AIGA Vermont, the Vermont chapter of the national design organization “American Institute of Graphic Arts”, announced the recent election of its board members for 2015. AIGA Vermont is dedicated to becoming a hub for the creative community here in VT which has fostered education standards, community involvement, and design outreach, all in the service of the design community. The Board is made up of the following individuals: Jeffrey Harkness, Alaina Kunkle, Joannah Ralston, Lyn Severance, Barbara Hollingdale, Coberline Brownell , Katie Rutherford, Carolyn Crowley, Evan Deutsch, Jamie Lucia, and Deanna Kerley.
Continuing as chapter president will be Jeffrey Harkness, a principal at HARK, a digital strategy, design, and branding studio based in Burlington. Alaina Kunkle joined AIGA Vermont’s board in 2012 and has been instrumental in the board’s reorganization. She successfully co-directed the first Vermont Design Week last October, and now steps into the role of vice-president. Membership Co-Chairs are Katie Rutherford and Carolyn Crowley. Katie is an associate creative director at HMC Advertising in Richmond, and believes in the transformative power of design thinking. A recent transplant to Vermont, Carolyn is creative director at Discover Gateway Children’s Museum in Salt Lake City. Lyn Severance, previously Membership Co-Chair, now leads the “Design for Good” initiative for the chapter. A sixth-generation Vermonter, Lyn works with her husband and design partner, Bill Harvey, at Harvey | Severance. A longtime board member, Joannah Ralston will continue as the group’s treasurer. The recipient of numerous awards, she is principal at Insight Design, where her focus is on the design of books, magazines, and corporate identity.
Barbara Hollingdale, after serving as Membership Co-Chair, is now the chapter’s “Initiative” representative. The program helps in-house designers make a greater impact at their companies, evolve professionally, and connect with a network of peers.
Coberline Brownell, having served as Education Chair and faculty coordinator for the Champlain College AIGA Student Group, will continue in the role. Coby is an Assistant Professor for the Communications and Creative Media department at Champlain College. The new Programming Co-Chairs are Evan Deutsch and Jamie Lucia. Evan is a founding partner and strategy lead at Oxbow, a Vermont-based creative development firm. In addition to his work with AIGA, he volunteers with Vermont Special Olympics. Jamie is an on staff designer at Solidarity of Unbridled Labour. Deanna Kerley, a self-proclaimed grammar geek and design nerd, is the new communications director for AIGA Vermont. She brings a fascination with language and a passion for ideas to the position.
AIGA, the professional association for design, is committed to advancing design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. AIGA defines global standards and ethical practices, guides design education, inspires designers and the public, enhances professional development, and makes powerful tools and resources accessible to its members.
AIGA Vermont launched the first annual Vermont Design Week last fall, and hopes to maintain the momentum with more great events in 2015.