At the heart of every great organization is a group of people who keep the mission moving forward. For SDA, that group is the National Executive Committee. Often called “ExCom,” this team of volunteer leaders works alongside the Executive Director to guide the association, uphold its values, and shape its future. Together, they make sure SDA continues to deliver on its promise of education, connection, and excellence in design firm business operations.

Serving on ExCom is a chance to make a real impact. Each officer takes responsibility for a key area of SDA’s governance and strategic direction, while also acting as a bridge between national leadership, committees, and local chapters. Members of ExCom serve as liaisons to at least one national committee and several chapters, helping ideas and energy flow both ways. It is part strategy, part mentorship, and part inspiration, all focused on keeping the organization strong and forward-thinking.

But beyond the structure and titles, the real experience of serving on ExCom is about collaboration and shared purpose. It is sitting around a virtual table with people who care deeply about SDA and the design community, trading ideas that turn into initiatives, and finding creative solutions together. It is learning from peers across the country who bring different experiences and perspectives but share the same passion for making SDA better for everyone.

Many who serve on ExCom discover that the experience sparks something new in their professional journey. For some, it becomes a pathway to greater leadership within SDA, often building toward the role of President. But it is never just about the title. Each step offers opportunities to grow, mentor others, and shape the organization’s direction in meaningful ways. At its core, ExCom service is about amplifying the energy and ideas of our members, celebrating their successes, and helping guide SDA toward an even brighter future.

ExCom 2023-24: Gretchen Renz, CDFA, Treasurer

At the 2023 SDA Annual Business Meeting in Tampa, Florida, Gretchen Renz, CDFA, was elected and sworn in as the SDA National Vice President. Renz returns to SDA's Executive Committee (ExCom) member, having served the past term as National Secretary. She is an active member of the SDA Seattle chapter, where she served on the board for nine years. She also served on the SDA National By-Laws committee for two years. 

Renz's vision Gretchen's vision encompasses promoting membership and raising awareness of SDA within the industry are also key priorities. She wants to prioritize creating "opportunities for short-term volunteers, and helping members find time to commit to SDA are priorities, as is promoting membership and SDA to the industry. No longer should we be AEC’s best-kept secret," says Renz. 

ExCom will benefit significantly from Renz's experience. She is the managing director of operations and finances at Bernardo Wills in Spokane, Washington, where she has been employed for over 31 years.  She has a bachelor of science degree in Accounting focused on Accounting, Project Management from Western Governor University. 

Says Renz, "The duties of the Treasurer are a good match for my experience and natural tendencies. (My co-workers recently voted me “Most Likely to Solve a Problem Using a Spreadsheet.”) I like order, tidy records, checklists, and, of course, spreadsheets. I am looking forward to the opportunity to improve my presentation, writing, and public speaking skills."

ExCom 2023-24: Vincent Lafitte, CDFA National Vice President

At the 2023 SDA Annual Business Meeting in Tampa, Florida, Vincent Lafitte, CDFA, was elected and sworn in as the SDA National Vice President. Lafitte is a new SDA's Executive Committee (ExCom) member, having served on the National Certification Committee since 2014. He has been an active member of the Atlanta chapter, where he was elected president for three terms and gained six years of valuable board experience. 

Lafitte brings to ExCom his extensive experience in organizational development. Lafitte confidently has over 15 years in the field of human resources, with a strong understanding of various aspects such as organizational behavior, interpersonal connections, and relations. He values continuous improvement and seeks various perspectives before making decisions. “I like to look at things from 5-10 different viewpoints, not just one, and am very vocal in bringing new ideas and thoughts to the fore. I also have no problem challenging “how it’s always done” which means progress quite frankly doesn’t happen, but with the mindset of continuous improvement.”

Lafitte is an HR Analyst and Senior Associate at SSOE in Atlanta. His responsibilities include overseeing system administration and innovation for all HR-related systems, such as iCIMS, Microsoft Dynamics, and ADP's HR areas. Additionally, he compiles, organizes, analyzes, and provides recommendations based on all HR data.