SDA Orange County Chapter Officers

Chapter President—Nancy Burt, SDA

Nancy spent many years in administrative positions in the architecture industry and is now the Human Resources Manager/Firm Bookkeeper for a CPA firm, Lesley, Thomas, Schwarz and Postma. No matter the industry, SDA continues to provide multiple educational and networking opportunities.

Nancy feels there are many benefits to being a member of SDA: one is the ability to query members around the country on any number of topics such as insurance costs, payroll problems and employment-related issues; but the other is by far the greatest benefit and that is the local networking and group of loyal friends that have been made during her membership.

Nancy’s eleven year involvement with SDA has included serving as Chapter President, Co-Vice President, Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary as well as other Newsletter and Conference committees.

Nancy enjoys walking, reading and travel (which she does not get enough of!), and she and her husband, Kevin, have two sons who attend college out of state.

Co-Vice President—Betsy Nickless, SDA/CDFA

Betsy has been in the design profession for almost 25 years and was the 2008 recipient of SDA's National Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society for Design Administration.

Currently, she serves as SDA’s National Treasurer. She has held positions on committees for the National SDA, as well as served as an officer of the Orange County Chapter continuously since the Chapter was founded in 1983. She also proof reads all SDA/OC Chapter publications and announcements for correct grammar and punctuation, attends all Business Meetings and SDA Conventions, and provides all of us with the background and historical information that only a founding member of our Chapter would know.

She has been a member of the Orange County Canstruction executive board since its inception in 2007, and is the Co-Chair for the 2012 event.

Betsy enjoys Five Crowns and Bistango for dining, and her favorite music is Contemporary Christian. She met her husband of 30 years, Steve, at the car races where she was in charge of timing and scoring and he was doing PR work for one of the teams. They have two grown children.

Co-Vice President—Diana Dubich, SDA

Diana Dubich is the Administrative Manager at HMC Architects, Irvine Office. HMC is one of the largest planning and design firms headquartered in California, with offices located throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Internationally. The Firm offers a wealth of architecture, design, master planning, and interior design services.

Diana is excited to serve her third term on the Orange County Chapter Board and looks forward to involvement with the numerous SDA events throughout the year. She has previously attended 2 Western Regional Conferences, has been involved with CanstructionOC, attends as many monthly educational seminars as possible, and is anticipating her first SDA National Convention experience at EdSymposium12 in May. Diana feels that the knowledge and insight gained from peers in the A/E industry through SDA is priceless!

During her spare time, Diana enjoys wine tasting, warm weather activities, and spending time with her “child”, a 4 pound dwarf rabbit named Comet.

Recording Secretary—Cheryl Mathes, SDA

Cheryl Mathes has worked in the A&E industry for 25 years. Currently she is the Controller for ValleyCrest Design Group, a landscape architecture and planning firm located in Santa Ana, CA. ValleyCrest Design Group is a branch of ValleyCrest Landscape Development, which performs standalone landscape architectural services, and integrated design-build services. The landscape architects, installation crews, and maintenance professionals at ValleyCrest collaborate on all aspects of a project, from inception all the way through the installation and maintenance.

Over the years the SDA has been an integral part in her professional career. The programs offered by the SDA give her the opportunity to meet other administrative design professionals, learn and keep updated with current trends, as well as network within the building industry. She has attended National and Regional conventions, as well as participated on the local Board, monthly seminars, and committees. She enjoys participating in the community outreach programs, such as Project Playhouse and CanstructionOC, especially participating in the Annual CanstructionOC Awards Gala.

Cheryl is a proud supporter of the SDA and enjoys participating in all that the SDA has to offer.

Treasurer—Helen Palermo, SDA

Helen has been working in the accounting field for over 40 years, ever since her first job. That first job prompted her to study accounting, resulting in a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis, all while working full time and raising her daughter. Her experience in the engineering arena began in 1989, and she moved into the architectural field in 2003 when she joined Dougherty+Dougherty Architects as their Business Manager.

Helen and her husband of five years share a passion for historic preservation - both having restored bungalows built in the early 1900's prior to their marriage, and are now in the process of restoring their mid-century ranch style house. She has been a member of the Historic Preservation Committee for the City of Anaheim for many years. When they're not working on their house, Tom and Helen enjoy going on home tours, scouring antique flea markets and salvage yards for period items, gardening and walking their two dogs, Albert and Raisin.

After sitting on the SDA sidelines for a number of years, attending the occasional lunch seminar, she was recruited to join the board as chapter treasurer and has served in that position for the last two years.

Corresponding Secretary—Penny Nelson, SDA

Penny Nelson is the Director of Finance for Douglas Pancake Architects, Inc. in Newport Beach. Douglas Pancake Architects is a boutique architectural practice serving the senior housing and healthcare industry across the Western United States.

