President—Natalie Newman, SDA
Natalie Newman is the Office Manager at Ghataode Bannon Architects.
She 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 Competion in Orange County.
In 2009, she did a third year as chapter President and co-chaired the 2nd Annual Canstruction Design/Build Awards Gala and Judging.
Natalie will be serving her fourth term as Chapter President in 2010 and will work towards her certification, providing first rate educational programs, and increasing the chapter membership. She is also serving on the National board as the Connection Committee Chair and chairing the 3rd Annual Canstruction Design/Build 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, and reading. She has been married to Jason Newman for 9 years, and they love to do weekend get-away’s. Her two favorite people in the world are her beautiful children - her son Drew and her daughter Brittney.
Co Vice-President—Karen Henderson, SDA
Karen Henderson is a Senior Marketing Coordinator for URS, a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services with the capabilities to support every stage of the project life cycle around the globe. 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.”
Co-Vice President—Betsy Nickless, CDFA
Betsy has been in the Design Profession for more than 25 years and was the 2008 recipient of SDA's National Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society for Design Administration.
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. Currently, she serves as the National Bylaws / Governance chair and on the National Publications Committee. She also proof-reads all SDA/OC Chapter publications and announcements for correct grammar and punctuation, attends all Board 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.
Betsy enjoys Five Crowns and Bistango for dining, and her favorite music is Contemporary Christian. She met her husband, Steve, of 28 years 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.
Recording Secretary—Cheryl Mathes, SDA
Cheryl Mathes has worked in the A&E industry for 21 years. Currently she is the Branch Controller for ValleyCrest Design Group, a landscape architecture and planning firm located in Santa Ana, CA. ValleyCrest Design Group performs standalone landscape architecture 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 and glean vital information. She has attended National and Regional conventions, as well as participated on the local Board, monthly seminars, and committees.
Cheryl enjoys being active whether it’s kayaking, wine tasting, dancing, or just spending time her amazing parrots.
Cheryl is a proud supporter of the SDA and enjoys participating in all that the SDA has to offer.
Corresponding Secretary—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 9 offices located throughout California and Nevada. The Firm offers a wealth of architecture, design, master planning, and interior design services.
Diana is excited to serve her first 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 become involved with Canstruction, attends as many monthly educational seminars as possible, and is anticipating her first SDA National Convention experience at EdSymposium 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.
Treasurer—Helen Palermo, SDA
Helen has been working in the accounting field for almost 40 years, ever since her first job. That first job prompted her to study accounting, resulting in a Bachelors degree from CSUF in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, 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 three years share a passion for historic preservation – both having restored bungalows built in the early part of the 20th century prior to their marriage, and are now in the process of restoring their mid century ranch style house. After the completion of the exterior painting of her 1912 bungalow, neighbors began asking for her assistance with their color selections and a small color consulting business was born. 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, and walking their two dogs, Dallas 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 is looking forward to what this increased involvement has in store.
Director—Cindy Loomer, SDA
With 18 years of secretarial experience in the electronic field, Cindy Loomer joined Irwin Architectural Partnership in 1988 as Office Manager. During the recession, she was asked to take over all the bookkeeping and payroll, along with her other office duties. She now has over 20 years experience with Irwin Pancake Architects.
Cindy joined the SDA group in 1992 and has served 2 years as President, 4 years as Corresponding Secretary, has served on a National Committee and is now a Director. Carl Irwin, now retired, supported Cindy’s involvement in SDA and has even been elected as an Honorary Member for SDA/OC. Joining SDA proved to be a valuable asset to Cindy and the firm. The networking and educational experiences that SDA offers cannot be beat.
On a personal note, Cindy’s passion is slo-pitch softball and plays for the California Spirit 55 Tournament Team. The Team won the Gold Medal at the National Senior Olympics in 2009, which took place in Palo Alto, CA and have taken 1st Place in all the major Tournaments throughout the States. She has played recreational softball in Huntington Beach for over 30 years.
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—Connie McKenna-McCulloch, SDA/C
To read Connie’s resume is to stand in awe at the amazing contribution this one woman has made to the A/E/C Industry. After several years acquainting herself in the industry, Connie helped her then husband start his own architectural firm. In 1977 she became involved in the Women’s Architectural League and served as the President, Chair and committee member on the annual High School Design Awards, committee member for the annual Home Tour, and committee member for the newly Licensed Architect’s Reception.
In 1980 Connie was hired on at the AIAOC office and within 6 months was asked to become Component Executive representing the OC Chapter on the State and National levels. Soon, she became the first Executive Director for the chapter. Her accolades at the Orange County Chapter include the first Energy Fair, the 100th Anniversary celebration of the AIA jointly organized with the Los Angeles Cabrillo and Orange County Chapter. Connie resigned her position in 1983 due to family commitments but continued her voluntary work in the architectural profession as a certified member of the Society for Design Administration. In SDA she served as Chapter President, National Academic Curriculum Program Committee, National Education Committee and Coloring Book Committee.
Her voluntary contributions to the architectural industry continued as she served as the Secretary of The Architecture Foundation and Committee member of the second edition of The Orange County Coloring Book. In 1995 Connie was bestowed the title Hon-AIAOCC. Currently Connie is enjoying her role as Principal of Danielian Associates and as the wife of William McCulloch, FAIA.
Director—Judy Merrill, SDA/C - Emeritus
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.
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 1976 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.
Advocate—Nancy Burt, SDA
Nancy has worked at RNM Design for over 28 years, where she currently is part-owner and serves as the Business Manager. She was raised here in Orange County, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA and teaching credential from UCI. Nancy has been a member of SDA for nine years and has served as Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary and on the newsletter committee. Nancy stays connected to SDA because of the friendships she has made and the invaluable educational resources available to members. Nancy enjoys spending time with her family – architect husband, Kevin and sons Ryan, age 20 and Austin, age17.
Honorary Member—Carl Irwin, SDA
In 1966, Carl Irwin founded his firm with a focus on architecture exclusive to the aging and senior housing. On January 1, 2000, Irwin Architectural Group has changed the firm’s name to IRWIN.PANCAKE Architects due to the recent promotions of Douglas Pancake and Greg Irwin to full partners. Today, IRWIN.PANCAKE Architects continues to play an instrumental role in the evolution of design of communities and care centers for the aging. As Carl prepares for retirement, Doug and Greg have taken over the management duties of the office.
Carl is a graduate from USC, enjoys golfing and travel. Carl has been an AIA member for over 30 years and also holds memberships with California Association of Homes & Services for the Aging, California Assisted Living Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Society on Aging and SDA. Carl was voted Honorary Member several years ago and fully supporting the group with office support, postage, convention donations and even spoke at the SDA Western Regional Conference.
Honorary Member—Geri Eckner, SDA
More information to follow.
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