March 01, 2022
Global Designer Michael M. Warsaw Elected Chair of ArtCenter College of Design Board of Trustees
First Alumnus to Serve as Board Chair in 30 Years
The Board of Trustees of ArtCenter College of Design has elected Michael M. Warsaw as its next chair, as announced by current Board Chair Su Hale during their spring meeting in February. Warsaw, who serves as chief design officer of Haworth, will be the first alumnus to serve as Board Chair in more than 30 years.
Warsaw joined ArtCenter’s Board of trustees in 2017 and over the last five years has served on the Academic Affairs Committee, Executive Committee, and Development, Marketing and Communications Committee (which he currently chairs). Currently, he is also co-chair of the Board’s presidential search committee. Separately, he serves on the board of FullCircle, ArtCenter's philanthropic membership community.
“As both an alum and the parent of a current ArtCenter student, Mike’s insights have been incredibly valuable to the Board,” Hale said when making the announcement. “He has a deep appreciation for the past and at the same time is always forward-looking in his assessment of College programs and initiatives.”
“ArtCenter has been a huge part of my life and being named Board Chair is incredibly meaningful to me personally and professionally,” Warsaw said. “As a graduate, a board member and a parent of a current student, I am honored to lead this distinguished group of Trustees and will do so with integrity and passion. I believe in the College and its mission wholeheartedly and will do my best for this incredible school.”
Warsaw will assume his new responsibilities when Hale steps down after the Board’s summer meeting in June 2022. His leadership of the Board will coincide with that of a new ArtCenter president who is anticipated to join the College in July. Current ArtCenter President Dr. Lorne M. Buchman will become president emeritus upon his retirement at the end of June and the Board is currently searching for his successor.
Michele Ruiz, chair of the Board’s Governance Committee, said, “The Board is indebted to Su for her service as Board Chair. She’s helped steward the College through the pandemic, oversee the formation of ArtCenter’s DEI action plan and strategic agenda, conduct the search for a new president, and welcome a new and diverse mix of Trustees to the Board.
“We’re also excited to welcome Mike in his new role,” Ruiz added.
Warsaw, who graduated from ArtCenter with honors and a bachelor of science degree (Transportation Design ‘90), spent over 20 years in automotive design leadership before becoming the chief design officer at Haworth—a worldwide leader of workplace solutions, commercial office furniture and premium residential lifestyle brands. In his role at Haworth, he is responsible for the creative direction, design strategy and innovation portfolio as well as sustainability for the company. He is also a partner at Wood Ranch USA, an award-winning restaurant group in Southern California.
A current list of Trustees and additional information about Warsaw is available on the ArtCenter website.
About ArtCenter College of Design
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. ArtCenter offers 11 undergraduate and 10 graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines. In addition to its top-ranked academic programs, the College also serves the general public through a highly regarded series of online and on-campus year-round extension programs for all levels of experience. Renowned for both its ties to industry and its social impact initiatives, ArtCenter is the first design school to receive the United Nations' Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. Throughout the College's long and storied history, ArtCenter alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live and important issues in our society.
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Media Contacts:
Jered Gold
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
ArtCenter College of Design
626 396-2251
jered.gold@artcenter.edu
Teri Bond
Director, Media Relations
ArtCenter College of Design
626 396-2251
teri.bond@artcenter.edu
