WASHINGTON, DC—The Council for Interior Design Qualification, Inc. (CIDQ) announces the appointment of Carol Williams-Nickelson, Psy.D. as its new executive director. As a long-time nonprofit leader, Williams-Nickelson brings an array of uniquely combined skills in the areas of human and systems science, organization development, executive management, higher education and mentoring. Williams-Nickelson is a well-known and highly-regarded lecturer, author and advocate in psychology and healthcare and has received many awards for her mentorship, scholarship, leadership and advancement of women’s issues.
“We are eager to expand the work of CIDQ and continue to promote the important professional standards in the interior design and interior architecture field to ensure protection of the public. Dr. Williams-Nickelson has been highly successful in directing business functions of nonprofits, and we are thrilled that she can help us advance the evidence-based practices of interior designers that improve lives,” says Kim Ciesynski, CIDQ president.
“Health is a multidimensional concept and practice. We all know how much our physical environment affects our mood, productivity, recovery from illness, relationships, feelings of contentment and pleasure and our general well-being,” Williams-Nickelson says. “The science behind good design fosters mental health and improved quality of life. It is evidenced in the hospital wards, doctors’ offices, health clubs, hotels, homes, work spaces and shopping centers that NCIDQ’s Certificate holders design, to name a few.”
That philosophy was what the CIDQ Board of Directors found so appealing in Williams-Nickelson’s professional background. “Not only does Carol have 20 years of proven experience and achievements, but her impressive background in growing organizations, developing teams, working with diverse boards and training students, makes her an excellent fit for the future of CIDQ,” says Ciesynski.
Fervent in its efforts to bridge the awareness gap between interior design and public safety, CIDQ is optimistic about its role in continuing to advance the profession and educate the public about qualified interior designers. NCIDQ is the global leader in establishing standards of competence for interior design/interior architecture professionals. More information about the organization may be found at www.ncidq.org.