Chapter Vitality Pulse Check

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.

Jessica A Irizarry is an association management professional specializing in component relations and volunteer management. Passionate about community stability and growth, as well as an avid volunteer herself, she has shared her enthusiasm and expertise in support of ASID chapters for the last eight years. Jessica served as the 2022-2023 National Chair of the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) Component Relations and Volunteer Management Professionals Advisory Council. Jessica holds a degree in communication and political science from the University of South Alabama, located in Mobile, AL where she currently resides with her fur babies, Lady, Stella and Tiger Lilly,

Eric Lynch is Senior Associate in the Research & Knowledge Management team at ASID. With years of data analysis, visualization experience and an economic background, he uses  his skills to provide the interior design industry with the best possible research and data. Eric has had previous non-profit experience when he worked at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), serving Maryland in various capacities. He also worked at Prometric, a testing administration and development company based in Baltimore, where he was part of an analyst group managing their test center hours in over 600 locations globally and eventually, managing their Business Analytics team. Eric holds a bachelor's degree from Towson University in Political Science/Economics and Spanish along with obtaining a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) credential. 

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.