NEWH

Trisha Poole has over twenty-two years of experience in design and management in the hospitality field. Her personal passion for design and her dedicated loyalty to the client mission has consistently delivered creative results to her clientele over the years. As the leader and president of Design Poole, Trisha has trained all of her design professionals to approach every project with an entrepreneurial spirit as it relates to project success.
Trisha gained most of her experience with large design companies in Orlando, Florida, and Chicago, Illinois, and has had the great fortune to work with leaders such as Disney, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Sun International, Marriott, Hilton, and Starwood. Her previous experience was working with and/or managing architects on most of the projects, which gave her a greater understanding of projects that require extensive technical detail and architectural coordination.
Trisha’s role on every project is to assure client satisfaction. Her strength is interpreting the client’s vision and delivering it with a goal of exceeding expectations. With strong business ethics and a drive for design excellence, Trisha makes Design Poole a viable and integral component of any project team. Trisha earned her Bachelor of Design from The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Cindy Guthrie is Founder of Guthrie & Associates, Inc., an independent sales organization as well as sales & marketing consultants for manufacturers of products and services to the hospitality and multi-residential housing industry that include granite & marble, cultured marble, cabinetry/millwork, lighting, carpet and furniture.
For over 17 years, Cindy, along with her husband Wayne, have provided product and manufacturing experience to the hotelier, project developer, designer, and procurement professionals. Cindy currently serves as Past President, Parliamentarian and Delegate for NEWH South Florida Chapter.

Brittany is a certified interior designer with several years of experience working on a variety of leisure and entertainment projects at Cuningham Group. Brittany believes a successful and holistic design is the result of collaboration between clients, team members and consultants. She works closely with clients throughout the design process to help create innovative environments that offer a fresh perspective and provide sensitivity to the functional, social and environmental impacts of each space. She was a core team member of two award-winning projects, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel and the Isleta Casino & Resort Hotel and Convention Center. Cuningham Group has built an outstanding reputation for creating and delivering excellence in architecture and interior design for entertainment, resort, gaming, hospitality, restaurant, and retail projects worldwide. Over their 44-year history, Cuningham Group has been ranked among the top design firms by Interior Design Magazine. They have also been honored with recognition from professional and national organizations for our interior design work from the International Interior Design Association and NEWH – The Hospitality Industry Network.

Cuban-born interior designer Fernando Diaz founded Fernando Diaz and Associates in 1980 specializing in residential, commercial and retail projects.
Mr. Diaz graduated from Ottawa University in 1973 with a BA degree in Entertainment
Business Management, and later in 1982 from UCLA Extension with an Interior Design Certificate. In 1993 Mr. Diaz became a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California.
Fernando Diaz was facilities manager and corporate designer for one of the nation’s largest furniture leasing companies for 19 years. Mr. Diaz’s responsibilities included overseeing the design of 50+ showrooms and offices, creating a corporate image among others. He subsequently opened an accessories showroom in Las Vegas.
In 1996 Mr. Diaz opened the successful Furniture Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC)
selling designer furniture floor samples from PDC showrooms at huge savings. After a year long hiatus from the furniture showroom, Fernando re-opened Furniture Gallery in February 2004 at the exiting and energetic LA Mart Design Center.
Fernando Diaz and Associates strives for the best possible expression and solution to clients’ lifestyles and needs; projects range from small homes and offices to grand scale residences and office suites. Completed projects are located throughout the United States, Mexico and Spain.
Mr. Diaz has received numerous awards from his peers and served on the board of directors of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the Homeless Youth
Foundation and is a past member of the board of trustees for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA/LA). In 1998 – 1999 Mr. Diaz was the President of the American Society of Interior Designers/Los Angeles Chapter. His worked has graced the pages of Los Angeles Home & Décor several times as well as other publications. Television appearances include several HGTV programs.

Andrea Thomas has been an independent, multi-line sales representative and a member of NEWH for almost two decades. The Thomas Design Source product package includes custom area rugs and carpet, wall covering, fabric, and accessories. Andrea’s career started as an interior designer, working on primarily commercial projects in various architectural and interior design firms in Milwaukee and Las Vegas. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Interior Design and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Andrea has been on the board of the Las Vegas Chapter in various positions starting in the capacity of Scholarship Director. She is currently Vice President of Scholarship and Education on the NEWH International Board.

