AIGA Minnesota Welcomes
New Board Members
July 1, 2019
Thank you to all members who voted on the 2019–2021 AIGA Minnesota Board of Directors.
We are pleased to announce our new (and continuing) members that have been elected to serve on the organization’s board effective immediately. Congratulations!
New Officers and Directors
Officers and directors are elected by the membership and form the majority of the board, fulfilling positions within specific areas of expertise for the benefit of the membership. Officers and directors are entrusted with voting rights and typically serve 2-year terms.
- Heather Brooks, President
The President oversees the development of the Minnesota chapter of AIGA and ensures activities are in alignment with AIGA’s mission and the Chapter’s strategic goals. The President leads the Board of Directors, which is responsible for the overall health and well-being of the chapter, and the Executive Committee. Working closely with the Executive Committee, the President leads Chapter operations, including ongoing evaluation of processes and resources, to ensure that board efforts and chapter activities are in the best interest of the Chapter’s financial and organizational health as well as local membership needs. The President acts as liaison between the Chapter board and AIGA national. - Carla Januska, Vice President
The Vice President is generally involved in all of AIGA Minnesota’s activities, although their major contributions are in strategy, programming, and operations. This position works to maintain the high quality of Chapter programs and to ensure programs are meeting the needs of members and using Chapter resources effectively. The Vice President also acts to support the President and the rest of the board in their functions. - Michelle Schulp, Director of Technology
The Director of Technology oversees AIGA Minnesota’s web presence, including developing website functionality and content management tools as well as advising on integrating efforts between website, social media, analytics, and other digital technology use. The Director acts as liaison between the Chapter’s leadership and the broader tech community; provides a voice and representation to ensure technologies are considered in Board strategic decisions while offering a deeper insight to AIGA and the design profession both locally and nationally. - Bert Lee, Director of Education
The Director of Eduction oversees the chapter’s education activities, by developing and nurturing relationships between AIGA Minnesota and regional educators, schools, student groups and students. The Director acts as an advisor to and liaison between the chapter board, educators and students to ensure that chapter activities address critical education issues and student needs.
New Associate Directors
Associate directors are appointed by majority vote of the board of directors and serve the board within a specific function, usually by representing a particular membership affinity group or by performing a special assignment. Associate directors do not have voting rights and normally serve for 1- or 2-year terms.
- Abby Wichman, Associate Director, Social Media Engagement
The Associate Director of Social Media Engagement is responsible for representing the voice of our Chapter online and supporting engagement across our social media channels. This role is supported by an additional social media role to improve the Chapter’s social media communications, systems and processes in support of AIGA Minnesota’s interactive, communication, and programming needs.
About board elections
Several times each year, AIGA Minnesota welcomes new members to serve on its board of directors and lead efforts to shape the direction of the organization. For the term beginning July 1, 2019, a nominating committee recommended a slate of nominees for consideration of open officer- and director‑level positions on the board. The slate was approved for ratification by a vote of the organization’s Supporting, Sustaining, Design Leader, and Trustee‑level members. Non‑voting associate directors are appointed by a majority vote of the board.
About the AIGA Minnesota Board of Directors
Governance of a membership organization requires a solid commitment from dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers with a variety of talents and attributes. For AIGA Minnesota, the board of directors is one of its distinct assets that serves and protects the brand and legacy of the organization. The board ideally represents a cross-section of thought leadership across the design profession, with each member taking charge of an area specifically suited to his or her talents and interests in order to benefit the full membership.
Want to help shape the future of the Minnesota chapter?
AIGA Minnesota is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and in the past 12 months more than 100 AIGA members have volunteered for the chapter in some capacity giving freely of their time, expertise and resources. Their passion is the lifeblood of the organization.
Contact us for more information on how you can get involved either by serving on the Chapter board or by volunteering to support various Chapter programming and initiatives throughout the year.
We’re always looking for local design leaders and enthusiasts to step up and commit to a term of service to help shape the future of the Minnesota chapter.