Retail Design Institute Executive and Leadership Team

Jessica Sanders, the Heartland Chapter President at Retail Design Institute, directs regional engagement strategies across the central United States. Sanders architects local networking events and educational workshops designed to elevate the professional standards of store planners. By facilitating connections between creative talent and industry leaders, the Heartland Chapter President strengthens the collaborative community essential for retail innovation. This leadership role involves managing chapter resources to ensure members access exclusive design competitions and industry insights. Jessica Sanders maintains alignment with national organizational goals while tailoring programming to meet the specific needs of the Heartland design market. Through consistent outreach and event coordination, the Heartland Chapter President drives membership growth and fosters a culture of shared knowledge. Ultimately, Sanders secures the long-term vitality of the regional chapter by promoting excellence in retail design and store planning practices.

Janine Buettner, the President, St. Louis Chapter at Retail Design Institute, oversees all operational activities and member initiatives within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Buettner executes strategic plans to increase local participation in design awards and professional development seminars. By coordinating with regional stakeholders, the President, St. Louis Chapter ensures that local designers receive the necessary support to advance careers in the competitive retail landscape. This leadership role requires managing event logistics and fostering partnerships with local retail firms to enhance the visibility of the organization. Janine Buettner drives engagement by curating content that addresses current trends in store planning and consumer experience. Through active mentorship and community building, the President, St. Louis Chapter strengthens the local network. Ultimately, Buettner contributes to the broader mission of the Institute by cultivating a robust and innovative design community in the Midwest.

James Botha, the President at Retail Design Institute, directs the overarching strategic vision and national operations for the organization. Botha architects high-level partnerships and oversees the execution of international design competitions that define industry benchmarks. By aligning the board of directors with the core mission of fostering innovation, the President ensures the Institute remains the premier resource for store planning professionals. This leadership role involves managing the financial health and long-term growth of the non-profit entity. James Botha drives initiatives that expand the reach of the organization into emerging global markets, ensuring members benefit from a diverse and interconnected professional network. Through rigorous oversight of educational programs and award ceremonies, the President maintains the prestige of the brand. Ultimately, Botha secures the future of the retail design industry by championing collaborative excellence and professional development on a global scale.

Annie Greenhouse, the President at Retail Design Institute, focuses on the operational efficiency and internal governance of the organization. Greenhouse architects scalable systems for member management and event administration, ensuring that the Institute delivers consistent value to its creative community. By collaborating with other executive leaders, the President streamlines the delivery of educational resources and networking opportunities. This leadership role involves optimizing the internal processes that support the prestigious Design Awards and other major industry events. Annie Greenhouse drives organizational agility by implementing modern communication tools that connect members across diverse geographic regions. Through careful resource allocation and strategic planning, the President supports the growth of the membership base. Ultimately, Greenhouse ensures that the operational foundation of the Institute remains strong, allowing the organization to continue its mission of empowering retail design professionals through innovation and collaboration.

Sanjay Agarwal, the RDI President at Retail Design Institute, leads the strategic expansion of the organization's influence within the global retail design sector. Agarwal architects initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional store planning and modern digital retail experiences. By engaging with industry partners and academic institutions, the RDI President fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional advancement. This leadership role involves representing the organization at international forums and advocating for the importance of design in shaping consumer behavior. Sanjay Agarwal drives the development of new educational content that addresses the evolving needs of the retail landscape. Through active participation in board meetings and strategic planning sessions, the RDI President ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of industry trends. Ultimately, Agarwal secures the relevance of the Institute by promoting a forward-thinking approach to retail design and store planning.