2008-2009 Board of Directors

Nominations for the open 2007-2009 Board of Directors seats will be accepted until August 31. From September 1 to September 7, we will contact nominees to confirm their candidacy and obtain a photo and personal statement. Nominees have the right to accept or decline candidacy for these positions.

Nominations for the open 2007-2009 Board of Directors seats have been closed. Check back on September 8 for a link to the Candidates page to view the candidates' position statements and biographies.

Nominees

Nominees are listed below in alphabetical order. For information on the election process please visit the Elections page. Please direct any questions to elections2008[at]iainstitute[dot]org.

Mario Bourque

• Mario is a challenger of the establishment--he can identify changes necessary for overall improvement and works diligently to ensure an ease of transition for everyone. He has been active in the IAI as a mentor and as a driving force for the Enterprise IA mailing list, reading library initiative and more. Mario is passionate and energetic and would make a great addition to the Board of Directors.

(Nominated by Russ Unger)
 

Dante Calligaris

• He is a great name of user experience and information architecture in Brazil

(Nominated by Daniel)
 

Christian Crumlish

• He's done a great job over the past two years.

(Nominated by Jorge Arango)
 

Christian Crumlish

• Christian has been a member of the Board the past two years. And I have been incredibly honored to serve with him. His contributions to our electronic infrastructure, including shepherding our website relaunch in 2007, have been phenomenal. Without Christian's cool and knowledgeable head at the helm as our IT Director, the Institute would probably not enjoy the success it has today.

(Nominated by Eric Reiss)
 

Jonell Gades

• Jonell has been an outstading citizen in the world of IA. She has been able to implement IA best practices throughout our firm as well as her previous jobs. Her leadership and mentorship has been the reason why many people, including myself, stick to the principles of IA and understand the world of IA, outside of our box. Jonell will leave an important impression on anyone she meets and will build a bridge to continue the conversation, regardless of specialty, background, or whatever. The IA institute would benefit greatly from her talent, skills, and passion.
(Nominated by Theresa Crafts)
 

Austin Govella

• Austin has contributed tirelessly to the IAI's infrastructure. He is a thought leader with his thinking and making blog, a mainstay of Boxes & Arrows, a huge force for positive energy, a good guy, and talented information architect

(Nominated by Christian Crumlish)
 

Whitney Hess

• I believe I can help to grow our community, evolve the purpose of the organization, strengthen our partnerships with related organizations, and evangelize our vision to the greater population. I bring a fresh perspective and want to challenge some of the preconceived notions about what's possible in this community. We're at the tipping point of going mainstream and need to prepare for the influx of new professionals to come. I want to help make it happen.

(Nominated by Whitney Hess)
 

Whitney Hess

• I would like to nominate Whitney Hess to the IAI Board. I can say with confidence that Whitney is one of the future leaders in our field. She brings a fresh perspective to our work and constantly challenges us to "think outside the browser". She encourages and inspires abstract thinking and challenges my very own notions of the truth. As everyone knows, innovation is achieved by those who challenge the status quo, and she does just that. Whitney invests a tremendous amount of time in networking with her peers, attending conferences, and giving 'food for thought' through her Website. Her reputation speaks for itself, and those of us who know her are appreciative to call her a friend and colleague. Her peers hold her in the highest regard, and her commitment to making all experiences better is a testament to who she truly is. Her unique perspective and commitment would definitively translate into significant benefits for the IAI, and would have an impact as we move forward. IA is alive and well, and will keep thriving so long as there are people like Whitney Hess fighting in the trenches.

(Nominated by Mario Bourque)
 

Andrew Hinton

• Given that we've brought on an executive director to look after the operational stabilization and growth of the Institute, the board will have a greater opportunity to focus on high-level challenges we're facing (branding, the development of the profession, etc.) I can't think of a more qualified person to help mold these discussions than Andrew.

(Nominated by Jorge Arango)
 

Livia Labate

• Livia is a thought leader in the IA realm, a great communicator, a wonderful person, a huge supporter of IAI both locally and abroad, a noted design manager who brought her entire team to the IA Summit now several times, and a hard worker.

