Board members

President
April Guzik
president@houston.aiga.org

At Keystone Resources, April works with clients in array of branding attributes. She designs websites, email marketing campaigns and collaborates on all branding campaigns, as well as specializing in executing a clients concept through all stages of print and web. She makes the complex simple, tailors clients messages, and makes brands resonate across multiple mediums.

Born and raised in Chicago, April graduated with a BFA in Advertising & Design and has lived in Houston since ‘06. She is passionate about her career as a graphic designer and always aware of the surrounding fluctuation of creative trends, from individual artists to events throughout Houston.

As the incoming president, April focuses on events and initiatives that specifically enhance the member experience and help our members feel involved in the Chapter. She believes that there is so much more to a being a designer than sitting behind a computer. Open to new ventures and listening to what members want out of AIGA Houston, she’s always available through any means of communication.  

    

---

Membership Director
Robin Tooms
Savage
713.522.1555, Office
memberships@houston.aiga.org

At Savage, Robin works closely with clients to develop brand positioning, core messaging, marketing strategies and brand identities. She is dedicated to staying on the forefront of innovative technologies that enhance communication and business. Robin is also responsible for keeping internal operations running smoothly, especially in areas regarding human resources: managing, recruiting, training, mentoring and professional development.

As AIGA Houston's Membership Director, Robin keeps the Board focused on its objectives and drives all of the decisions which affect the Chapter. As a long-standing Board Member and AIGA Houston Board President, Robin is also knowledgeable on effective ways companies can partner or sponsor with AIGA Houston. Robin is on the National AIGA Board of Directors.

       

---

Treasurer
Denise Madera
Origin Design
713.520.9544, Office
finance@houston.aiga.org

Denise manages our accounting and bookkeeping needs and keeps the Chapter on top of our financial obligations.

---

Programming Director
Robin Parrish
events@houston.aiga.org

Robin specializes in conceptualization and design of client brand communications from brand identities to marketing strategies and annual reports. She’s worked with many institutional and energy-focused clients and enjoys the process of seeing projects from the idea stage to final production. Robin graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design.

As AIGA’s programming director, she plans and manages the chapter’s annual program calendar of events and budgets.

---

Communications Director
John Luu
Axiom
713.523.5711, Office
info@houston.aiga.org

At Axiom, John works with clients to develop product branding, advertising and integrated screen and print communication programs with an emphasis on creative solutions for energy-focused companies. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, He fuses marketing strategy with compelling creative to solve business problems and drive opportunities for clients worldwide. John graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communications.

As AIGA Houston Communications Director, John oversees all communications of AIGA programs/events/issues relevant to our profession and works closely with the Programming Director to manage communication of the Chapter’s calendar.
      

---

Web Chair
Norma Riehle
Graphic Design, Web Design
832.274.0587
webmaster@houston.aiga.org

Norma thrives on creating clean, understandable design for communication to happen. She is the Principal/Creative for 2 Chairs Design specializing in the creation of visual design for the web from conceptualization to production. She is also the Director of Communications and webmaster for Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston where she designs, produces and manages collateral for all internal and external print and electronic communications.

Norma earned her BSBA from the University of Missouri and her MFA in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). As AIGA Houston Web Chair, Norma is responsible for timely updates to the AIGA Houston website and the creation and distribution of the Channel e-newsletter.

---

Student Outreach Chair
Andy Rich
713.385.5177, Cell
studentgroups@houston.aiga.org
andyrichdesign@gmail.com

Andy is the Art Director for the University of Houston Alumni Association. In addition to producing the Association's official publication UH Alumni Quarterly and other initiatives, Andy works with clients through his independent design consultancy, RICH (www.NowThatsRich.com). A regular fixture in Houston's local design scene, Andy is always on the lookout for his next great design collaboration. He received his BFA in Visual Communications from the Illinois Institute of Art, where he was President of his school's AIGA student group. As Student Outreach Chair, Andy is the public face of AIGA Houston to the area's student community. He meets regularly with AIGA student groups and their advisers to help with programming ideas, membership drives, professional workshops and connecting students to the professional design community.

---

Student Group Coordinator
Miguel Gutierrez
832.423.7956, Cell
studentgroups@houston.aiga.org

Miguel was born in Lima Peru but raised in Houston since he was 2. He is married, has just graduated from The Art Institute of Houston with BFA in graphic design and loves to study design history. Miguel also does a little bit of freelancing and is currently looking for work in the Houston area.  He reads a lot, draws aircraft, and generally likes to keep busy. As Student Group Coordinator, Miguel provides content, resources and regular communications updates to student group officers and their advisers.

---

Mentoring Program Chair
Dianne Sawyer
713-353-4127, Office
mentorprogram@houston.aiga.org

Dianne Sawyer is a Senior Career Services Advisor with The Art Institute of Houston. She assists college students and graduates in preparation for their launch into entry level jobs within the design and creative community. Additionally, she is a resource for local and statewide employers seeking creative talent. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from U of H and is a member of American Society of Training and Development and has been a member of AIGA Houston since 2005.

Dianne manages the AIGA Houston Mentoring Program, and assists both mentors and mentees with their needs.

---

Education Director
Crispin Prebys
314-479-0592
education@houston.aiga.org

Crispin teaches graphic design at Lamar University in Beaumont Texas. He earned his MFA from the University of Notre Dame and his BFA from Indiana University. Crispin gained his professional experience at respected firms in Chicago and Saint Louis, where his work focused on the development of communication material such as annual reports, identity, branding, interactive design and advertising.

As Education Director, Crispin serves as a liaison to universities and student groups to help develop and encourage programming and support for students working toward their degrees.

---

Event Chair
Ashley Everett
256-335-3156
eventchair@houston.aiga.org

At Rice University, Ashley works in the Recreation Center designing graphics for dance events, fitness programs, intramural sports, and outdoor trips. Ashley moved to Houston after graduating from Auburn University with a BFA in graphic design and is excited to be a part of the Houston design community. As AIGA Houston Event Chair, Ashley works closely with the Programming Director by assisting with the planning and coordination of event logistics.

 

---

Volunteer Chair
Patrick Valdes
volunteers@houston.aiga.org

Born in Germany and raised in Houston, Patrick graduated from the Art Institute of Houston with a degree in Graphic Design. He currently works in-house for Shell Trading, creating and collaborating closely with the multiple organizations that make up the company. When off the clock, Patrick is usually working on his freelance, attending an AIGA event, or dabbling in photography. As the Volunteer Chair for AIGA, one of Patrick’s goals is to introduce the value of AIGA through volunteering. Not only for the community, but for one’s self. His other responsibilities include planning AIGA events, reaching out to potential volunteers and general upkeep of the volunteer database.