Penny is looking forward to serving her first term on the Orange County Chapter Board and looks forward to involvement with the numerous SDA events throughout the year. She previously attended the Western Regional Conference in Denver, and is anticipating attending her first EDSymposium in her hometown of Portland, Oregon this May.

As a relative newcomer to the design industry, Penny feels the knowledge and insight the SDA resources provide has been the key to successfully negotiating this new environment.

During her spare time, Penny enjoys spending time with her husband and two (almost) grown children, camping, and visiting Disneyland.

Director—Natalie Newman, SDA

Natalie Newman is the Office Manager and Construction Administrator at Gotama Building Engineers. GBE is a full-service mechanical, electrical, plumbing, low-voltage, lighting and sustainable design engineering firm in beautiful downtown Long Beach.

Natalie has worked in the architectural field since 2000 and has been an SDA member since October 2002. She started her active member career writing ‘Member Profiles’ and other articles for the chapter newsletter, then joined the board and has held the positions of Corresponding Secretary, Vice-President, and President. She also volunteers for different SDA and AIA/OC events.

Natalie has attended five National Conventions, four Western States Regional Conferences and two Leadership Conferences.
2003 - 2005, she presided as Corresponding Secretary for our Orange County Chapter.
In 2006, Natalie presided as Co-Vice President and chaired the Host Chapter Party for the SDA National Convention in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum.
In 2007 she presided as chapter President and chaired the Western States Regional Conference.
In 2008, she did a second term as chapter President and chaired the 1st Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competition in Orange County.
In 2009, she did a third year as chapter President and co-chaired the 2nd Annual CanstructionOC Awards Gala and Judging.
In 2010, Natalie served her fourth term as Chapter President and chaired the 3rd Annual CanstructionOC Awards Gala. She also served on the National board as the Connection Committee Chair.
In 2011, she chaired the 4th Annual CanstructionOC Awards Gala and Judging.

The best part of SDA for Natalie is “the education I have received. What I’ve learned from being a member of the SDA has enriched my career remarkably.”

Natalie hobbies include painting, playing board games & card games, cooking, camping and reading. She has been married to Jason Newman for 12 years, and they love to do weekend get-away’s. Her three favorite people in the world are her beautiful children - her son Drew, her daughter Brittney, and her adorable grandchild Abigail.

Director—Ginger Castillo, SDA/CDFA

Ginger Castillo has been a member of SDA since 2000 and became a Certified Design Firm Administrator in 2004. She has served both on National committees and Chapter positions such as Corresponding Secretary, Vice President and President including various roles on the National Convention and Regional Conference Committees.

In 2007 she took a hiatus to focus on her growing family; husband Ed and children Eric (now 7) and Vanessa (5). With the current economic struggles Ginger works part-time at two firms as Executive Administrator performing tasks from Financial Accounting to Office Administration. Her schedule has allowed her time to serve at her son’s elementary school on the PTA as Treasurer, start their schools first ever Green Team and volunteer in her second season as AYSO Girls Soccer Coach for her daughter Vanessa.

Ginger is excited to return to SDA and get involved in the many important seminars and programs that SDA offers the design administrator.

Director—Cindy Loomer, SDA

Cindy Loomer joined Irwin Architectural Group in 1988 as the Office Manager and attended several SDA meetings before joining the group in 1992. She served four years as Corresponding Secretary, two years as President, served on a National Committee and is now a Director. Joining SDA proved to be a valuable asset to Cindy and the firm. The networking and educational experiences that SDA offers are priceless. Carl Irwin has always supported SDA, being a speaker at Western Regional Conference and was elected to Honorary Member for SDA/OC.

On a personal note, Cindy’s passion is slo-pitch softball and plays for the California Spirit 55 Tournament Team. The Spirit’s have won the Gold Medal at the National Senior Olympics and have placed 1st in major tournaments throughout the US. Cindy married her high school sweetheart, Dan, in 1966 and they reside in Huntington Beach. When Cindy is not playing softball and Dan is not golfing, they enjoy the company of their five grandchildren.

Director—Karen Henderson, SDA

Karen Henderson is the Marketing Manager for Griffin Structures, Inc., a diversified professional services company serving the public and private sectors since 1981 in the areas of program, project and construction management.

Except for a two-year hiatus in the mid-1990s, she has been a SDA/OC member since 1988. Karen has been an active Orange County chapter member, serving as Secretary, Vice President and a three-term President.

“To me the Society for Design Administration is a valuable organization, both professionally and personally.”