(Nominated by Christian Crumlish)
 

Livia Labate

• Increasingly, demonstrating leadership in the Information Architecture field is about providing, understanding and integrating perspectives. I can't think of anyone who personifies this needed leadership ideal better than Livia. Her impressive breadth of experience spans countries and cultures, organizational models, practitioner roles and gender perspectives. As the IAI expands and continues to reach a broader global audience, we need a person like Livia who not only clearly recognizes the opportunities for the IA field in the future, but also has the experience to understand and integrate the range of viewpoints that make up the community. Her past experience as a member of the IAI Board of Directors only reinforces her suitability for this role. Livia never shies away from a tough problem: she's a bridge builder, a connection-maker and an inspiration to those who work with her and know her. Most importantly, Livia is someone who has a great deal of respect for the opinions and thoughts of others. She's someone I hold in extremely high regard, and I strongly encourage her consideration for a position on the IAI Board of Directors.

(Nominated by Matthew Milan)
 

Livia Labate

• Livia is a big-picture thinker combined with a big ability do-er. She is a thought-leader in our industry and a proven leader in the field--when I think of IA, I am constantly reminded how deeply involved Livia is in her commitment to better user experiences. Livia has a voice that you recognize--both online and off--and she is well-respected by her peers. After having lunch with Livia, I quickly understood that she is the type of person that we all hope to have the opportunity to work with, and as a member of the Board of Directors, we would be given that opportunity. The major difference is that it would be exponentially better for the community as a whole, because Livia would be working for all of us in order to see the organization and the field continue to thrive. I strongly believe that Livia would endeavor to continue to improve upon the IAI as previous Board of Directors have worked so hard to do.

(Nominated by Russ Unger)
 

Gail Leija

• Gail is an extremely talented and experienced IA/user experience designer, who would be a great add to the IA Institute Board of Directors.

(Nominated by Karri Ojanen)
 

Harry Max

• Harry Max is a very experienced Information Architect, he supports the IA Institute since a very long time and knows extremly well how to face the challenges of our profession within the next decade. He even supported the Institute as an advisor since a few years already. 1st Reason - IA Institute next important phase (adress the business and strategic leverages) In order to support Information Architects in business in the next years, it is essential to face the common challenges of the (IAI) members world wide. For the proceeding of the field of profession of Information Architects (on a higher level), a even stronger connectivity to business and the awareness as professionals who find solutions for business goals and talk business language is a great leverage for all of us. It will be important that the Bord in the future also faces these challenges with future programms. 2nd Reason - Harry Max - a person we can learn from By holding workshops in conferences like: "Becoming a leader - from IA to business and beyond" Harry Max has proved many times that he has a great ability to teach other Information Architects new core knowledge to leverage their career. Therefor I can emagine what great value a person like Harry Max could bring for the members of the IA Institute.
  

(Nominated by Wolf H. Noeding)
 

James Melzer

• James Melzer is a successful IA practitioner based in Washington, DC (USA). I met James at the IA Summit several years ago and whenever I have the opportunity to hear him, I do. James has perspective. That's such a unique trait in a world (and professional domain) that can be marred by fluff, superficiality and hype. I'd like to see James bring his perspective to the IAI and help us continue to further the role of the Institute and IA beyond the realm and influences we have grown accustomed to and comfortable with. James is a quiet guy, so I'm nominating him with the hope that it will make him speak up and let the community become more aware of his great thinking.

(Nominated by Livia Labate)
 

Matthew Milan

• Matt Milan is the type of person who not only understands Information Architecture the way it is today (and has the wherewithal to discuss it openly to a crowd of often not-in-agreement peers), but also is the type of person that wants to help shape the way Information Architecture is tomorrow. Simply put, our organization needs more thought leaders who can take us beyond our existence today. We need a person like Matt Milan to help shake the foundation, chart that course and bring consensus and direction to the path we need to travel. Being brilliant simply is not enough--Matt is humble, likable and if nothing else, a helpful person not only wants to succeed at all he does, but equally as important, he wants you to succeed as well.

(Nominated by Russ Unger)
 

Matthew Milan

• I like working with smart people and I specially like smart people taking a leadership role in causes I believe in. That is why I want to see Matt Milan at the IAI board. Matt's values and his passion for our practice transpire in everything he does. I could speak about how great I think Matt is as a person and what/how he has contributed to our practice in the past, but it's in what he can do for us in the future that makes him such a good fit for the IAI board; Matt is a conscience for Information Architecture. Whenever I feel like we have reached some sort of plateau and/or we are patting ourselves on the back, Matt brings a fresh perspective that makes me reflect on who we are as professionals and what we can accomplish as a community of practice; opinions grounded on facts, insights from experience, and an eye towards the future. That's strategy, that's though leadership, that's who I want to see in the IAI board next.

