The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has named renowned designer Gary Wheeler, FASID, FIIDA as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. The appointment comes on the heels of the recent announcement that Randy Fiser, Hon. FASID will step down from his position as CEO at the end of July. Wheeler, one of the most respected names in design, will lead the organization through the transition period until a permanent CEO is named.
“There is no one more qualified for this role than Gary Wheeler,” stated Ford Motor Company Global Design Director and ASID Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Kolstad, ASID, Associate AIA. “His extensive experience in design leadership and impeccable history with ASID made him the natural choice. The entire Board and I are confident that Gary will continue the progress of the organization with the care and dedication it deserves.”
Wheeler is a titan of the design profession. His career has spanned more than 30 years in which he has led practices at Perkins&Will, Gensler, and, most recently, HDR. He has designed workplaces for companies such as Apple, Time Warner, American Express, and JP Morgan. He has been a member of ASID since he was a student. His many ASID accomplishments and milestones include being named the Designer of Distinction (1999), granted fellowship, serving as National president (1994), and much more. During Wheeler’s time as ASID president, he was a transformative leader that ushered in a new era for the organization by expanding the ASID Foundation and investing in research and evidence-based design. Beyond society honors, Wheeler has been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, received the Senior Fellow Award from The Design Future Council, and been named an IIDA Fellow, one a few designers with Fellow distinction with ASID and IIDA.
"First, I want to thank the ASID Board for entrusting me with the responsibility of helping lead the organization that I love,” said Wheeler. “ASID has been a central part of my career and life. I look forward to continuing to give back and lend my expertise during this time of transition. Our unified goal is to continue to showcase the impact of design and the role of interior designers creating spaces to promote the health and well-being of people.”
He will begin the role of Interim CEO on June 15 to have overlap with Fiser as he ends his tenure. In addition to Wheeler’s appointment, ASID Chief Administrative Officer Charles Jewett will shift to the role of Chief Operating Officer to manage day-to-day staff operations. Jewett is a proven and effective leader who previously held management positions at multiple large corporations including Blackboard.
A search committee comprising ASID members, Board members, and industry professionals has begun the process of identifying the permanent CEO. The committee will be chaired by ASID Board Member John Cialone, FASID.
