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From Home Furnishing Business

IFDA Educational Foundation Announces 2023 Board of Trustees

February 13, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

IFDA is the voice of the furnishings and design industry and arguably the most diverse organization of its kind with membership that includes designers, media and marketers.

Karen Dzendolet of the New England Chapter has been named IFDA-EF Chair for 2023. Karen believes in intuitive, client-focused design, collaborating with and valuing her clients' lifestyles and goals.

After a career in corporate IT, managing products and projects for operating system software, Karen decided on a career change, and received her Master of Arts in Interior Design in 2006 from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston, MA.  

She started her design business, KDZ Designs in 2009, in Western Massachusetts, focusing primarily on residential design consulting.

Karen has been a member of the IFDA New England chapter since 2009, serving as a board member, starting in 2010, and as IFDA NE Chapter President from 2014 through 2016.

Stephanie Sultanov Graham of the Philadelphia Chapter named vice chair/president-elect. Stephanie is a past President of the IFDA Philadelphia Chapter. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design and Harcum College in Interior Design. 

She has been in the design field professionally for 30 years, ranging from costuming to designing professional and personal spaces. After 30-plus years of interior design, Stephanie has developed a keen understanding of practical materials, fine design, quality craftsmanship and collaborative project management.

She works closely with her clients to gain an understanding of their tastes, interests and needs so that each project results in a uniquely beautiful space.

Helen Wagner of New York Chapter is past chair/advisor. Helen has been a member of the New York Chapter of IFDA since 1993.  At that time, she was managing the 3M Public Relations Department in New York City, which represented 3M’s home furnishings and fabrics businesses.

After returning to Minnesota to head Public Relations at 3M’s worldwide headquarters in St Paul, Helen continued as a member of the New York IFDA Chapter and participates in a variety of initiatives and committees while frequently traveling to New York.  

She served as Chair of the IFDA EF Board in 2022 and has been IFDA New York Chapter Secretary.  She received two Circle of Excellence Awards -- she was the recipient of the Community Service Award in 1994 and the Public Relations Award in 2003.

Earline Feldman of the Carolinas Chapter named director of scholarships & grants. A longtime IFDA member, Earline has served on the IFDA EF Board on several occasions.  She received her B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute of Fine Art. 

She is a recipient of the "Georgia Peach Award."  Earline is a well-known tapestry maven who owned and operated two tapestry galleries for several years. She created and manages the Historical Homepage for Tapestries and the IFDA Educational Foundation’s website.

Kathleen Penney of the Philadelphia Chapter continues as director of resources. Kathleen has been a member of IFDA for the past 21 years, joining as a student from Moore College of Art and Design.  Kathleen completed her design education, and subsequently opened her business, Kathleen L. Penney Interiors, Inc. in 2000.

She specializes in not only interior design/decorating work, but also in renovation project management.  She has served on the Philadelphia Chapter Board for over 15 years in various roles, including President for a two-year term.

Kathleen was the first President in Philadelphia to implement the "Take A Seat Charity Auction," and then served on the committee for the following two auction events.

Kathleen has also served on the National Board of Directors for a one-year term, working on Marketing
 initiatives. This is her second term serving as Director of Resources for the IFDA EF. She resides in West Chester, PA. 

Sarah Fletcher of the New York Chapter continues as director of communications. A longtime IFDA NY Chapter member and member of the IFDA NY Chapter Board, Sarah is principal in Sarah P. Fletcher Communications.  She specializes in the consumer products and design industry with expertise in the non-profit sector as well.  She resides in New York City.

Also returning to the Foundation board in 2023 will be Shirley Ebert as financial manager; Earline Feldman as website manager and Dawn Brinson, IFDA international chapter president.