(Nominated by Livia Labate)
 

Matthew Milan

• Aside from being a very intelligent person, Matthew is a motivating, inspiring type of leader. His actions speak volumes, his ideas are full of insight, and his perspectives really bring a whole new understanding to our daily work. His peers speak highly of him and his reputation is outstanding. Matthew's active involvement revolves around promoting our discipline, raising awareness, and creating enthusiasm for IA in Toronto and around the globe. He is the catalyst we need in order to gather interest to our craft and also to the IAI. He will continue to challenge convention, and more importantly challenge everyone to be better. Those are the reasons why I believe we need Matthew Milan on the IAI board.

(Nominated by Mario Bourque)
 

Matthew Milan

• Matthew Milan is a bright, strategic thinker, a passionate advocate and a gifted communicator. He understands the issues that IAs face on a daily basis as a practitioner, a manager, and a community leader in Toronto and beyond. Anyone who has seen Matthew deliver a workshop or talk at IA Summit - or had a quiet conversation with him over a leisurely dinner - knows that he is a true thought leader who loves to tackle wicked problems and delivers practical, effective solutions. As a colleague who has worked closely with Matthew in both professional and volunteer contexts - and as a friend - I cannot think of a candidate more perfectly matched to be on the IAI 2008 Board of Directors.

(Nominated by Kaleem Khan)
 

Margeigh Novotny

• Margeigh has worked in information architecture and interaction design for 25 years. She is currently Senior VP of Strategy and Experience for MOTO Development Group, developing a new arm of services for this 20-year old consumer electronics engineering company. Previously at Smart Design and at her own company, General Product, Margeigh's clients have included Microsoft, Samsung, Disney Televentures, and Oxygen Networks. Some of her many other industry credits include serving on recent juries such as the Emmy Awards Interactive TV Blue Ribbon Peer Group, Spark Awards; serving as Program Co-Chair for DUX 07; winning an IDEA Silver Award for Interactive Product Design.

(Nominated by Sabrina Merlo)
 

Karri Ojanen

• I would like to nominate myself for the IA Institute Board of Directors. I have almost a decade of experience working as IA, user experience and concept designer for several agencies in three different countries on three different continents: currently I work in Toronto, Canada, but come from Helsinki, Finland, and have also worked in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. I am passionate about this field and a strong supporter of the IA Institute. I'm interested in working in the Board of Directors to help the Institute to become even stronger as the home base for information architects worldwide.

(Nominated by Karri Ojanen)
 

Susan Teague Rector

• Not only did Susan single-handedly create RUX (Richmond User Experience), but she has been evangelizing information architecture throughout her work both at the VCU library system and in the overall community. She is a tireless promoter of our field. Her knowledge and her interests are quite strong. Combine all this with her positive, supportive, and engaging personality and you have a great director of the IAI.

(Nominated by Joe Sokohl)
 

Andrea Resmini

• Andrea has played a relevant role in the IA Journal and IA Edu projects -- very precious initiatives in my opinion.


• Andrea may represent an important link between the USA IA world and the European one, helping in such a way IA discipline to expand its boundaries and integrate different cultures and perspectives.


• He also supports a multidisciplinary approach to the IA, and a global view of that discipline (IA not just for the web but for every shared information environment: digital, physical, procedural or a mix of the above).

(Nominated by Luca Rosati)
 

Andrea Resmini

• I would like to suggest Andrea Resmini for the IA Institute Board: Andrea has already made important contributions to the IA community and will hopefully continue to do so for many years to come. Andrea sees IA in a broad and global perspective and he has such excellent team-building skills, and so constructive and positive to work with. I’m not sure how he does it, but in less than 6 months, he has managed to make most European IA academics work as a team to conduct a survey, to give a joint and (hopefully) coherent presentation for the upcoming EuroIA in Amsterdam – and has played an important role in getting the ball rolling for our own IA Journal. (And if the presentation in Amsterdam should not be coherent, Andrea will definitelly not be the one to blame). Andrea is a man with a vision. A vision for IA in the future.

