our
secretariat

director@theicod.org

As Managing Director, Ana is accountable for the overall operational and administrative management of the Secretariat, implementation of Board-directed strategy and policy, delivery of the Council’s programmes, and development of membership, affiliations and partnerships. With an educational background in both International Business and Industrial Design, and over a decade of experience managing international projects in a range of industries, Ana is an advocate for professional design practice and design as a vehicle for global change. Born in Argentina, raised in the United States and trained in Canada, Mexico and Italy, Ana speaks English, French and Spanish.

events@theicod.org

As Events Manager, Elizabeth oversees all aspects of planning and coordinating Council events, meetings and activities. Elizabeth manages the connection points between Members and other ICoD networks, including physical Council Meetings (General Meetings, Platform Meetings, Regional Meetings , Special Meetings) and virtual meetings of the various sub-networks. Elizabeth is the coordinator for the International Design Day and oversees other programmes including the allocation Member Event seals and Excellence Awards, and Member partnerships. With a background in communications, event and project management, visual presentation and administration, Elizabeth has experience leading teams, acting as a brand manager, spearheading workshops, and leading specialists in a fashion design context to uphold organisational standards. Originally from El Salvador, Elizabeth grew up in Montréal and speaks English, French and Spanish fluently.

communications@theicod.org

As Communications Officer, Alisha facilitates the strategic development and implementation of a coordinated communications plan, including online content, social media, programme and event promotion, press releases and member relations. In this role, she promotes the value and reach of the Council’s Member activities and initiatives and works to highlight new relationships between design news, stories and events around the world. In other work, Alisha is an author and visual artist with a focus on speculative fiction. Currently a PhD candidate in the Queen’s University Cultural Studies Programme (Kingston) Alisha holds a BA in Literature from McGill University, an MFA from Concordia University (both in Montréal) and an MA in Art Conservation from Queen’s University.

administration@theicod.org

As Administrator, Samantha Fitzgerald carries out all administration duties, and fields all enquiries related to Event Endorsements, Member invoicing and payment — maintains up-to-date invoicing procedures, monthly membership reports, and ensures that membership participation at the Council remains active at all times. Born in England, Samantha has worked for various organisations in the UK, including the BBC, British Petroleum Oil (BPO) and several financial houses in Management/Administration, where she developed a strong reputation as a capable problem-solver.

socialmedia@theicod.org

As Social Media Coordinator, Marnie develops social media strategies and coordinates the content shared throughout the Council’s social media platforms. Marnie works to build and sustain a strong online presence that best represents the Council’s mandate, aimed to fuel audience curiosity on topics regarding design. Marnie is a born and raised Montrealer, who speaks English, French and Italian. An undergraduate from Concordia University (Montréal) with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art History, Marnie has been published in a variety of Montreal-based academic journals, exhibition catalogues, and internet think-pieces exploring themes of technology, identity, and fashion.

design@theicod.org

As Visual Communications Officer, Alexey’s strategic role is to develop and implement the Council's unique visual language across multiple programmes, initiatives and communications channels.

Alexey is a visual artist and graphic designer with expertise in graphic and web design, typography, illustration, image-making and photography, as well as in online and email marketing, social media and digital communications. Born in Russia, he holds a BA and Master’s in Public Administration from St. Petersburg State University as well as a BFA degree with distinction from Concordia University (Montréal) in addition to a Diploma of Higher Education in graphic design and illustration from the University of Hertfordshire (UK). Alexey speaks Russian, English and French.

outreach@theicod.org

Tara acts as the central coordinator of the Special Meeting of Design Weeks, Design Museums and Design Cities. Raised in Prague, but now a Montrealer, Tara attended McGill University (Montréal) followed by completing a Master’s degree in Contemporary Design at the University of Manchester (London). Her background is in design writing and project management. She currently runs a website showcasing Québec design. Tara speaks Czech, English and French.