Director—Wendy Woolsey, CDFA

With more than 30 years in the architectural arena, Wendy has seen many changes. From the beginning, she has felt drawn to the industry and has enjoyed long-term relationships with firms that specialized in retail, commercial and residential, thus allowing her to experience different aspects of the field. She has enjoyed working for firms that have left their mark on the OC map (Ladd, Kelsey, Woodard Architects (original South Coast Repertory), Architects Pacifica Ltd (South Coast Plaza on Bear), and Bassenian/Lagoni Architects (The Tides). From her first position as a secretary to her most recent position as administrative manager, Wendy has strived to always be professional and learn what she can to assist her in doing her job.

Wendy first discovered the SDA in 1986 and credits the knowledge she has gained over the years thru numerous seminars and conferences, along with networking with her peers, to contributing to her success.

Having served as President, Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary, she is continuing to serve as a Director. The SDA/OC Chapter honored Wendy as the first “Member of the Year” in 1994 and again in 2008. A career goal was realized in 2003 when she became SDA certified. Wendy has spearheaded the SDA/OC volunteers for HomeAid Orange County’s annual fund-raiser, Project Playhouse, since 1992 and sincerely appreciates the support from the chapter for this fun and worthwhile event. She has also enjoyed participating in the Canstruction galas.

Although currently in transition, Wendy hopes to find a niche in another architecture or design-related company, which would allow her to continue with this most special organization. She feels this is an extremely valuable group and enjoys many friendships with members.

Director—Connie McKenna-McCulloch, SDA/C

As Principal at Danielian Associates, Connie is the Chief Financial Officer responsible for the firm’s financial and business administrative activities. Connie brings 30 years of experience in the A/E/C industry and is highly knowledgeable in finance and administration. Prior to joining Danielian, Connie successfully managed a number of architectural firms that specialized in the design and construction of custom homes, restaurants, libraries, community centers, office buildings, and the master planning of residential developments. Connie’s background provides the leadership team at Danielian with a demonstrated excellence and understanding in the operations of architectural firms.

Connie held a number of positions with the AIA Orange County Chapter from Component Executive to Executive Director, representing the chapter on State and National levels. In recognition of Connie’s voluntary contributions to the architectural industry, she was recognized in 1995 with the title Hon-AIAOCC.

Connie is a certified and active member of the Society for Design Administration and has served as the Chapter President.

Honorary Member—Judy Merrill, SDA

Judy attributes much of her professional success to her involvement with SDA, where she has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of operating an architectural firm. She held the office of Chapter President for four terms. At the 2002 National Convention, Judy’s hard work and continuing education paid off as she was honored with the prestigious title of SDA Certified.

Judy says "the best part of membership is working with, learning from, and socializing with all the wonderful people."

Judy retired in 2007 as an Associate at Nadel Architects, Inc. It took about eight months to get used to being retired, but now wonders how she managed to work nine hours a day and do everything she does now during the day. Judy is happy to continue her role as Director of the chapter and help out wherever needed.

Judy has been married to her husband Dale for 29 years and has one daughter and three grandchildren.

Honorary Member—Carl Irwin, SDA

In 1966, Carl Irwin founded Irwin Architectural Group with a focus on architecture specializing in the design for the aging and senior housing. The dba today, Irwin Partners Architects, is headed up by his son, Greg Irwin and the firm continues to play an instrumental role in the evolution of design of communities and care centers for the aging.

Carl is a graduate from USC, enjoys golfing and travel. Carl was voted Honorary Member several years ago and has fully supported SDA and likes what the association brings to his office.

Honorary Member—Geri Eckner, SDA

More information to follow.

Honorary Member—Mark Lowry, Director, Orange County Food Bank

Mark Lowry is director of the Orange County Food Bank. During his tenure, the quantity of food distributed by the Food Bank has grown from two million pounds per year to nearly 20 million pounds annually. Over 100,000 vulnerable people now receive food from the Orange County Food Bank each month.

The Orange County Food Bank distributes food to nearly 400 other charities. Those organizations include churches, senior centers, shelters, community centers and social services agencies. Those charities feed seniors on fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, the unemployed, homeless persons, and the working poor. The Food Bank also feeds 1,400 people directly each day in communities throughout the region.

As an advocate, Mark works closely with elected officials on the local, state and federal levels, on issues related to social and economic justice. He works specifically on agriculture and tax policy and improving access to basic assistance programs including the Food Stamp program.

Mark has served on the Board of Directors and as an officer of several local, state-wide and national groups, including serving as President of the California Association of Food Banks. Under his leadership, the Food Bank has, on two occasions, received the annual Hunger Fighter Award from the California Hunger Action Coalition.

The Orange County Food Bank is a program of the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, a private non-profit charity.