Board of Directors

Ruth Lynford, Founder of NY11+

Ruth Lynford, FASID, IIDA, N.Y.S. Certified, Assoc. AIA, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington University in 1946, and currently serves on their National Advisory Council. In 1984, she founded Interior Designers for Legislation in New York (IDLNY), an organization that in 1990 created the 33rd profession of Interior Design in New York State. Ruth was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 1990, and received the Leadership Award of Excellence from IIDA NY in 2003.

Ellen Fisher, President

Ellen Fisher is a New York State Certified Interior Designer, and professional member of ASID, IIDA, and the Interior Design Educators Council, and is a member of the board of trustees of the IDEC Foundation, IDLNY, and of NY11+. She earned a BA in Philosophy and Women’s Studies from Ithaca College, an MA from Teachers College Columbia University, an AAS in Interior Design from FIT, and an MS and PhD in architectural studies from the University of Missouri. A lifelong New Yorker and longtime design educator, Ellen currently serves as VP for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at the New York School of Interior Design. She also worked as a designer for architectural firms Nobutaka Ashihara Associates and Fox & Fowle, and was for many years the principal in her own interior design firm.

Hans Galutera, Vice-President

Hans Galutera is Founder and CEO of HG DesignWorks LLC. He is co-founder Emeritus of New York-based BG Studio International, Inc. and is the Past President of the Board of Directors for IIDA New York Chapter and an Honorary Member of the Society of British Interior Designers (Hon.SBID). He is also an Advisory Board Member for the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC-UN Habitat), and a professional member of the Design Institute of Australia. Hans’ expertise has allowed him to be judge and juror for prestigious organizations, universities and publications. Hans has been nominated and appointed on the New York State Education Board for Interior Design and a recent recipient of the Title and Honor of Doctor of Design from Solent University Southampton UK.

Sandra Reicis, Treasurer

Sandra Reicis is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at Villa Maria College and currently serves as the Art Department Chairperson. She has served as the IDEC East Region Chairperson since the Spring of 2012 and prior to that was the Regional Abstract Coordinator and co-chair of the Program Coordinator/Chairperson Network.

In 2014 she co-chaired the IDEC Student Competition. Sandra is an Advisory Council member of the Architectural Technology Program at Erie Community College and the Interior Design Program at Alfred State College. She earned a Masters of Architecture Degree from the University at Buffalo. Sandra is a member of IDEC, IIDA and NKBA as well as the Interior Design Association of Western New York. In 2014 she was named IDEC Educator of the Year and in spring 2014 she graduated from the Academic Leadership Institute which is led by the Western New York Higher Education Consortium.

David Sprouls, Secretary

David Sprouls is President of the New York School of Design. He served as vice president of enrollment management and director of admissions at NYSID before being appointed president in 2012. Before his tenure at NYSID, David worked in admissions at Albright College and Fashion Institute of Technology. He received a BA in Art History and American Studies from Rutgers College and a BFA in Restoration from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Susan A Forbes, Advisory

Susan Forbes, CID is a New York State Certified Interior Designer, a Partner of Forbes-Ergas Design Associates, Inc. and has been an Interior Design Educator at the Fashion Institute of Technology/SUNY since 1990. She earned a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Certificate of Graduation w/Honors from Parsons School of Design. Professional Organizations include ASID, IDEC, DLF, IALD, and she is an emeritus member of the Decorators Club.

Kelsey Verillo, Advisory

Kelsey is a graduate of Parsons School of Design, The New School. She is a dedicated interior design professional, currently practicing hospitality design at Jeffrey Beers International. She owes her hospitality expertise to nearly a decade in events and marketing working with, and the likes of The Smithsonian(s), The NFL, Buzz Aldrin and leading international biomedical firms. Kelsey is enthusiastic about sustainability, wellness and its impact on human health and our environment. She has completed the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building program at The New School, as well as, Holistic Health practices at IIN.