between design principles and life well lived. Kerrie has received national recognition for her expertise in interior design. Kerrie is a National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Board Member; Fellow, Design Luminary Award recipient and Past-Chair to the National Board for American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); Houzz Advisory Board Member; and Zillow Interior Design National Spokesperson. Kerrie’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, The Globe and Mail, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Linda Sorrento, FASID, LEED Fellow is the principal of sustainability practice at Sorrento Consulting. The impact of interior environments on human health and performance has informed her career as an interior designer, educator, and health advocate. She was the inaugural executive director for the National Academy of Environmental Design and consulted with the General Services Administration for tools to make sustainable decisions and achieve high-performance. Linda spearheaded market transformation efforts for the US Green Building Council as the senior director of education partnerships and director of LEED for Commercial Interiors. She has served in numerous leadership roles for ASID, mindful MATERIALS, AIA Materials Knowledge Working Group, Healthy Building Network, and Health in Buildings Roundtable.   

Barbara Marini Ph.D. is director of the interior design program at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a passionate educator, designer, organizational leader, and strategist with an eye to the future. Her design career focused extensively in the commercial design sector as a project manager and consultant to architectural firms, developers, and clients. Barbara is past national president and ASID Fellow, professional member of IDEC and ICC, and actively engaged in interior design education and research. She serves on the CIDA Accreditation Commission and as a CIDQ Ambassador. Her research focuses on leadership, creativity, and innovation that seeks to inform organizational change. 

Lisa Henry, FASID is CEO of Greenway Group. Greenway’s mission is to help strengthen design-based companies to better respond to a dynamic and changing practice environment. As a business leader, a former finance executive at Merrill Lynch, a workplace design studio VP, and architecture & design director at Knoll, Lisa’s diverse experience provides her insights into the responsibility of ownership, the challenges of growth, and the importance of creative leadership. She is an ASID Fellow and past national President of the American Society of Interior Designers, and an Allied member of the American Institute of Architects. She currently serves as co-chair of the ASID Foundation research team.  

Whitney Austin Gray, Ph.D. has become one of the leading global voices for improving our buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. As senior vice president at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), she leads research that supports best practices in building design and operations, community development, and organizational policies. Dr. Gray served as the health research and innovation director for Cannon Design. Before her tenure with Cannon Design, she led building science research at the MedStar Institute for Innovation. She holds dual appointments as an adjunct assistant professor at the Georgetown School of Nursing & Health Studies and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Dr. Gray received her Ph.D. and BA in public health studies from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  

Don Davis is a licensed attorney with over 20 years of experience providing executive leadership in government relations and regulatory and compliance programs with an emphasis on energy and environment issues relating to the built environment. During his career he has advocated for numerous legislative proposals at both the state and federal level, testifying to various agencies and in over 30 state legislatures on an array of policy issues. Don is a graduate of Georgetown University (BSFS), Johns Hopkins University (MIB) and American University, Washington College of Law (JD). He is a member of the Maryland Bar and the Bar of The United States District Court for the District of Columbia. 

An accomplished executive with more than 27 years of experience in international association management, trade show production, education and certification programs, legislative advocacy, and workforce development, Don Gilpin has served in a chief officer position with IFMA since 2018 and now holds the title of president and CEO. He provided leadership and guidance on IFMA’s global events, credentials, membership experience, international business development and association operations. Gilpin’s renewed focus on core business, organizational stability and financial growth has led to a thriving association. He continues to concentrate on internally focused items while also building relationships with other like-minded industry associations. 

Jennifer Wammack is BIFMA’s Director of Outreach, a role created in 2017 to enhance engagement with influencers of the commercial built environment. Since that time, Jennifer has been the organization’s brand ambassador, communicating BIFMA’s message as the industry leader in developing furniture safety, durability and sustainability standards that ensure product performance and inspire confidence wherever people work, learn, heal, and play. Jennifer holds a BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters of Management in Sustainable Business from Aquinas College.

Jane Rohde champions a global cultural shift toward de-institutionalizing senior living and healthcare facilities through her practice, person-centered principles, research and advocacy, and design of the built environment. She is the principal of JSR Associates, Inc., which she formed in response to the gap between outcomes, operations, and design of the physical setting. Through continued practice, Jane has positively impacted the lives of older adults, those with special needs, and the staff that provides care and services to vulnerable populations. Her projects include Cypress Garden Senior Living, China’s first resident-centered care community; the Live Together, Inc. Intergenerational Community, an intentionally designed multi-generational setting that will support person-centered care including educational training and research programs; and Bastion Community of Resilience in New Orleans, an intentional community for Wounded Warriors, their families, retired veterans, and civilians.

Dr. Leah Scolere (PhD, Cornell University) is an assistant professor of interior architecture and design in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University. Leah brings together industry practice as an interior designer (NCIDQ) with advanced degrees in both designed environments and new media communication. As a designer and media communication researcher, Leah’s interdisciplinary focus exists at the intersection of connective technologies, designed environments, and well-being. Her research expertise includes designing for mediated experiences of place across connected environments using a range of communication technologies, including augmented reality, space utilization sensors, 3D capture scanning, eye-tracking, and VR technology.

Dr. Upali Nanda is Principal and Director of Research for global architectural firm HKS, where she spearheads research projects globally. She also serves as Executive Director for the non-profit Center for Advanced Design Research and Education and teaches as Associate Professor of Practice at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at University of Michigan. She serves on the board of directors for HKS and the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Her doctoral work on “Sensthetics” has been published as a book available on Amazon.com. Her award-winning research has been widely published and cited in peer-reviewed journals and mainstream media. In 2015, Upali was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential people in Healthcare Design by Healthcare Design magazine. In 2018, she was honored by Architectural Record with the Women in Architecture Innovator Award.  In 2019, she was recognized as one of nine people shaping American design by Specify Magazine from Metropolis.