Retail Design Institute Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Retail Design Institute has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, chapter management, and global operations.

Driven by collaboration, Retail Design Institute empowers members through education and innovation, shaping the future of retail design with a focus on career enhancement and industry advancement.

Leadership Roles at Retail Design Institute

  • Board President - Heidi Waller
  • President - Faith Huddleston
  • President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago) - Maria Albulescu
  • President - Jefferson Dunn
  • President - Jesse Moyer
  • Retail Design Institute Founder & President (Brazil) - George Homer
  • President, St. Louis Chapter - Janine Buettner
  • President - Annie Greenhouse
  • President - James Botha
  • President - Anthony Pastore
  • Heidi Waller - Board President

    Heidi Waller, the Board President at Retail Design Institute, directs the overarching strategic vision and governance for the organization. Waller guides the board's activities, ensuring alignment with the Institute's mission to foster collaboration and innovation within the retail design sector. This leadership role involves setting the agenda for key initiatives, including the prestigious Design Awards and international design competitions. Waller's oversight ensures the continued growth and impact of the Institute as the largest non-profit dedicated to store planning and design. The focus remains on enhancing member careers and advancing the industry through robust educational and social events. Waller's strategic direction supports the Institute's commitment to empowering professionals globally.

    Faith Huddleston - President

    Faith Huddleston, the President at Retail Design Institute, spearheads the organization's operational execution and strategic initiatives. Huddleston drives the implementation of programs designed to enhance member careers and shape the future of retail design. This involves coordinating educational events, networking opportunities, and the development of resources that empower creative professionals. The President ensures the Institute's continued role as a leading non-profit in store planning and design. Huddleston's leadership focuses on fostering a collaborative community and promoting innovation across the industry. By championing the Institute's mission, Faith Huddleston cultivates an environment where members can thrive and contribute to the evolution of retail spaces.

    Maria Albulescu - President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago)

    Maria Albulescu, the President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago) at Retail Design Institute, leads regional operations and member engagement for the Chicago area. Albulescu cultivates a strong local network, facilitating educational and social events tailored to the needs of professionals in the Lakes Chapter. This role involves driving participation in chapter-specific initiatives and ensuring alignment with the Institute's broader goals of career enhancement and industry innovation. Maria Albulescu champions the collaborative spirit within the Chicago retail design community, fostering opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development. The focus is on strengthening the Institute's presence and impact within this key geographic market, supporting the organization's mission to empower creative professionals.

    Jefferson Dunn - President

    Jefferson Dunn, the President at Retail Design Institute, directs strategic planning and organizational development. Dunn focuses on expanding the Institute's reach and impact by enhancing its resource offerings and networking platforms. This leadership position involves overseeing initiatives that empower creative professionals and shape the future of retail design. Jefferson Dunn ensures the organization remains at the forefront of the industry, promoting collaboration and innovation among its members. The President's role is critical in maintaining the Institute's status as a leading non-profit dedicated to store planning and design. Dunn's efforts support the continuous growth of member careers and the overall advancement of the retail design landscape.

    Jesse Moyer - President

    Jesse Moyer, the President at Retail Design Institute, drives the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the organization. Moyer oversees the development and delivery of programs aimed at enhancing careers and fostering innovation in retail design. This includes managing key events and resources that support the Institute's mission. Jesse Moyer ensures the organization's continued leadership as a non-profit dedicated to store planning and design, promoting a collaborative environment for creative professionals. The President's focus is on strengthening member engagement and advancing industry standards. Moyer's leadership contributes significantly to the Institute's goal of shaping the future of retail experiences through design excellence.

    George Homer - Retail Design Institute Founder & President (Brazil)

    George Homer, the Retail Design Institute Founder & President (Brazil) at Retail Design Institute, established and leads the Institute's operations within Brazil. Homer champions the organization's mission of fostering collaboration and innovation among retail design professionals in the region. This leadership role involves developing localized resources, events, and networking opportunities that cater to the Brazilian market. George Homer's vision drives the enhancement of careers and the shaping of retail design trends within Brazil. As a founder, Homer brings deep insight into the industry's evolution, ensuring the Institute's continued impact as a non-profit dedicated to store planning and design. Homer's commitment empowers creative professionals across Brazil.

    Janine Buettner - President, St. Louis Chapter

    Janine Buettner, the President, St. Louis Chapter at Retail Design Institute, directs regional activities and member support for the St. Louis area. Buettner cultivates a dynamic local community, organizing educational forums and networking events that benefit retail design professionals. This position involves promoting chapter engagement and ensuring alignment with the Institute's core objectives of career advancement and industry innovation. Janine Buettner strengthens the Institute's presence in St. Louis, fostering a collaborative environment for creative professionals. The focus is on enhancing the value proposition for members within the chapter, supporting the organization's broader mission to empower and connect industry leaders.

    Annie Greenhouse - President

    Annie Greenhouse, the President at Retail Design Institute, oversees strategic initiatives and operational management. Greenhouse drives the Institute's commitment to empowering creative professionals through enhanced career development and industry innovation. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's programs, including educational events and networking opportunities, to foster collaboration. Annie Greenhouse ensures the Institute's continued prominence as a leading non-profit in store planning and design. The President's focus is on advancing the standards of retail design and supporting the professional growth of its members. Greenhouse's leadership contributes to shaping the future of retail environments.

    James Botha - President

    James Botha, the President at Retail Design Institute, directs the organization's strategic planning and operational execution. Botha focuses on enhancing the Institute's value proposition for members by expanding resources and networking opportunities. This leadership role is crucial in driving innovation and career development within the retail design industry. James Botha ensures the Institute's continued impact as a leading non-profit organization dedicated to store planning and design. The President's efforts foster a collaborative environment, empowering creative professionals to shape the future of retail spaces. Botha's leadership reinforces the Institute's mission to connect and advance industry experts.

    Anthony Pastore - President

    Anthony Pastore, the President at Retail Design Institute, leads the organization's strategic direction and operational framework. Pastore champions initiatives aimed at empowering creative professionals and advancing the field of retail design. This involves overseeing programs that foster collaboration, education, and innovation among members. Anthony Pastore ensures the Institute's sustained role as a premier non-profit organization focused on store planning and design. The President's focus is on enhancing member careers and shaping the future of retail environments. Pastore's leadership contributes to the Institute's mission of providing essential resources and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Retail Design Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Retail Design Institute?
    Retail Design Institute is led by Heidi Waller (Board President), along with executives such as Faith Huddleston (President) and Maria Albulescu (President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago)).
    Who is part of Retail Design Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Retail Design Institute includes leaders such as Heidi Waller (Board President), Faith Huddleston (President), Maria Albulescu (President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Retail Design Institute have?
    Retail Design Institute has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Retail Design Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Retail Design Institute includes roles such as Board President, President, President, Lakes Chapter (Chicago), President, President.