March 12, 2021

The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA NY), which provides a professional forum for communication and interaction among its high-profile members, announced its new 2021 board, with designer David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design and the Strictly Santi serving as president.

As President he has committed to “upholding the high professional standards of the IFDA New York Chapter, encouraging the development of excellent programs and fostering fellowship among all members – and to have a lot of fun in the process.”

Enthusiasm and an abundance of talent and energy define Santiago, who also is an opera singer.

“When it comes to interior design or operatic performances on stage, and most importantly loving the people in my life, I don’t hold back,” he said. “I wear my heart on my sleeve and expressions on my face speak volumes that reveal the essence of my true feelings and usually it’s exuberance!”

In addition to being instrumental in the steady stream of programming the Chapter has developed

starting in the darkest hours of the pandemic, the Santiago has also ramped up the IFDA NY social media with a series of takeovers by the likes of Thom Filicia, Alexa Hampton, Vicente Wolf and more to come.

Other members of the esteemed board of members, which reflects the diversity of the organization’s membership, including representatives from all aspects of the design/furnishings field, are:

• Andrea Warriner, past president/chapter advisor
• Susan Hirsh, FIFDA and Zahava Schwartz, vice presidents of the Educational Foundation
• Susan Hirsh, FIFDA, recording secretary
• Jennifer Munich, treasurer
• Rose B. Gilbert, FIFDA, vice president of membership
• Andrea Algaze, Garette Johnson and Jessica Kaller, vice presidents  of programs
• Su Hilty, FIFDA, vice president of financial resources (sponsorship)
• Charles Pavarini III and J. Randall Tarasuk, vice presidents  of awards & recognition (Circle of Excellence 2022 Co-Chair)
• Sarah Fletcher and Jennifer Munich, vice presidents  of marketing & communications
• Erin Nova Peker, Susan Tucker and Richard Segal, vice presidents  of trade awareness (IFDA Selects)
• Erin Nova Peker, vice president of education
• Maureen Klein, vice president of professional development
• Michelle Slovak, vice president of special events (Holiday and Summer Socials)
• Amy Figueroa, sponsor liaison
• Claire Coleman, director at large

IFDA NY functions with the support of Rose Hittmeyer, administrator-in-chief.