The Retail Design Institute’s Chicago | Great Lakes Chapter is excited to announce the election of its new Chapter Officers for the term beginning November 1, 2024, and concluding on October 31, 2026.
This team of talented professionals will drive the Chapter’s mission to foster creativity, collaboration, and community engagement within the region’s retail design industry.
Anthony Pastore, RDI, Senior Design, Global Creative at The Wendy's Company, has been elected Chapter President. Previously serving as Vice President, Anthony has been instrumental in elevating member engagement and strengthening community ties. In his candidate statement, he expressed his commitment to the Chapter’s future:
“As Vice President, I focused on fostering collaboration and networking within our industry. I’m honored to continue this work as President, championing our shared vision of innovation and excellence in retail design.”
The Chapter welcomes additional leaders to the board:
- Vice President: Blake Ross, RDI, Sr. Manager, Visual Merchandising and Marketing at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. Blake, a member since 2022, brings fresh energy and insights to his new role as Vice President.
- Secretary: Jennifer Acevedo, Allied RDI, Vice President, Marketing + Brand Strategy at NELSON Worldwide, who has been re-elected as Secretary. A member since 2017, Jennifer’s expertise in marketing and brand strategy will continue to support the Chapter’s communications and initiatives.
- Treasurer: Amanda Smith, RDI, who has graciously agreed to continue in her role as Treasurer. A dedicated member since 2018, Amanda’s commitment and financial guidance have been invaluable to the Chapter’s ongoing success.
The Chicago | Great Lakes Chapter is poised for an impactful term ahead, with new initiatives that will promote professional growth, knowledge sharing, and industry connections for its members across the region.
About the Retail Design Institute
The Retail Design Institute is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the retail design industry, fostering professional development, and celebrating design excellence. The Chicago | Great Lakes Chapter serves members across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and surrounding areas, providing valuable resources and a platform for collaboration.