AIGA Los Angeles board members serve a two-year term that runs from June–May. In April of each year, chapter membership is asked to nominate other members which they will be an asset to the Board and our chapter at large.
Executive Team
Joseph Soto
President
Director, Art and Brand at Nickerson
jsoto [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Founder & Product Designer at Victory Goods
vfong [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Team
Chiany Dri is the Founder and Principal Consultant of The Inclusion School, a Black woman-owned learning and consulting collective based in Los Angeles. Over the past decade, Chiany has designed and led DEIA strategy, programming, and culture transformation for organizations across the state and country, including building inaugural DEI departments at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and LA Family Housing from the ground up. Her work is grounded in restorative and transformative justice practice, cultural humility, and a deep belief that equity has to be embedded into systems and structures, not added as an afterthought.
Chiany Dri
DEIA Director
Founder & Principal Consultant at The Inclusion School
cdri [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Tia has built a global career in visual storytelling and thinking, shaped by a graphic design degree and work across four countries. She has led creative and brand strategy teams at Adobe, directed campaigns for luxury and fashion brands, and brings sharp insight into cultural impact and how visual language drives emotional connection. Whether she’s building a brand, mentoring a team, or contributing to LA’s creative community through the LA Design Festival and Creative Mornings, Tia brings curiosity, clarity, and a spirit of collaboration to everything she does.
Marketing Team
Nolan is a multimedia designer, educator, and community advocate based in Los Angeles where he leads creative strategy across digital, print, and social platforms. With a strong background in branding, storytelling, and emerging technologies, he brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to design and communication. Passionate about education, mentorship, and access, Nolan is committed to amplifying diverse voices, supporting student engagement, and building bridges between industry professionals and emerging creatives.
David has worked in the printing industry since 1982 starting as a cameraman, platemaker and binderyman. In 1999 David came to work for Typecraft as an Account Representative. David involved himself in the graphic design community by building an ongoing alliance with AIGA Los Angeles serving as a Board Member from 2002 to 2012. He was honored as an AIGA Los Angeles Fellow in 2012. He also has taught print production workshops at Art Center College of Design and is an adjunct professor at Loyola Marymount University teaching the Design Praxis class since 2017.
David Mayes
Partnerships Director
Sales Representative at Typecraft
davidmayes [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Programming Team
Olivia Leese
Programming Director
Lead Graphic Designer at Nickerson
oleese [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Olivia Leese, Lead Graphic Designer at Nickerson, brings 8+ years of experience crafting visually compelling narratives for brands. Her multifaceted expertise spans branding, print, digital, and social, creating cohesive visual experiences across platforms. Olivia has spearheaded high-impact projects for industry leaders like Synergy, Housing Families, and JM Electrical. Notable achievements include developing a winning proposal for MassDOT’s Parcel 24 project and playing a vital role in Gulf Oil’s new brand image rollout across New England. With a BA from Roger Williams University, Olivia consistently pushes the boundaries of visual communication.
Education Team
As the Founder and Creative Director of Peace and Balance LLC, Renée McKellar specializes in crafting visually compelling and culturally resonant branding solutions for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market. With a passion for elevating brands, she blends strategy, design, and marketing to create experiences that leave lasting impressions. Beyond her work in branding and marketing, Renée serves as Adjunct Faculty in Graphic & Multimedia Design at College of the Canyons, where she guides the next generation of designers in developing their creative voice and technical expertise. With years of experience in both agency and entrepreneurial settings, Renée brings a unique perspective that fuses real-world application with industry best practices.
Renée McKellar
Education Director
Founder and Creative Director of Peace and Balance LLC
rmckellar [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Social Media Team
Shijia (Bella) Luo
Social Media Director
Visual Designer
sluo [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Shijia Luo is a versatile visual designer blending 2D and 3D with expertise in branding, typography, and motion. With over five years of experience across print, digital, and interactive media, she communicates through thoughtful visual storytelling. Her multidisciplinary background in marketing and design supports her engagement with local creative communities, including SFMOMA, the San Francisco Art Book Fair, and AIGA LA. Shijia sees design as a path to connect people and share stories, and she seeks to contribute more meaningfully to reflect diverse cultural perspectives.
Support Team
Julie Manthey
Operations Manager
Operations Manager,
AIGA Los Angeles
jmanthey [@] losangeles.aiga.org
Outgoing Board Members
David Mayes, Interim VP of Finances (2024–2025) Alexis Caban, Development Director (2023–2025) Michelle Leclerc, DEIA Director (2023–2025) Hannah Richard, Vice President of Operations (2023–2025) Courtnie Cotillo, Vice President of Finances (2022–2025) Rachel Fujita-Esteffe, Interim Marketing Director (2024–2025) Amanda Powell, Programming Co-Director (2023–2025) Maggie Hollander, Interim Social Media Director (2024–2025)
Past Presidents
2026 - 2000
Paul Woods (2023–2026) Samantha Cabrera (2020–2023) Patrick Frederickson (2020) Amanda Hovest (2017–2020) Jason Adam (2014–2017) Noreen Morioka (2012–2014) Jimmy Moss (2010–2012) Michael Lejeune (2008–2010) Agustín Garza (2006–2008) Mick Hodgson (2004–2006) Pash Pashkow (2002–2004) Noreen Morioka (2000–2002)
1999 - 1980
Moira Cullen (1997–2000) Mary Scott (1996–1997) Sean Adams (1994–1996) Stan Evenson (1992–1994) Josh Freeman (1990–1992) April Greiman (1988–1990) Margaret Coy (1986–1988) John Coy (1984–1986)
