Staff Bios
Jeffrey F. Kenney, AIA Jeff Kenney was named Executive Director in June 2003. Prior to this position, he was the President of his own consulting firm, Professional Development Partners, Inc. where he assisted clients with licensing and certification programs. His clients included the National Council for Interior Design Qualification, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and the Communicators, Inc. From 1988 to 1998, Jeff worked for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), first as Assistant Director of Examinations Development, then as the Director of Examinations Development (later re-titled Director of Professional Development). In this capacity, he oversaw all aspects of the development of the Architect Registration Examination, most especially the transition from a paper-and-pencil examination to the current computer-delivered ARE. Jeff holds a bachelor of architecture from the University of Tennessee, a master of architecture and Urban Design from Washington University in St. Louis, MO and is licensed as an architect in Colorado, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Before joining NCARB, he served as a VISTA volunteer in Denver and practiced architecture in Colorado.
Kathleen Butler Kathleen assists Executive Director Jeff Kenney in managing the Council's programs, policies and network of volunteers and staff. In addition to working with committees and managing meeting logistics, she oversees NCIDQ's marketing and communications, often working at trade shows and conferences, promoting the NCIDQ credential to various groups of students and professionals. Before joining the NCIDQ staff in 2003, Kathleen spent five years as Director of Communications for ESI International, an international project management and contract management training company. She has also managed media relations and events for Rebuilding Together, a national home-rehabilitation organization, including coordination of the group's Super Bowl rehab initiative with the NFL. Kathleen is no stranger to licensing and credentialing for design professionals. She served as the Director of Communications for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for nearly 11 years. A native of Houston, Kathleen received a bachelor of journalism from the University of Missouri, where she honed her skills as a self-described "grammar nerd." Kathleen is a licensed DC tour guide and spends her spare time guiding tours, researching sites and desperately trying to master Italian verbs. 
Joshua Prentice Josh grew up in the Washington, DC area, but moved to Asheville, NC for college where he graduated with a fine arts/theater degree. He remained in Asheville after graduation, got married and worked with mentally disabled and emotionally abused children before making the decision with his wife to move back to Washington, DC in 1998. He temporarily worked for National Geographic while studying to be a computer programmer, then worked as a member of a large IT team at ESI International, an international project management and contract management training company, before joining NCIDQ in 2003. Josh writes poetry in his spare time, and has been published in several national journals. He and his wife are the proud parents of two boys. 
Ken Baker Ken Baker rejoined NCIDQ in 2006 in the new position of Program Manager, Special Projects & Committees. He facilitates and staffs all non-exam committees and task forces. In addition, he assists senior staff with special projects. Ken worked as NCIDQ's first Deputy Director from March 2000 until October 2003. In 2003, he relocated to Madison, WI and began work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center on Wisconsin Strategy (COWS). At COWS he worked as an Outreach Specialist in policy research for economic and workforce development programs. NCIDQ's first telecommuting employee, Ken still lives in Madison, where he has embraced his new hometown traditions of bowling, cheese and the Green Bay Packers. 
Alexis Fermanis Alexis Fermanis joined NCIDQ in the fall of 2007 as Communications Manager. She manages NCIDQ's marketing and communications programs, including newsletters, publications and the blog, and maintains several NCIDQ and affiliate Web sites. Alexis came to NCIDQ from the Department of Energy, where she was responsible for communications and E-Government analysis in the Office of the Chief Information Officer. Previously she managed the online communications for the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation. Alexis graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications with a bachelor of science in broadcast journalism and a minor in sociology. She was also a member of Syracuse's Division I Varsity Women's Lacrosse team. She began her career in the sports broadcasting field, working at ESPN's 1050 Radio in New York City, where she catered promotional events at both the New Jersey Devils and New Jersey Nets playoff games. While with ESPN, she also assisted 1050's reporters at New York Yankees games, interviewing such key figures as Joe Torre, Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter, although her true heart was and always will be with the Boston Red Sox. Alexis grew up in Gorham, Maine before moving to New York. She now resides in Maryland, but loves going home whenever she can to spend time with her family and friends and to cheer on her New England sports teams. She is also an exercise specialist/personal trainer in Silver Spring, MD and enjoys working out, reading, singing, and watching movies during what limited free time she has. 
Yvonne Lewis Yvonne Lewis is responsible for maintaining NCIDQ's high level of customer service. Yvonne has been employed with NCIDQ since 2000. She has witnessed vast improvements within the last five years with respect to the level of top-quality customer service and commitment to improving services for NCIDQ's members, Certificate holders and other customers. The Washington, DC area is home to Yvonne, who attended Federal City College and Howard University. Prior to working at NCIDQ, she was employed with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) for 22 years. Yvonne brings skills in office management and customer service to NCIDQ, where she is widely known for her friendliness and knowledge about the Council's service. She often trains the staff on customer-service techniques and has been known to break into song during training sessions. You may often hear Yvonne's friendly voice answering the phone when you call. Yvonne enjoys spending time with her mother, family and friends. She is very proud of her son Sean, who is the joy of her life. Yvonne has a passion for helping the youth in her community. She enjoys traveling, bowling and reading motivational books. 
