Executive Committee

  • Macelle Albelda

    Macelle Albelda

    President

  • Mina (Napaporn) Noimuang

    Mina (Napaporn) Noimuang

    VP/Administration

  • Pao-yi Warner

    Pao-yi Warner

    VP/Development

  • Riri Shirahara

    Riri Shirahara

    Secretary

  • Anica Lompre

    Anica Lompre

    Treasurer

  • Jeannette Chacon

    Jeannette Chacon

    Past President/Parliamentarian

    Hospitality Design Consultant servicing the West Coast for Schumacher Hospitality.

    More about Jeannette Chacon ›
  • Katie Sander Smith

    Katie Sander Smith

    Executive Advisor

    Katie Sander Smith is an Interior Design professional at Cuningham, where she blends technical precision with a passion for t…

    More about Katie Sander Smith ›
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Board of Directors

  • Romaisa Khan

    Romaisa Khan

    Fundraising

  • Gema Bernabeu Carrasco

    Gema Bernabeu Carrasco

    Scholarship

  • Kayde Johnston-Anderson

    Kayde Johnston-Anderson

    Membership

    NEWH Los Angeles Founding Chapter Membership Director (2025 - present)

    More about Kayde Johnston-Anderson ›
  • Julianna Wolf

    Julianna Wolf

    Student Relations

  • Julia Luu

    Julia Luu

    Programming

  • Ryan Herkimer

    Ryan Herkimer

    Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity

  • Brittany LeBlanc

    Brittany LeBlanc

    Marketing

  • Macelle Albelda

    Macelle Albelda

    NEWH, Inc. Delegate

  • Jeannette Chacon

    Jeannette Chacon

    NEWH, Inc. Delegate

    Hospitality Design Consultant servicing the West Coast for Schumacher Hospitality.

    More about Jeannette Chacon ›
  • Mina (Napaporn) Noimuang

    Mina (Napaporn) Noimuang

    NEWH, Inc. Delegate

Committee Chair

  • Michelle Portocarrero

    Michelle Portocarrero

    Scholarship

  • Jamalle French

    Jamalle French

    Hospitality Chair

  • Amber Difruscio

    Amber Difruscio

    Programming Chair

  • Tara Leddington

    Tara Leddington

    Social Media Chair

  • Laura Poitras

    Laura Poitras

    Public Relations Chair

  • Elvira Herrera

    Elvira Herrera

    Community Service Chair

  • Camila Iglesias

    Student Representative

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Jeannette Chacon

Jeannette Chacon

Past President/Parliamentarian

Hospitality Design Consultant servicing the West Coast for Schumacher Hospitality.

Katie Sander Smith

Katie Sander Smith

Executive Advisor

Katie Sander Smith is an Interior Design professional at Cuningham, where she blends technical precision with a passion for transformational, purpose-driven design. With a career that spans from Seattle to Los Angeles and back again, Katie has leveraged her journey to grow as both a designer and a leader, shaping diverse hospitality and entertainment environments ranging from community-focused establishments to sophisticated high-end resorts.

As a designer focused on regenerative principles, Katie is committed to a sustainable future, ensuring that environmental responsibility and well-being are woven into every design decision. Her career journey – rooted in the Pacific Northwest and seasoned by her leadership tenure in Southern California – is defined by an unwavering commitment to the industry and a passion for championing the interior design profession at both the local and international levels.

This dedication has culminated in her appointment to the NEWH International Board of Directors as the 2026 TopID Chair. Having previously served the Los Angeles Founding Chapter as Treasurer and President, she continues to provide mentorship as Executive Advisor, dedicated to fostering the next generation of design leaders and elevating the profession she loves.

Kayde Johnston-Anderson

Kayde Johnston-Anderson

Membership

NEWH Los Angeles Founding Chapter Membership Director (2025 – present)

Jeannette Chacon

Jeannette Chacon

NEWH, Inc. Delegate

Hospitality Design Consultant servicing the West Coast for Schumacher Hospitality.

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