Veronica Sanders, ASID, RID, NCIDQ Elected to the ASID National Board of Directors
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Announces 2026–2027 National Board of Directors
It is with gratitude and great pride that I share my election to the American Society of Interior Designers National Board of Directors for 2026 - 2027. I became a member of ASID when I was a student in the year 2013. I had heard of the organization from other students and decided to become a member after an inspiring visit from the ASID Texas Chapter President at the time, Kristy Mastrandonas. I was also inspired by other student leaders and the opportunity to be part of a professional organization that was committed to the advancement of Interior Design and the way it impacts the lives of every individual it touches across this nation.
As a student I never thought I would see myself this involved in a professional organization for this long, let along earn a position of leadership. But I fell in love with this profession and by nature, was inspired to give back through my gifts by getting involved in leadership. Over the years I have served in many capacities for ASID and giving back to my community and volunteerism for what I'm passionate about is rooted in me. Leadership roles I've had the honor to serve in for ASID have been:
El Centro Student Chapter President-Elect
El Centro Student Chapter President
ASID TX Dallas Design Community Student Liaison
ASID Texas Chapter Magazine Chair
ASID Texas Chapter Professional Development Director
ASID Texas Chapter Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair
ASID Texas Chapter President-Elect
ASID Texas Chapter President
ASID Chapter Leaders Committee
And now...ASID National Board of Directors as an At-Large Director while I'll be advising a national committee in the advancement of the interior design profession.
In these various positions, I've had the pleasure of serving students to licensed professionals and everything in between and it has been such an eye-opening, informative, and rewarding experience. I'm so passionate about this career and want to see it continue to thrive and improve for those who practice in the profession and for those it serves. Interior design is my ministry and I'm honored that I get to do this everyday. I'm excited for the opportunity to expand reach and positively impact initiatives and advancement of the profession at a national scale.
Today, the American Society of Interior Designers announced the incoming leaders for the National Board of Directors. See the announcement below:
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, FASID, NCIDQ, RID
Chair-Elect: Laura McDonald Stewart, FASID, RID, LEED AP, WELL AP
Past Chair: Elizabeth Von Lehe, ASID, 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
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.
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As I step into this new role, I am excited to expound on the legacy of ASID and continue serving as a design colleague and friend to all of you. I am committed to upholding the values and mission of ASID and working towards the betterment of our community. Let’s make this year a great one as I look forward to seeing you in action, being the change you want to see, working to show how design truly impacts lives!
If you're interested in working with an interior designer who loves to give back, is active in mentorship and works to improve the community, then let's connect.
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