Christine is principal of Wasmer Contract Group a manufacturer’s representative with over 25 years of experience in the contract and hospitality industry. She holds a BFA in Interior Architectural Design from California State University Long Beach.
Venturing from design into contract sales in the early 1980’s, she found sales and marketing to be a great pairing with her design skills. Since beginning her own business in 1996, Christine has applied her experience, dedication to detail and commitment to her client’s needs to forge lasting business relationships. Wasmer Contract Group represents fine manufacturers of interior and exterior furniture.
Christine’s support of NEWH can be described in one word: Scholarship. Through her work on the Los Angeles Chapter board and on the board of NEWH Inc., she formulated protocol and procedures for the management of the scholarship program. Future plans include expanding the NEWH opportunity through student chapters and inviting the participation of premier educators by establishing an NEWH Educator’s Roundtable.
www.wasmercontractgroup.com

After career changes took place in 2009, I stumbled across NEWH and found a way to become active in the organization, as well as finding a position in the industry.

For the past 5 years I’ve been a multi line representative covering the San Francisco Bay Area up to Seattle. I’m an associate of Mitch Zerg & Associates, OW Hospitality and Tiger Leather.

I’ve held positions of membership, VP, President and executive director for the SF NEWH board and am currently the Director of Conferences for the International Board of Directors.
We’re currently gearing up for the 2017 Leadership Conference that will take place in Denver, Colorado.

Being a transplant from Denver, I love everything San Francisco has to offer! Most weekends you’ll find me enjoying the open space on a long hike with spectacular views!

With over 30 years’ experience in the Design Industry beginning her career path at Fanshawe College in Interior Design to evolving to the supply side of the industry. The years of experience have evolved by working closely with Procurement, Property Owners, Designers and Architects to meet the client and project specifications in product, price and service. Tucker enjoys the relationships that have been established throughout these years by providing excellent service in a market that is constantly changing how we approach business.

Chris is committed to the continual growth of NEWH in Canada and all other international markets. NEWH, The Hospitality Network, provides excellent opportunities with insight on our industry trends and information through networking with the Industry Leaders in the USA, UK and Canada. Chris has been a part of the NEWH International Board of Directors since 2005. Currently she is the President of NEWH Canada Inc., and Vice President of International Relations on the NEWH Inc., International Board of Directors.

Rebekah started her career as an interior designer 27 years ago with Goff Associates. Collectively she has had 17 years’ experience in the hotel interior design and associated leisure industry working with several London architectural interior design practices. Since returning back to work, in 2006 after a career break raising her family in West Africa, she has built on her previous experience in several more areas of this industry. Firstly, while working for Charles Leon Associates she gained a good knowledge of the UK hotel industry in general through FF&E specifying and business development. Ara design gave her experience in FF&E administration, Benjamin West procurement and more recently FF&E Design for the Cruise Industry and High-end residential projects with Adfecto Design. Rebekah is the Membership Director/Vice president for NEWH-UK. She is your contact for NEWH membership.

Julia is the Chief Visionary Officer for Picture Source Somerset. Picture Source Somerset, headquartered in Seattle, WA, and offering framing production in both North Carolina and Washington has been providing quality art and custom framing to the interior design, retail, healthcare and hospitality industries for over 40 years.

With a degree in Art History from Western Washington University, Julia has over 15 years experience in art consulting, project management, marketing and art design for the hospitality industry.

Julia is currently the Past President for NEWH, Inc. and an active member of the NEWH Northwest Chapter.

Helen L. Reed is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has over 20 years experience working in the field of Hospitality Design. Her experience has ranged from a Project Interior Designer for an award winning Architectural and Interior Design to working as a manufacturer’s representative where she took time to learn about the manufacturing process of interior materials and furniture. In 1990 she started H.L Reed Design, Inc., a full service design firm that specializes in Restaurants, Country Clubs, Hotels and Retail Spaces throughout the United States. In addition to H.L.Reed Design, she started h2h,inc. in 2001. h2h is a full service procurement company that provides purchasing services for the Hospitality and Retail Industries.
Helen is one of the founding members of the Virginia Chapter of NEWH; in addition she has served as Director of Fundraising for NEWH, Inc until she became Vice President of Membership. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Virginia Commonwealth University School of Interior Design.

