OUR TEAM
The people who are the driving force behind DIFFA & its mission
The People Behind the Mission
DIFFA’s work is powered by a passionate group of staff and a dedicated Board of Trustees. We are a community of design industry leaders, non-profit professionals, and dedicated advocates united by a common goal: to harness the generosity and creativity of our industry to further our mission of providing support to those in dire need.
Meet the people who bring this mission to life every day.
The National Staff
The Driving Force of Our Daily Operations
Meet the dedicated team that manages DIFFA’s daily operations. From orchestrating our signature events like DIFFA BY DESIGN to overseeing our grant-making process and supporting our chapters, this team is the first point of contact for our partners, grantees, and the community we serve.
Dawn Roberson
Executive Director
Steven Williams
Associate Director
Missy Bolds
Finance Manager
DIFFA Board of Trustees
Our Guiding Vision & Governance
We are guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees, a remarkable group of executives and visionaries from every sector of the design community. They provide essential strategic governance, industry ambassadorship, and philanthropic leadership to ensure DIFFA’s continued success and impact.
Thomas Polucci
Chair
Jennifer Shimmel
Treasurer
David Rockwell
Chair Emeritus
Cindy Allen
Chair Emeritus
Thomas Polucci
Chair
Jennifer Shimmel
Treasurer
David Rockwell
Chair Emeritus
Cindy Allen
Chair Emeritus
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Thomas Polucci
HOK -
Donna Fishel
Nautilus Investments -
Christine Abbate
Novita PR -
Gary Wheeler
ASID -
Joan MacKeith
Rockwell Group -
Brooke Horan
HDR -
Jennifer Schimmel
Family Office -
Dereine Coleman
independent consultant -
Yiannos Vrousgos
Input NYC -
Jon Otis
Pratt Institute
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Lauren Corbin
Benjamin Moore -
Richard Lombard
Matter of Importance -
Jamie Gagliano
noble black & Partners at
tHE Corcoran Group -
Katharina Plath
Head & Hand PR -
Tina Brennan
Stylex -
Jonas Gabbai
Gensler -
Abigail French
Steelcase -
lee cannon
FCI -
lauren rottet
rottet studio
Chairs Emeritus
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David Rockwell
Chair Emeritus
Rockwell Group
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Cindy Allen
Chair Emeritus
Interior Design
National board committee
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Rhiannon bolen
gridbase
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tom karras
karras and associates
Join These Leaders in Making a DIFFArence
Our team is strong, but our impact grows with every new partner, donor, and volunteer. Whether you are a corporation, a design professional, or a passionate individual, there is a place for you in our community.
You can participate too by donating now or join us at any one of our spectacular fundraising events.