Meet the 2017 Judges

Our 2017 Ideas that Matter judges know good design—it’s what helped get them to where they are today. Now, this independent panel of accomplished design industry leaders is up for the difficult task of choosing this year’s winners based on potential effectiveness, plan for implementation and, of course, creativity. Read on to meet the panel and learn more about their achievements.

Dana Arnett
Founding Partner and Vice Chairman, VSA Partners

Dana Arnett is a Founding Partner and Vice Chairman of internationally recognized firm, VSA Partners. Prior to his position as Vice Chairman, Arnett was CEO at VSA Partners, where he led a group of 300 associates in the creation of design and marketing programs, digital and interactive initiatives for a diverse roster of clients, including: Harley-Davidson, Toyota, IBM, General Electric, Nike, Anheuser Busch and Google. Read full bio

Dana Arnett
Founding Partner and Vice Chairman, VSA Partners

Dana Arnett is a Founding Partner and Vice Chairman of internationally recognized firm, VSA Partners. Prior to his position as Vice Chairman, Arnett was CEO at VSA Partners, where he led a group of 300 associates in the creation of design and marketing programs, digital and interactive initiatives for a diverse roster of clients, including: Harley-Davidson, Toyota, IBM, General Electric, Nike, Anheuser Busch and Google. Read full bio

Randy J. Hunt
Vice President of Design, Etsy

Randy J. Hunt is VP of Design at Etsy, where he leads a team of designers, researchers, writers, and artists who define and create Etsy’s total brand experience. In 2014, Etsy was honored with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Corporate & Institutional Achievement. Read full bio

Randy J. Hunt
Vice President of Design, Etsy

Randy J. Hunt is VP of Design at Etsy, where he leads a team of designers, researchers, writers, and artists who define and create Etsy’s total brand experience. In 2014, Etsy was honored with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Corporate & Institutional Achievement. Read full bio

Matthew Manos
Founder and Managing Director, verynice

Matthew Manos is an award-winning design strategist and social entrepreneur. He is the Founder and Managing Director of verynice, a design strategy consultancy that gives half of its work away for free to nonprofit organizations. Read full bio

Matthew Manos
Founder and Managing Director, verynice

Matthew Manos is an award-winning design strategist and social entrepreneur. He is the Founder and Managing Director of verynice, a design strategy consultancy that gives half of its work away for free to nonprofit organizations. Read full bio

De Nichols
Director, Civic Creatives

De Nichols serves as Director of Civic Creatives, a social design organization that produces interactive events, tools, and services that foster the discovery, ideation, prototyping, and actualization of community-driven civic solutions. Read full bio

De Nichols
Director, Civic Creatives

De Nichols serves as Director of Civic Creatives, a social design organization that produces interactive events, tools, and services that foster the discovery, ideation, prototyping, and actualization of community-driven civic solutions. Read full bio

Julie Anixter
AIGA, Executive Director

Julie Anixter is the new executive director of AIGA, the professional association for design, where she leads a team committed to empowering designers to succeed and grow throughout their careers. Read full bio

Julie Anixter
AIGA, Executive Director

Julie Anixter is the new executive director of AIGA, the professional association for design, where she leads a team committed to empowering designers to succeed and grow throughout their careers. Read full bio