WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 4, 2026) — The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) today announced its 2026–2027 National Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2026. Comprising leaders from across the interior design profession and the broader built environment, the Board will help guide the Society's strategic priorities while advancing ASID's mission to champion the impact of design on the human experience.
“The strength of ASID has always been rooted in the expertise and diversity of its volunteer leadership,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer of ASID. “Our incoming Board reflects the breadth of today's design profession, bringing together accomplished practitioners, industry leaders, and advocates who understand both the opportunities and the challenges shaping our future. Their leadership will help ensure ASID continues to elevate the profession, support our members, and demonstrate the value of design in improving the way people live, work, and thrive.”
The 2026–2027 National Board of Directors includes:
- Chair: Shundra Harris, ASID, NCIDQ, RID
- Chair-Elect: Laura McDonald Stewart, FASID, RID, LEED AP, WELL AP
- Past Chair: Elizabeth Von Lehe, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, LEED AP ID+C
Directors-at-Large
- Joni Burden, ASID, NCIDQ
- David Cordell, FASID, LEED AP, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador
- Caroline P. Gama, ASID Allied, CAPS, Green AP
- Dina Lamanna, ASID, NCIDQ
- Kristie Nicoloff, ASID, NCIDQ, RID, IIDA
- Kendra Ordia, ASID
- Veronica Sanders, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
Industry Partner Representatives
- Paul Adams, ASID Affiliate
- Lauren Corbin, ASID Affiliate
- Jennifer Nye, ASID Affiliate
New and Incoming Leadership
Laura McDonald Stewart, Chair-Elect
A longtime ASID volunteer leader and advocate for the profession, Laura McDonald Stewart brings more than two decades of service to ASID at both the chapter and national levels. A civil engineer and interior designer by training, Stewart has built a career spanning commercial and residential design, event leadership, professional education, and mentorship.
She is the founder of Laura McDonald Enterprises and previously led METROCON Expo & Conference, one of the Southwest's premier events for the built environment. Stewart also founded PLiNTH & CHiNTZ, an influential online resource supporting emerging and established design professionals. A past member of the ASID National Board, she was elevated to the ASID College of Fellows in 2016 and was recognized as ASID Volunteer of the Year in 2025.
David Cordell, Director-at-Large
David Cordell, FASID, is Principal and Interior Technical Director in the Washington, D.C., office of Perkins&Will. His work centers on the intersection of interior design, sustainability, health, equity, and building performance, with experience leading award-winning workplace, healthcare, nonprofit, and science and technology projects.
Cordell served on the design team for ASID's headquarters, the first project in the world to achieve both LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certification. An ASID member since 2009 and Fellow since 2022, he previously chaired ASID's Committee on Climate, Health and Equity and has contributed extensively to research, education, and industry initiatives advancing measurable design outcomes.
Caroline P. Gama, Director-at-Large
Caroline P. Gama, ASID Allied, CAPS, Green AP, returns to the National Board for an additional term as Director-at-Large. Principal of Caroline Gama Design, Inc., she brings more than 25 years of experience serving luxury residential clients nationwide.
An active ASID member since her student chapter years, Gama has served in numerous leadership roles, including Communications Director, Professional Development Director, President-Elect, and President of the ASID Florida South Chapter before completing her first term on the National Board. Her leadership reflects a longstanding commitment to professional development, volunteer service, and fostering the next generation of design leaders.
Veronica Sanders, Director-at-Large
Veronica Sanders, ASID, RID, NCIDQ, is CEO and principal designer of Design with Veronica Sanders, LLC, a Dallas-area firm specializing in luxury residential, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial interiors. Her career spans project management, television set design, and collaborations with nationally recognized designers, with work featured in leading design and business publications.
A former president of the ASID Texas Chapter, Sanders has championed initiatives supporting diversity, leadership development, and small business growth within the profession. She brings to the National Board a passion for expanding opportunity and strengthening the future of interior design.
Paul Adams, Industry Partner Representative
Paul Adams, ASID Affiliate, serves as Chairman of Florida Lighting Investment Partners, the platform behind Capitol Lighting, Bellacor, Better Designed Lighting, Lux Procurement, Blue Leaf Hospitality, and Designer Alliance. He also serves as CEO of Capitol Lighting and several portfolio companies spanning retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, and the design trade.
A recognized advocate for lighting as a critical component of health and wellness, Adams has spent more than 25 years leading organizations at the intersection of design, retail, and manufacturing. He serves on the Government Affairs Committee of the American Lighting Association and previously held executive leadership roles with The Home Depot and Office Depot. His appointment further strengthens ASID's commitment to collaboration across the design industry and its partner community.
The ASID National Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the Society and works in partnership with ASID leadership to advance initiatives supporting practitioners, industry partners, educators, students, and the broader design community.
For more information about ASID and its leadership, visit www.asid.org.
About ASID
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) believes that design transforms lives. As the oldest and largest professional organization for interior designers, ASID serves all sectors of the profession through education, advocacy, research, and practice support, advancing the impact of design on the human experience. Learn more at ASID.org.
Media Contact
Lindsey Koren
Director, Communications, ASID
Lkoren@asid.org