Lola Liao Lola Liao joined NCIDQ in May 2007 as an office manager/accountant. Lola manages the day-to-day functions of the office. She is also responsible for NCIDQ's bookkeeping, financial reporting and all expense reimbursement. Lola, a CPA, received a B.S. in accounting from the University of Maryland. Prior to joining the NCIDQ staff, she spent 10 years with a computer systems manufacturer company located in Virgina, first as an accounting manager, then as a corporate treasurer and a corporate purchaser. In her spare time, Lola loves spending time with her young daughter, Esme, and her graphic designer husband, Jen. She loves to travel, and wants to one day be able to visit lots of different places in the world. Lola also loves finding new recipes and preparing new dishes for her little one (and her big one!). She loves to see big smiles on their faces when trying new cooking. 
Andrew Stafford Andrew Stafford joined NCIDQ in early 2009 and manages the Council’s two largest programs – the Examination and the Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP). He works closely with NCIDQ’s examination committees and consultants and is responsible for all examination development and administration issues, including practice analyses, pre-tests, special accommodations, registration and more. Andrew promotes IDEP to students and other professionals, while managing the program to ensure the best possible experience for participants. Andrew brings more than 24 years of interior design experience to NCIDQ and is an active NCIDQ Certificate holder. He has vivid memories of studying and taking the NCIDQ Exam and feels honored to be able to help others gain the important credential. Prior to joining NCIDQ, Andrew was a senior project manager in a retail studio at Gensler in New York, NY. He received his NCIDQ Certificate in 1985 and has practiced in both Florida and New York. Andrew holds a master of science in interior design from Florida State University (FSU). He also received a bachelor of arts in English and religion, as well as a master of arts in religion from FSU. He currently resides in Washington, DC. He enjoys reading, movies, the theater, staying fit, yoga, hiking and traveling. 
Dana Williams-Johnson Dana Williams-Johnson is the Evaluations Manager for NCIDQ, overseeing the application process for the NCIDQ Examinations and providing support for exam candidates. She also works closely with the Interior Design Experience Program. Before joining NCIDQ in the fall of 2007, Dana spent the previous seven years working in higher education. She has spent the majority of her career as a Media Advisor for college students, helping them run successful publications and media groups. Dana was also a freelance graphic designer. Dana is originally from Durham, NC, but proudly calls Maryland her home. She is a proud alumna of Howard University and is currently getting her Master's degree at the George Washington University. In her spare time she enjoys travel, buying shoes and spending time with her family. 
Larry Brown, Jr. Larry Brown, Jr. joined NCIDQ in February 2007 as Project Coordinator. Larry spends most of his day multitasking on several internal and external projects for the Council. In his spare time, Larry enjoys cooking, going to the theatre, fine dining, creating new impersonations, watching new movies and reading. Most of all, Larry enjoys serving in various ministries at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, where he is a member. Larry is a proud alumnus of Howard University and a native Detroiter. 
Amanda Fountain Amanda Fountain joined NCIDQ in May 2007 as Project Coordinator. Amanda's focus is keeping the lines of communication open between NCIDQ's Board of Directors and its member boards. When she is not working, Amanda enjoys playing soccer, spending time with her dogs Santana and Chance, and anything else that involves being outdoors. A Texas native, she takes every chance she can to get to Austin to relax and spend time with her family. 
Leslie Mansaray Leslie Mansaray is "the voice of NCIDQ." As Customer Service Representative, Leslie's many duties include being most people's initial point of contact when they call. She joined the staff in 2004 after serving as a staff coordinator at a staffing agency in Washington, DC. In addition to responding to or routing incoming telephone calls, Leslie processes publication orders and provides data entry support for examination applications--all while providing the excellent service NCIDQ customers deserve. Leslie is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia. She has a 20-year-old son, who is currently attending college. In her spare time, Leslie catches up on her sleep. 
Dominique Polk Dominique Polk joined NCIDQ in late 2008 as an Evaluator. She works with the Evaluations Manager to review applications and communicate with potential applicants. She helps candidates understand the exam qualifications and guides them through the entire application process, from how to obtain a transcript to completing the work verification form. Chances are if you have applied to take the NCIDQ Examination or contacted us about the exam application process, Dominique has been involved. Dominique graduated from Frostburg State University with a bachelor of science in business administration. She was born and raised in Bowie, MD, where she still resides. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her free time, Dominique enjoys bowling, shopping, traveling and being around her three nieces and nephew. 
Ray Resendez Ray Resendez has been busy ever since joining NCIDQ as Records Coordinator in November 2000. Ray maintains more than 21,000 Certificate holders' records and reviews all new and incoming applications for the NCIDQ Examination. He also verifies completion of the exam for each candidate, sending notifications to jurisdictions and associations. Along with these duties, Ray manages the Certificate renewal process. If you have an NCIDQ wallet card, chances are very good that it came from Ray. Ray is originally from San Antonio Texas, but was raised in Indiana. He comes from a large family--10 sisters and two older brothers, where, being the absolute middle child, he spent his childhood being the tiebreaker. (Ray claims to have the tug marks to prove it!) For fun, Ray enjoys catching up on the movies that he missed in the theater by renting them on DVD. He enjoys spending time with friends and going to the gym.
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© 2009 National Council for Interior Design Qualification, Inc. 1602 L Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036-5681
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