Educated at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Bellin School of Nursing, and Harrington College of Design in Chicago, Lohmiller has 30+ years experience in the hospitality field. She became the first sales-woman for Falcon Products and was named West Coast Regional Manager in 1983, making her the first woman to be named manager for the company. Shelia founded an independent furniture representation business, the Lohmiller Group in 1984 in Los Angeles. Lohmiller cofounded the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality in 1984 with Dorrit St. John and Susan Spalding in Los Angeles. Having served as Founding President from 1984-1986, and Secretary of the NEWH, Inc. Board of Directors, Shelia was honored as the first recipient of NEWH’s Recognition of Excellence in 1992 for exemplary service to the organization. Shelia has served as the NEWH, Inc. Executive Director since 1993.

Becca is an interior designer with 8+ years of experience. She is proud to be employed at Cuningham Group, in Minneapolis. She is happy to be once again designing for the hospitality industry, which is where she started her career at Wilson Associates in Dallas, TX. During her stint away from high-end hospitality, Becca cultivated design skill in other market segments such as boutique retail and corporate interiors. Becca designed and rolled out the new brand concept for Soma Intimates while employed at Chico’s FAS in southwest Florida and later her award winning corporate designs at Studio Hive were recognized both locally and nationally in the design community.

Becca’s involvement with NEWH began during her schooling at the University of Cincinnati. She was a two time winner of the Chicago Chapter’s Scholarship and has stayed connected ever since. Becca has a passion for education and student outreach. She has enjoyed being a mentor to interns at the workplace, as well as participating in programs through her alma mater and other universities. She believes that successful interior design is creating inspiring environments by blending aesthetics with space that is functional for all users. Her goals are to create these types of environments and spread the knowledge to others of how to achieve this as well.

Mary Ann Thornam is the Academic Department Chair at The Art Institute of Colorado. For years, she has built on a skill set which currently highlights her attributes as an expert at working with students, and a dedicated and committed faculty member who shows her true concern for them. She currently teaches three classes, including an externship, Textiles and Matters, and Estimates; she also oversees graduate students, consults with others, and schedules courses. She became involved in her profession after beginning her career as a commercial interior designer in the hospitality industry. When she started teaching part-time, she loved the interaction and energy of the students, and decided to go into teaching full time. Ms. Thornam has done public speaking. She considers herself a true professional because she has a good grasp for what she does and is great with her students. Ms. Thornam describes her work style as detailed, gets things done, easy to communicate and work with. Her greatest career achievement is promoting education.

Lora graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BFA in Interior Architecture and minor in Art History. Following an internship at Walt Disney World, she made Orlando her permanent residence and has continued to work for Disney since 1992. For the past 8 years, Lora has worked as a Design Manager for Facility Asset Management, a team that oversees all the room renovations, suites, lobbies and public spaces for the World Disney World Resorts. In her position, Lora rewrote the FF&E specifications to reflect a more sustainable standard and has always strived to obtain a more “green” environment for their guests. Lora is a LEED AP and Florida Licensed Interior Designer. She is a mentor to the student interns within her department, and encourages higher standards in sustainability within all design.
Lora has been a member of NEWH Sunshine Chapter for 8 years and on the executive committee for 4 years. She is currently in her second term as the Sustainable Director, where she oversees a committee of 7 that plan and coordinate sustainable events throughout the year. Recently she joined the NEWH National Sustainable Committee. Living sustainable is part of life that she infuses in both her work and personal environment.

Cindy is the President of Sunbrite Outdoor Furniture, a certified woman owned business. She has been in the industry for 15 years and involved with NEWH for 8 years. She was the President of the Sunshine Chapter in 2014. She enjoys catching up with her fellow chapter members monthly at their Sundowners.

Cindy’s partner in the business is her husband Will. They have enjoyed watching their company grow and appreciate all of their employees’ hard work.

Cindy and Will have two children who keep them very busy, a 22 year old daughter and 18 year old son, both Seniors! Cindy enjoys going to both Florida Gator games and Jacksonville Jaguar games in the fall and the beach as much as possible. Cindy and Will have recently purchased a 1984 Drivable Airstream and look forward to refurbishing it and hitting the road when they are empty nesters!

William Stuart is a furniture designer and artist who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA with honors in Studio Art from Colgate University. In 2002, he founded Costantini Design with his Argentine wife and partner, Barbara Ruckert. Together they created a high-end line of furniture and lighting, manufactured in their own family-owned facility in Buenos Aires. Their work has been specified for some of the finest hospitality projects in the world, and has appeared in publications such as Architectural Digest and Interior Design magazine. His artwork has been exhibited in cities around the world, including Los Angeles, Paris and Milan. He has been a member of NEWH since 2009 and currently resides in New York City, where he serves on the board of the NY Chapter.

