Staff
Executive Director: Hilary Ashworth
As the senior staff person appointed by the RGD’s Board of Directors, Hilary oversees the operations, administration and management of the Association. Hilary directs the Association’s overall strategy, direction, policies and programming with the guidance of the Board and working with the various volunteer Committees. Hilary spearheads RGD’s advocacy role, actively striving to improve standards and increase professionalism in the industry. Questions and concerns related to strategic direction and governance of the Association should be directed to Hilary.
Chief Operating Officer & Director of Membership: Heidi Veri
Heidi oversees the Association's Membership, operations and financial management. She is RGD’s primary contact for obtaining RGD Certification, managing all aspects of the process, from the eligibility and application review to the portfolio presentation and providing results. Heidi ensures the Association remains in a healthy economic position and is using all of its resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. Questions related to Membership, Certification and operations should be directed to Heidi.
Creative Director: Karin Heinsch RGD
A Certified RGD herself, Karin oversees the brand image of the Association. She is responsible for the creative direction of RGD marketing, promotion, publications and communications. Karin is also responsible for the design and management of RGD’s online presence, the pro bono participation of external designers on major initiatives such as DesignThinkers. Questions related to the RGD's brand and design should be directly to Karin.
Director of Communications & Development: Michelle Pereira Hampton
Michelle manages RGD's relationships with industry partners and generates support for programs such as DesignThinkers and CreativeEarners. Organizations interested in partnering with the RGD and collaborating on programs and cross-promotion are invited to contact Michelle.
Communications & Awards Coordinator: Vanshika Anand
Vanshika collects and generates content for the RGD's email newsletter, website and Job Board. This includes information about the RGD’s events, programs and services, as well as the work and achievements of our Members. Vanshika also coordinates all of the RGD's Awards programs including our In-House Design Awards, Branding Awards and Student Awards. Contact Vanshika about sharing work, news, events and job postings with our audience or if you have questions about any of our Awards programs.
Community Engagement & PR Manager: Rebecca Dudgeon
Rebecca works to engage and inform the RGD’s Membership and the larger design community through social media, media outreach and a variety of program and advocacy initiatives. Rebecca also coordinates the activities of RGD’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Contact Rebecca about social media, media inquiries or about the RGD’s advocacy in support of industry best practices.
Events Coordinator: Youssef Elgaria
Youssef coordinates speaker participation and programming for Canada's largest annual graphic design conference, DesignThinkers, held in Vancouver in the spring and Toronto in the fall as well as our In-House Design and Educator Conferences. He also coordinates the RGD's extensive webinar program. Questions related to our Conferences, webinars and other events should be directed to Youssef.
Graphic Designer: Isabella Marchena Associate RGD
Isabella contributes to the brand image of the Association and provides graphic design services in support of our operations and activities. She designs RGD marketing and promotion, in particular RGD’s online presence including the RGD website, email newsletter and social media.
Membership Manager: Zaria Pucknell
Zaria is the RGD’s primary contact for Associate RGD & Affiliate Membership questions. If you are unsure of what category you are eligible for, Zaria is the person to contact. If you are already a Member, Zaria helps with dues payments, as well as questions about Member benefits, Member listings, ‘members only’ online access, Goodlife Fitness membership and more.
Communications & Development Manager: Rushika Shah
Rushika manages the RGD's extensive sponsorship opportunities for companies to connect with the RGD community through our conferences, programs and other initiatives. Contact Rushika if you are interested in promoting your company's products, services and/or expertise to the RGD's audience.
