IIDA Chapter Leadership Conference

Apr 02, 2021 By Yasmin Spiro

IIDA virtually gathered chapter leaders from across the country to discuss equity, leadership, career growth and personal branding—and to celebrate some of our most dynamic IIDA members.

By Yasmin Spiro Apr 02, 2021

IIDA Headquarters leadership and IIDA Chapter leaders convened virtually February 17-19 for the 2021 IIDA Chapter Leadership Council (CLC). This annual event provides space and time for our chapter leaders to connect, learn about new programs and initiatives, get inspiration from each other, and celebrate the wonderful work of our volunteer designers that give so much back to the industry. IIDA is always grateful for the energy and commitment of our chapter leadership.

Over two days our membership and IIDA leadership team were joined by the chapters and experts in various fields to reflect on the past year and discuss equity, growth, challenges, optimism, leadership, careers, branding, achievements, and to simply celebrate all the good the chapters and our members do. Here we share some of the highlights.

The IIDA State of the Union

IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA was joined by select IIDA International Board members for a session to provide chapter leaders an update on all things IIDA, including a review of 2020 and look forward to what's next in 2021.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

IIDA Director of Member Services Monae Redmond moderated this exclusive program, sharing an overview of current IIDA Headquarters diversity efforts and guidance for chapter leaders interested in pursuing new equity, inclusivity, and or diversity initiatives. She was joined by industry expert Roni Jackson, owner of JACKED who conducted a breakout room workshop and Q&A with registrants.

* This program was private and not recorded.

Leadership in a Virtual World

This session gathered chapter and firm leaders to discuss what leadership looks like in a virtual world. Panelists shared their expertise on new leadership skills and strategies for 2021 and beyond. For information on CEU accreditation for this session visit the IIDA Academy page HERE.

Moderator

Ryan Ben, Director of Association Experience, IIDA

Speakers:

Beth Harmon-Vaughn PhD, FIIDA, Gastinger Walker | Mid-America Chapter Member and Volunteer
Erica Irvin, IIDA, Apogee Consulting Group, P.A. | Indiana Chapter, VP of Advocacy and Executive Women in Healthcare, Executive Board Member
Deborah Nemeth, IIDA, SmithGroup | Illinois Chapter, Vice President Professional Development
Monae Redmond, Director of Member Services, IIDA

Personal Branding and Career Growth

For many of our members, careers shifted and changed their shape and/or course during 2020. This session was designed to provide guidance on updating your personal brand, online presence, and professional profile to better position yourself in the market, grow your career, and expand volunteer opportunities. For information on CEU accreditation for this session visit the IIDA Academy page HERE.

Moderator:

Ryan Ben, Director of Association Experience, IIDA

Speakers:

Melissa Cook, Communications Coordinator, IIDA
Susan Fireside, Art Director, IIDA
Sharon Jautz, HR Business Partner, Ascential

What Mattered Most

Several IIDA chapters from across the country shared programs and projects from that resonated with and were the most impactful for their membership—2020's What Mattered Most.

Moderator:

Ryan Ben, Director of Association Experience, IIDA

Presenting Chapters:

IIDA Gateway | Dani Sheley, IIDA and Jenn Davis, IIDA
IIDA South Florida | Alexis Moore, IIDA
IIDA Illinois | Marlene Rutherford, IIDA
IIDA Virginia/West Virginia | Debbie Arrendondo, IIDA
IIDA Northern Pacific | Carli Rasschaert, IIDA, and Randi Thomas, IIDA

IIDA Chapter Leader Honor Award

The 2021 CLC wrapped up with a surprise award, the Chapter Leader Honor Award. Chapter leaders across the country selected some of the most passionate, energizing, and inspirational chapter leaders to honor with a special surprise award celebrating everything that makes chapter leadership so important for the organization and the profession.

Members Honored:

Amy Guhl, IIDA, Past President | IIDA Great Plains
Faith Pierce, Ind. IIDA, VP Communications | IIDA Mid-Atlantic
Carli Rasschaert, IIDA, President | IIDA Northern Pacific
Randi Thomas, IIDA, Past-President | IIDA Northern Pacific
Jessica Cody, IIDA, President Elect | IIDA Northern Pacific
Alison Allred, IIDA, President | IIDA Virginia/West Virginia
Kristina Reagan, IIDA, VP of Membership | IIDA Ohio/Kentucky
Alexis Moore, IIDA, President | IIDA South Florida
Christine Peter, Ind. IIDA, VP of Advocacy | IIDA Southern California
Lauren Gonzales, IIDA, President Elect | IIDA Southwest

View the CLC full agenda here. If you’re interested in learning more about the IIDA Chapter Leaders Conference, please contact Ryan Ben, Director of Association Experience.