Photography by Steve Buchanan
ary,” Tullai says. “After volunteering for several years for the ASID Maryland Chapter, I knew firsthand that serving on a committee or as a chair is the best way to establish a presence and make an impact on an industry membership organization. I brought with me years of experience serving on a board and a passion to support my peers, my clients, and the community by advocating for the design industry through my membership and volunteerism.”
TOWNE SALUTE
Lisa Tullai Greater Annapolis Design District
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By Lisa A. Lewis
hen Lisa Tullai attended an event for the Greater Annapolis Design District (GADD), she immediately felt a sense of belonging. A longtime Annapolitan, she was passionate about interior design and loved the city, its rich history, and its vibrant design district. She had been involved with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Maryland Chapter, but wanted to build a deeper connection with the design district in Annapolis and interact with local business owners. And GADD offered her the opportunity to engage and network with professionals in the design and build industries.
“I joined the Greater Annapolis Design District in January 2017 and attended the 2017 Annual Member Luncheon, where I volunteered to serve as marketing chair, in Febru32
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acting vice president until Andrea Wheeler of Design Solutions, Inc. (DSI) assumed the role, effective December 1. “Being involved in GADD offers opportunities to share info, have conversations about issues that affect our industries, help local businesses, and play an active role in the community,” Tullai says. “During my years as president, I led the organization through strategic planning to develop a clear mission and path towards success and to ensure that we are the go-to resource for the Annapolis community.
GADD is a nonprofit organization comprised of members in more than 60 independent businesses. Its members include architects, builders, designers, interior “However, it’s important designers, and a variety to realize when it’s time to of product and service step down and let someproviders and showrooms one else take over and offer that support the design and a new perspective. The build industry. The mission organization can only conof the organization is “to tinue to grow and evolve by connect professionals in infusing new energy and the design and build induscreating a new dynamic. tries through networking Robert is very involved and professional developwith GADD’s strategic plan. ment opportunities.” He’s well informed and has the best interests of the An active member of organization in mind. I’m GADD, Tullai has held vari- sure he will excel in the ous roles in the organizarole of president.” tion. She served as the marketing chair from 2017 to In addition to serving as 2019 and then as president the go-to resource for local from 2019 to 2021. Robert residents and businesses McKellar of ADU–Your who are seeking a profesAppliance Source served as sional service in the device president during that sign and build industries, time and later assumed the GADD also embraces the role of president in 2022. next generation of leaders. Tullai currently serves as The organization works past president and commu- closely with Anne Arundel nications chair. In addition, Community College and she also filled the role of supports programs to