The voting period on the FY27 candidates is open now through April 29, 2026. Members of ASID’s New England Chapter in good standing with voting rights are eligible to vote in the election. Refer to the ASID bylaws on voting rights. Ballots will be issued to eligible voters via email.
FY27 Board of Directors
President Elect, October 1, 2026-September 30, 2028 Term (ascends to presidency second year of term)
Dennis Duffy, ASID
Candidate Statement:
As the team leader of a small design studio, I've always believed in mentoring the next generation and in furthering my own knowledge and those of my peers. I believe that my leadership role in the New England chapter affords and opportunity to reengage not only our immediate design community, but other demographics that have not been well served previously. In addition, I am committed to working with both our educational partners and our emerging professional members to nurture and support them as they progress on their career path. I feel that we have a strong core team that only needs to be encouraged and supported with more member engagement to truly make a significant impact in their community.
Employment:
Duffy Design Group
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, University of Miami
Certificate, Parson School of Design
Membership Director, October 1, 2026-September 30, 2028 Term
Shelby Littlefield, ASID
Candidate Statement:
I am deeply interested in serving as Membership Director because I value the role a strong, connected community plays in elevating the design profession. I am committed to upholding and stengthening the organization's standard of professionalism while fostering meaningful relationships among colleagues, vendors, industry partners, and contractors. I also value the importance of engaging emerging professionals and students, creating pathways for mentorship, growth, and inclusion within our field. By building these connections and nurturing new voices, I hope I can help expand our presence and impact across all of New England, ensuring a vibrant, collaborative, and forward thinking design community.
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Endicott College
At-Large Director, October 1, 2026-September 30, 2028 Term
Austin Bendetson, ASID
Candidate Statement:
The At-Large Director role feels like a great fit for how I like to work. I enjoy jumping in, being part of a team, and getting exposure to as many aspects of an organization as possible.
I am especially interested in the Sponsorship Committee. A large part of what I do today involves working closely with vendor partners and building long-term relationships, so Id be excited to help grow sponsorship in a way that feels thoughtful and aligned with the community.
I am also very drawn to the education side. I've learned a lot from people in this industry, especially coming from a non-traditional background without formal design training, and I see real value in creating more opportunities for that kind of knowledge-sharing whether through events, CEUs, or more informal connections.
More than anything, I see this as an opportunity for me to grow. I genuinely enjoy planning events, thinking through educational programming, and getting involved in the financial side both from a short- and long-term perspective. Being able to contribute in those areas, while learning from others on the board, feels like a meaningful way to stay engaged and continue developing within the industry.
It is also important to me to give back to a community that has played a role in my own growth. I'd be excited to be part of something that brings people together and adds real value.
Employment:
Cabot House Furniture
Education:
Bachelor's Degree, Tufts University
MBA, Babson College
Petitioning
During an election cycle, additional candidates for any position may be nominated through a written petition signed by not fewer than 10 percent of both practitioner and industry partner voting members in good standing, provided such petition is received by the chapter administrator no later than 30 days after the slate has posted, and provided proposed candidates meet eligibility requirements.
Please contact our office or contact the ASID New England Nominating Committee Chair Jennifer Wilson with any questions regarding the chapter’s election.