A Letter from the International President
A reflection on six years of progress, the people who made it possible, and the Retail Design Institute’s next chapter.
Dear Members and Friends of the Retail Design Institute,
As I reflect on my journey with the Retail Design Institute, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead.
Six years ago, after serving in leadership at the chapter level in New York, I stepped into the role of International President. I knew then that the Institute had incredible potential, but I also understood that meaningful progress would take commitment, collaboration, and a shared vision for our future. Today, as I prepare to transition into the role of International Chairperson, I am proud of how far we have come and confident in where we are headed.
I am delighted to see Kathryn Patton-Miller, RDI, step into the role of International President. Kathryn brings a deep commitment to the Institute, a passion for our industry, and the leadership needed to carry our mission forward. I look forward to supporting her and the next chapter of RDI’s growth while continuing to serve on the International Board as Chairperson.
Looking back, I am especially proud of what we have built together. My sincere thanks go to Kathryn Patton-Miller, Dina Meindl, Kathryn Hof-Abercromby, RDI, Ray Ehscheid, FRDI, IIDA, LEED Green Associate, Dash Nagel, and Nikki Naar, CDMP, along with the many chapter leaders, volunteers, and members whose dedication has made this progress possible. I am particularly pleased that Dina Meindl and Kathryn Hof-Abercromby have both been re-elected to the International Board, continuing their valuable contributions and leadership as we move into this next chapter for the Institute.
Together, we have strengthened the foundation of the Institute and created new opportunities for our members around the world. Among our accomplishments:
Established a new administration team and launched a new website, along with more chapter programs, templates, resources, and training than ever before.
Grew membership and brought the Institute to its strongest financial footing in nearly a decade.
Restored Chapter Dues Shares, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the chapters that bring our mission to life.
Fully integrated our international chapters under the oversight of the International Board.
Launched new Associate Chapters in Texas, India, and Colorado, expanding our reach and creating opportunities to connect with more retail design professionals.
Reshaped Spain into a European Associate Chapter, establishing a model for continued international growth.
Redesigned our International Design Awards to better reflect the breadth and evolution of retail design today, helping drive record entries year after year.
Strengthened our international presence and the relationships between chapters, creating a more connected global community. A wonderful example of this progress is Renato Rodrigues Fregnani, our current Brazil Chapter President and an exceptionally talented designer, stepping into the role of International Vice President.
These achievements represent more than a list of initiatives. They reflect a stronger, more connected Institute—one that is better equipped to serve its members, support its chapters, celebrate excellence, and shape the future of our industry.
Of course, our work is not finished. The next chapter brings important opportunities, including building an investment account to protect the Institute’s long-term financial future, increasing Chapter Dues Shares further, moving toward a regional board structure, and completing the bylaws revisions already underway. I am excited to see these initiatives continue to develop under our incoming leadership.
As we look ahead, I also want to recognize the dedicated volunteers who continue to lead our chapters. Their work is essential to the strength of the Institute, and I congratulate the following incoming chapter leaders:
President: Paula Cristina Doto, RDI
Vice President: Alexandre (Ale) Valdivia, RDI
Secretary: Thiago Stauffer, RDI
Treasurer: Open
Chairperson: Renato Rodrigues Fregnani, RDI
President: Alicia Proctor, RDI
Vice President: Brian Dyches, FRDI
Secretary: Jocelyn Lieberman
Treasurer: Heather Fraser, RDI
Chairperson: Ramon Ocampo, RDI
President: Jesse Moyer, RDI
Vice President: Gabby Rosi, RDI
Secretary: Anna Han, RDI
Treasurer: Andre Lucero
Chairperson: Don Dacumos, RDI
President: Faith Bartrug Huddleston, RDI
Vice President: Steve Calhoun, RDI
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Open
Chairperson: Laura Smith, RDI
President: Astrid Garcia Luna, RDI
Vice President: To be confirmed
Secretary: KJ Burkland, RDI
Treasurer: Claire Schroeder
Chairperson: Nomi Cooper, RDI
President: Michael Hale, RDI
Vice President: Kimberly Malone, RDI
Secretary: Kelly Ramsey
Treasurer: Monica Mancera, RDI
Chairperson: James Botha, RDI
Congratulations to all our chapter leaders, and thank you for your willingness to serve, your dedication to your members, and your belief in what the Retail Design Institute can accomplish. Our chapters are the heart of the Institute, and their continued growth is essential to our collective success.
There are also open positions on several chapter boards, offering opportunities for members to contribute their skills, share their ideas, and help shape the future of the Institute. If you are interested in getting more involved, I encourage you to reach out to your local chapter leaders to learn how you can participate. Our Institute is strongest when members step forward to lead, collaborate, and support one another.
Serving as International President has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional career. It has allowed me to build relationships across borders, learn from extraordinary people, and work alongside individuals who share a genuine passion for retail design and the power of collaboration.
Most importantly, it has reinforced my belief that the strength of the Retail Design Institute has always been—and will continue to be—its people. Our progress is the result of many individuals contributing their time, knowledge, energy, and ideas toward something larger than themselves.
I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over these past six years. I am equally excited about what comes next. With Kathryn stepping into the presidency, our committed International Board, and the continued engagement of our chapters and members, I believe the Institute is well positioned for an exciting future.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing this journey with you—not as International President, but as your International Chairperson and an enthusiastic advocate for the future of the Retail Design Institute.
With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead,
Cynthia Ortiz, RDI
International President
Retail Design Institute
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