Jordan McInturf is the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams, a premier manufacturer of furniture for the hospitality industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and contract furnishings industry, Mr. McInturf started his career in sales with Milliken Hospitality Carpet. While at Milliken he was the recipient of the top sales producer and numerous other awards. He furthered his career in the contract furniture industry at Knoll as a senior account manager in Boston, MA. In 1998 he joined Durkan Hospitality Carpet as an independent sales representative. He was promoted to National Account Management and ultimately became regional vice president of the Mohawk carpet brands

For the past four years Jordan has been the vice president of sales for Shelby Williams with responsibility for sales & marketing, national account programs, and product development.

With more than 30 years in the flooring business, Elizabeth Moore has deep experience in nearly every aspect of the industry. She has held senior management positions in manufacturing, design, marketing, product development, and sales of carpet and resilient flooring across residential, corporate, healthcare, retail, and hospitality markets. In 2009, she joined hospitality carpet manufacturer Burtco Enterprises, Inc. where she became President and CEO in 2012. After purchasing a majority interest in the company, she chose to sell Burtco to The Dixie Group where she currently serves as Vice President of Hospitality for Masland.

Elizabeth’s three decades in the business have allowed her a unique perspective in the changing landscape of how carpet is made and marketed. Early in her career, she personally designed and manufactured the public space carpet which still serves the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga. A few years later, she was tapped by Ray Anderson to serve on his inaugural Interface Eco Task Force and subsequently created all corporate marketing communications on Green issues. From these early experiences in manufacturing and marketing to the current challenges presented by continuously compressed product pricing and lead times, Elizabeth has acquired first-hand knowledge of developing strategies for delivering value and meeting customer needs in a highly competitive marketplace.

Born and raised in Asia, and fortunate to have lived in many areas around the world, Michael brings a true global perspective on life to our industry.

Originally he studied for a career in medicine before choosing a career path in the floorcovering side starting with over 20 years’ experience in the woven axminster industry. He first came to the United States in 1988 where he lived and worked in New York for many years. In 2000 he joined Milliken’s Floorcovering Division and moved to his current home in Dallas, Texas that same year.

As the North America sales leader for Milliken’s Hospitality business, Michael’s extensive knowledge makes him a trusted advisor to many within the community with a total of over 28 years in the hospitality industry. His counsel and guidance continue to enable customers to implement their project vision and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Married with two grown sons, his wife is a flight attendant flying the transatlantic and transpacific routes. Both Michael and his wife, Diedra, are avid fans of theater, live music, riding motorcycles and travel ! Even though they both travel each week for business they will often jump on short getaways whenever they feel the urge.

Michelle Finn is senior vice president, Hospitality Division, ST Media Group International, and president and co-founder of the Hospitality Media Group LLC formed for purposes of developing and managing trade fairs and events primarily focused on the hospitality industry, worldwide. In these roles, she oversees the management and development of its hospitality and related brands, which encompasses Boutique Design, Boutique Design Trade Fairs: BD|NY and BD|west held on an annual in New York City and San Diego respectively, Boutique Design forum series, Hospitality Match, International Design & Development Conference held in Korea and the management of the International Hotel Motel and Restaurant Show (IHMR), held on an annual basis in New York City.

Previously, Finn spent over twenty years in the Nielsen organization, where she held the position of VP Hospitality Brands responsible for the management and development of HD Expo, Hospitality Design and is the founder HD Boutique (now known as HD Americas) and HD Summit, an executive think- tank conference.

Finn has received numerous awards for innovation in trade fair development, publishing, leadership and service. She is a member of the Hospitality Industry Network ( NEWH), American Hotel Lodging Association ( AHLA), Cornell University Innovation Network, Boutique Lifestyle and Lodging Association (BLLA), Urban Land Institute ( ULI) and the International Society of Hospitality Purchasers ( ISHP). Finn holds two degrees from St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana and serves on the national board of NEWH

Stacy Shoemaker Rauen is a well-respected and talented editor and writer, and is the editor in chief for Hospitality Design (HD) magazine, the leading publication for the industry. Besides running the day to day of the magazine and overseeing its content, Rauen is a noted speaker at industry events, and as an avid tracker of trends, places, projects, and people, she puts together panels at HD’s conferences, and has been quoted in various respected media outlets including CNBC and the Washington Post. She is also the founder of HD’s CitySCENE, a networking event series held in metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and internationally, meant to connect design professionals in each market, as well as NextGen Forum, a conference for the next generation of hospitality design leaders. She holds two degrees from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, including a master’s in journalism, and is the president of the New York chapter of NEWH, Inc. – The Hospitality Industry Network.

