Executive Committee

  • Jessica Galdamez

    Jessica Galdamez

    VP/Administration

  • Martha Zambrana

    Martha Zambrana

    VP/Development

  • Bobbie Brown

    Bobbie Brown

    Secretary

    Bobbie Brown brings over thirteen years of international design experience to her role as Design Manager at AvroKO's Miami st…

    More about Bobbie Brown ›
  • Eric Fernandez

    Eric Fernandez

    Past President/Parliamentarian

    Eric, National Sales Manager for Worldwide Draperies, was born and raised in Miami and has over 20 years of experience in the…

    More about Eric Fernandez ›
  • Casie Idle

    Casie Idle

    Executive Advisor

    ID & Design International is a leading, award winning design and branding firm specializing in commercial mixed- use, hospita…

    More about Casie Idle ›
  • Cynthia Guthrie

    Cynthia Guthrie

    Ad Hoc Advisor

    Guthrie & Associates is a creative & collaborative playground for designers, architects, developers, procurement specialists,…

    More about Cynthia Guthrie ›

Board of Directors

  • Patricia Civil

    Patricia Civil

    Scholarship

  • Brad Horwitz

    Brad Horwitz

    Membership

  • Thalia Suri

    Student Relations

  • Maria Cachonegrete

    Maria Cachonegrete

    Programming

    Maria Lopez-Cachonegrete is Stone Rep by day and Zumba dancer by night. Mother of two amazing boys and 3 adorable dogs. "I …

    More about Maria Cachonegrete ›
  • Monica Bernal

    Monica Bernal

    Fundraising

    With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality world, Monica Bernal made the transition from project manager at a well k…

    More about Monica Bernal ›
  • Krupali Laxmidas

    Krupali Laxmidas

    Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity

  • Leslie Schultz

    Leslie Schultz

    Marketing

  • Eric Fernandez

    Eric Fernandez

    NEWH, Inc. Delegate

    Eric, National Sales Manager for Worldwide Draperies, was born and raised in Miami and has over 20 years of experience in the…

    More about Eric Fernandez ›
  • Jessica Galdamez

    Jessica Galdamez

    NEWH, Inc. Delegate

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Committee Chair

  • Joseph Roy

    Joseph Roy

    Hospitality

  • Celia Pena

    Celia Pena

    Social Media

  • Carolina Coelho

    Carolina Coelho

    Publications

    Carolina was born into the field of design & construction; which carved the path into her career. During high school she work…

    More about Carolina Coelho ›
  • Marc Fugnitto

    Marc Fugnitto

    Community Service

  • Claire Lardner

    Claire Lardner

    Historian

  • Courtney Webster

    Courtney Webster

    Continuing Education

Bobbie Brown

Bobbie Brown

Secretary

Bobbie Brown brings over thirteen years of international design experience to her role as Design Manager at AvroKO’s Miami studio. Her career journey has taken her through dynamic design hubs like Las Vegas, New York City, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, each leaving a lasting impression on her approach to design and collaboration. Since making Miami her home three years ago, Bobbie has embraced NEWH as a platform to deepen her connection to the local design community and give back by fostering meaningful relationships and industry growth.

Eric Fernandez

Eric Fernandez

Past President/Parliamentarian

Eric, National Sales Manager for Worldwide Draperies, was born and raised in Miami and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He brings a plethora of design, manufacturing, and sales experience to the NEWH board. He loves traveling as his job, as well as building relationships with his clients. in his personal life he loves to do any type of outdoor activities including tennis, riding bike, and going to the beach. Eric is also a proud veteran of the US Army.

Casie Idle

Casie Idle

Executive Advisor

ID & Design International is a leading, award winning design and branding firm specializing in commercial mixed- use, hospitality, food & beverage, multifamily, cruise ship, supermarket, and entertainment design. As Vice President of Business Development & Client Relations, Casie Idle is a leader in the execution of the company’s business plan and new business strategy for the 76-person organization. By leveraging her strong research and analytical skills, she identifies emerging gaps and opportunities in the marketplace. In addition, she has produced healthy, enduring relationships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. But more than a VP of Business Development, Ms. Idle is an advocate for giving back to the community and sits on several Board of Directors and Committees. Board of Director – Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Broward Chapter Board of Director Historian Chair – NEWH Hospitality Industry Network Member of Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce 2-1-1 Broward Club Member Broward Health Foundation Committee Member Charitable organizations include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Feeding South Florida, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, HANDY, Adopt a School Mentorship, and Operation Christmas Child. Contact: [email protected] Website: www.iddidesign.com

Cynthia Guthrie

Cynthia Guthrie

Ad Hoc Advisor

Guthrie & Associates is a creative & collaborative playground for designers, architects, developers, procurement specialists, corporate brands, and construction professionals. We proudly represent the finest manufacturers in our industry.

We keep things simple. The best way to work together is to create enthusiasm, provide impeccable service and keep the flow rolling throughout the whole process. Driven by the thought that collaborative & collective work gets the best results we believe in partnership with our clients. Every great project needs strong ideas and clients need inspiring people who can advise them about innovative products and applications for their creative world.

The foundation for our work is a very simple idea……providing our relevant products and combining our client’s vision to achieve great projects and experiences. “If you like what you do you excel at what you create.” anonymous

Maria Cachonegrete

Maria Cachonegrete

Programming

Maria Lopez-Cachonegrete is Stone Rep by day and Zumba dancer by night. Mother of two amazing boys and 3 adorable dogs.
“I graduated from Interior Design but I found my passion in selling stone when I was recruited by marble company 20+ years ago. I joined NEWH with the idea to built my network with the local designers and architects but I was impressed with the organization mission to educate, serve and give back to the design community. Joining NEWH South Florida Chapter Board has giving me a personal and professional opportunity to give back to my design community, very happy to serve.”

Monica Bernal

Monica Bernal

Fundraising

With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality world, Monica Bernal made the transition from project manager at a well known custom fabric house to an account manager for Tai Ping Carpets in Miami, Florida. Tai Ping Carpets was founded in 1956 and it is the leading international custom axsminter designer and manufacturer of choice for the discerning global clientele.

Monica has worked with Tai Ping since February of 2014, overseeing Florida and the Bahamas. Shortly after joining Tai Ping, she starting participating with the NEWH chapter in South Florida and became the VP of Administration for the chapter. She truly enjoys her involvement with the industry and plans on serving as the President for next year’s term.

Eric Fernandez

Eric Fernandez

NEWH, Inc. Delegate

Eric, National Sales Manager for Worldwide Draperies, was born and raised in Miami and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He brings a plethora of design, manufacturing, and sales experience to the NEWH board. He loves traveling as his job, as well as building relationships with his clients. in his personal life he loves to do any type of outdoor activities including tennis, riding bike, and going to the beach. Eric is also a proud veteran of the US Army.

Carolina Coelho

Carolina Coelho

Publications

Carolina was born into the field of design & construction; which carved the path into her career. During high school she worked as an associate at a local tile & stone showroom. Shortly after high school she advanced to managing their New York City showroom. Her passion for the industry grew and enrolled in college to become an interior designer. In 2015 she decided move to Florida to be closer to her immediate family. To proceed with her career & establish new roots she got heavily involved with local industry organization including IIDA & NEWH. Currently holds the title of NEWH South Florida Chapters’ Past President / Parliamentarian. Carolina is also the Regional Director of Business Development in Florida for TileBar. TileBar is a direct importer of porcelain and ceramic tiles, natural stone & LVT.

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