The ASID Chapter Support Team (CST) is the volunteer-driven council that works to ensure the strength, stability and overall health of the 48 ASID chapters. The CST, which consists of former chapter presidents, communicates frequently with the chapter leadership in the areas of strategic planning, work plans, budgets, elections and effective governance.
The ASID headquarters staff liaison is Rick McCosh. To reach a member of CST, please submit your inquiry to rmccosh@asid.org.
Chair: Joan M. Kaufman, ASID, LEED AP, Principle of Interior Planning & Design, Inc. in Naperville, Illinois has been practicing both commerical and residential Interior Design for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Fine Art in Art History. Joan is a past president of the Illinois chapter and is a recipient of several Presidential Citations. After having worked as an interior designer in Chicago architectural firms and an office furniture dealership, Joan opened her own interior design firm in 1990. She is the winner of the Halo/Metalux National Lighting Competition and her work has been recognized with features in Better Homes and Gardens, Remodeling Ideas, Windows Fashions and many other outstanding publications.
Sandra Collins, ASID, RID, Principal of SCI Design, Inc., has been practicing Interior Design for 18 years with experience in residential, corporate, healthcare and educational facilities. She is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design. Sandra is the past president of the Oklahoma chapter. She is registered with the Board of Architects, Landscape Designers and Interior Designers with the State of Oklahoma. Her projects have been featured in local and regional publications and she has been involved with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra League, The Edmond Women's Club and the ASID Street of Dreams "Make a Wish" Program.
Julie S. Grisham, ASID, Principal of Julie Grisham Interiors, in Little Rock, Arkansas has been practicing Interior Design for 32 years, concentrating in Commercial, with some residential Design. She is a graduate from the University of Arkansas and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in Interior Design. Julie is the past president of the South Central chapter which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Julie also is the Co – Chair of the University of Arkansas Interior Design Board. She was appointed in March by the Governor of Arkansas to the State Board of Registered Interior Designers which has since merged with Architects and Landscape Architects, and now works in an advisory position. Julie was a runner – up in the Southern Accents / ASID Competition in 2005, for her own Kitchen and published twice in At Home in Arkansas. She was just featured in August on HGTV's "What You Get for Your Money." Julie has been the winner of 14 Regional Design Awards – nine of them being Gold and several Presidential Citations and Service Awards.
Barbara S. Marini, FASID, a teacher, administrator, researcher, mentor and volunteer, has been instrumental in improving the quality and content of interior design education. Until recently, Marini was chair of the interior design program at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Detroit, and has also served in numerous volunteer positions at national and chapter levels for ASID, as well as with organizations such as IDEC and CIDA. Marini’s commitment to excellence and innovation has impacted interior design education nationwide.
Sandra Bierut Varelmann, ASID, Principle of WEAVE IDeAS, in Cleveland, Ohio has been practicing Interior Design in both the commercial and residential fields for over fourteen years. Sandy is a graduate of Ursuline College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. Sandy is the past president of the Ohio North chapter and has served several years as chair of the Sourcery Tradeshow in Cleveland. Her projects have been featured in local and regional publications. Sandy has won four ASID Design Awards, and has received several Presidential Citations and Service Awards.
Emily B. Walser, ASID, LEED AP, is a dealer sales consultant with Steelcase, Industry Partner of ASID, with a specialized focus on higher education and sustainability. A practicing interior designer for more than 15 years, Walser's credentials include owning her own firm and co-owning a retail home furnishings business. She currently serves as the Chair of the Chapter Support Team. Walser received a bachelor's in business at the University of North Carolina and a bachelor's in interior design at Mt. Vernon College. A member of the interior design advisory board at Meredith College, Walser has served as past president of the Carolinas chapter.
Becki L. Wiechman, ASID, LEED AP, has been practicing Interior Design for 10 years with experience in both residential and commercial design. She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Design. Becki is the past president of the Nebraska/Iowa chapter and has received numerous Chapter Presidential Citations. She is the Chair-Elect for the Chapter Support Team. Her past projects have been featured in local and regional publications and is involved with the Junior League of Omaha, Child Saving Institute and many Designer Showhouse events.
Kimberly Jo Ferrante, ASID, is a past president of the Michigan chapter.