10-year history as an accomplished retail professional, specializing in product development and purchasing.
Entered hospitality sales in 2008 and began Malen Concepts.

1. What is one thing nobody would ever know about you? Casted as Ariel in Little Mermaid for school musical

2. Awards or recognitions? 3 international karate championship titles

3. Favorite caffeinated beverage? Soy caramel macchiato

4. What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work? Running, biking, skiing, (pretty much anything active), traveling and exploring new places, having lunch/dinner outings with friends

1. Tell us about your personal/professional background. I’ve been in the hospitality industry as an independent manufacturer’s representative for almost 9 years and it’s flown by! I have a marketing background and ended up in the industry through my husband – an architect by schooling and career rep himself. I’ve lived in Seattle my whole life and really can’t imagine being anywhere but the beautiful Pacific Northwest. San Diego is the only other US city I’ve considered living, however Bucerias Mexico makes a wonderful winter home someday. When I’m not working I’m chasing my kids around, spending time outside as much as I can, and planning my next home renovation project. It’s a horrible addiction.

Angela attended Virginia Tech where she received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. With 14 years of experience in the industry, she is currently a Design Project Manager at Interplan LLC. Angela has been a member of NEWH for 4 years and has served on the board for 2 years.

Jennifer Wellman started in the hospitality industry in 2000. With a Bachelor of Fine Art in Sculpture from Georgia State University she naturally wanted to pursue a career in art and accepted a job with Deljou Art Group. Since her first job in art, Jennifer has gone on to work with Soho Myriad starting as an art consultant and leaving as the Director of Sales. She then became the Managing Director at EDL Art Consultants, and remained there until she accepted a position with Lexmark Hospitality as the Director of Architecture and Design Solutions.
Jennifer has worked on several large hospitality projects including the Fort Worth Omni, Trinidad Grand Hyatt, and the Arizona Biltmore.

How did you become involved in NEWH?
I first entered the Hospitality industry while living on Oahu. My families interests soon took us back to California. I’ve learned, through many moves over the years, the best way to acclimate and meet people is to get involved. After attending my first couple NEWH events I knew it was the group for me.

Tell us about your personal/professional background?
I have a diverse background that has landed in hospitality design sales. I studied Early Childhood Education in college, taught preschool, worked with the special needs population and homeschooled my children. I never thought I’d end up in sales but have found that design sales suites me well. I love building relationships and assisting with the creative process. I was raised by an interior designer artist and have been known to be creative myself.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I love bike rides with my husband along the American River Bike Trail and around the trails where I live in Folsom. While living in Hawaii you would find me under the water snorkeling, free diving with my family or at our favorite spot on a paddle board in Haleiwa.

Awards or recognitions?
I received command recognition for serving other military families as a unit Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader in 2008 and again in 2014.
2008 Detachment 40, 328 Combat Support Hospital FRG Leader
2014 Headquarters Company Pacific Division, 75 Training Command FRG leader

Favorite caffeinated beverage?
Honey Lavender Latte

Jonathan is a professional sales leader with over 30 years experience in the hospitality FF&E industry. He has been involved in sales, sales and marketing management, and senior director level positions at manufacturers providing product for the hotel and leisure sectors. His experience has been primarily with floorcovering and carpet, but he also has recent involvement with furniture.

As Chairman of the BCFA from 2011 until 2014, leading the Board of the trade association that supports the British Contract Furnishings Association, and currently as Vice President of the UK chapter of the NEWH, he has a good understanding of business within the hospitality and commercial markets.

His experiences have taken him across continents, working and living in the US and UK, and developing and executing growth strategies for businesses across international markets.

He is a creative thinker and believes in the importance of communication particularly when working with people from diverse cultures, and across all levels of a business. Jonathan is passionate about building the right environment to maximize teamwork and empower individuals to deliver against prescribed objectives and goals.

Jonathan’s leadership and management skills will help establish a clearly defined strategy for business and understand how it needs to be implemented for success. His contacts across the US and Europe can help navigate the transition process.

“A vision is a clearly articulated, results-orientated picture of a future you intend to create. It is a dream with direction”