(Nominated by Dorte Madson)
 

Sarah Rice

• Sarah has been a phenomenally active member of the Board these past two years. I am honored to have served with such a capable individual. The first year, as our Director of Events, Sarah played an important role in organizing the second IDEA conference. And this past year, Sarah has been working hard at marketing the Institute. Sarah has formulated many key procedures and has worked tirelessly to improved the quality of our back office as well as our public services. A fabulous asset to our community.

(Nominated by Eric Reiss)
 

Donna Spencer

• I really hope Donna agrees to run for a second term on the Board. I've been so honored to serve with her. First as our Director of Marketing and this past year as our Treasurer, Donna has done a fantastic job keeping the Institute on track. And her dedication and committment to our community in general and our Institute in particular have been simply extraordinary.

(Nominated by Eric Reiss)
 

Russ Unger

• I have been acquainted with Russ for a few years but came to know him well this last year, as we have connected both on and off the IA list, as well as through the IxDA and over Twitter. Many of Russ’s colleagues will remark that he is blessed with considerable talent. What many of them overlook is how hard he works to cultivate his talent, whether it be the development of his design deliverables for clients or of his relentless advocacy of IA within the greater UX community. I think his efforts are well known -- for instance: his recent interviews of speakers for the upcoming IDEA 2008 conference posted on Boxes and Arrows – he is constantly deflecting attention from himself and instead focusing on the community and the practice. In fourteen years of practice in IA, IxD and user experience design, I have known other professionals with talent equivalent to Russ’s. Many of them lack his good nature and humility, and few demonstrated the genuine intellectual curiosity combined with an earnest desire to advance the discipline -- a passion that is often accompanied by his excitement or enthusiasm for an idea, an author, a concept or the lead role in a challenging project. Russ is a motivated professional of numerous talents and considerable self discipline. He is fun-loving, likable, enthusiastic, trusting and trustworthy. Bottom line – no other person I would more heartily recommend or have a beer with.

(Nominated by Will Evans)
 

Russ Unger

• I met Russ Unger through the IAI members list in January, but it was after the IA Summit in Miami that we became good friends. Russ is a very intelligent and highly competent individual and, with 15 years of experience in the field, he is at the top of his game, constantly improving himself and our discipline. His involvement with the IDEA Conference as a mentor, event coordinator and active participant on the IAI members list clearly demonstrates his commitment to the IAI. While building great experiences for his customers, Russ raises awareness about the importance of Information Architecture to the online world, and to our community. His upcoming book will shed light on user experience practices for individuals and small teams, and will become a valuable addition to the library of novices and experts alike. Russ has the respect of his peers and his active involvement in the user experience community does not go unnoticed. He would bring a great deal of knowledge to the board, work relentlessly to establish the IAI as a definitive authority on Information Architecture, and help guide the evolution of our discipline for those that will follow.

(Nominated by Mario Bourque)
 

Russ Unger

• A great leader needs to show visionary thinking, but also lead by example. This combination is exactly what makes Russ Unger an excellent candidate for a Director position with the IAI. Russ exemplifies the kind of dedication and commitment that the IAI needs to thrive. He's humble, smart, articulate and passionate about the field of IA. His selfless dedication to the Institute through various initiatives (and the field in general) is inspirational, and frankly, something that needs to be recognized for what it truly is; leadership through action. I've met lot of talented people in the IA field, but Russ is one of those rare individuals who makes those around him noticeably better. Always willing to help out and lend a hand, Russ is constantly looking for opportunities to improve things, whether it's a quick win or long term success. The ongoing success of the IAI is dependent on a number of factors, but in my mind few are more important than the ability to show tangible results. Russ doesn't just have the vision, he also knows how to get the job done. This is why he needs to be a Director of the Institute, and more importantly, it's the reason why the IAI needs him.

(Nominated by Matthew Milan)
 

Russ Unger

• Russ has demonstrated, through his involvement with the IDEA conference, Boxes & Arrows, the IAI list and his activities as an IA, a capacity for sharing and helping others that would be an outstanding asset for the IAI Board. Russ is personable, energetic, and engaging, with a true passion for the discipline.
  

(Nominated by Steve Baty)
 

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This page was last modified on August 12, 2008 04:21 PM.