Megan Canning,
Deputy Director
Megan Canning is an artist and urbanist with a passion for the intersection of design, social change, and cities. In 2005, after spending many years in arts administration, Megan left the private sector to join the staff of the Design Trust for Public Space where she could put her skills and passion to work for the greater good of all New Yorkers. Quickly rising from Director of Operations to Deputy Director, Megan has been integral to every aspect of the organization, including its management, operations, outreach, strategic planning, finances and programming. In 2010, Megan was named one of the top 30 young civic leaders working in the U.S. to improve our cities ( read Next American City's interview with her). From April 11-Oct. 10, 2011, Megan served as the Acting Director while the Board searched for a new Executive Director.
I work for the Design Trust because...
"I am, fundamentally, an optimist - I want to work for the greater good. I believe in the power of design to create positive change, improve our quality of life, and influence how we think, feel, and act in our communities and cities."
Susan Chin,
Executive Director
Susan Chin joined the Design Trust in October 2011 after 23 years serving New York as Assistant Commissioner of Capital Projects at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. In this position, she developed and guided a capital program of $1 billion, with $1 billion more leveraged in private investment, for over 200 cultural institutions throughout the five boroughs. She is an American Institute of Architects Public Architects award recipient, and the current chair of the AIA Gold Medal Award advisory committee. She is a current Regional Director of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C., and a former President of the AIA, New York Chapter.
Jerome Chou,
Director of Programs
Jerome Chou joined the Design Trust in 2009 after working at the landscape architecture and urban design firm Field Operations as a project manager for Freshkills Park. He has also worked as a community planner for the Baltimore City Department of Planning; a community organizer for Brooklyn ACORN and the Working Families Party; and an assistant editor at the non-profit book publisher The New Press. He holds Masters degrees in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning from the Harvard Design School.
I work for the Design Trust because...
"Of how the Design Trust does projects – we work with groups from all over the city who have a great idea for improving public space. We help them shape those ideas into a project, with a timeline, budget, and effective strategy for implementation. Whatever the topic is — taxis, garment factories, urban farms — we bring together a team to figure out how that thing works and how it could be strengthened, and then we make that accessible to anyone who might be interested."
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Chris Kannen,
Production Associate
Chris Kannen joined the Design Trust in 2004 to assist primarily with the annual art auction. He now plays a leading role in producing the annual benefit & auction, our primary fundraiser. In addition, he manages the Photo Urbanism program, Design Trust book distribution, digital media archive, newsletter communication, and provides office and logistical support on a project basis. Mr. Kannen holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Hunter College. When he's not at the Design Trust, he makes paintings.
I work for the Design Trust because...
"Our projects require an open mind. As an artist, I appreciate the opportunity to work for an organization that requires flexibility and imagination, reveals new ways of looking at the city, and produces tangible results."
Kristin LaBuz,
Communications & Development Associate
Kristin LaBuz brings fundraising, strategic planning and community development experience to the Design Trust. She recently worked for a boutique consulting firm in Philadelphia helping non-profit clients build capacity, secure resources and increase visibility. Ms. LaBuz has also served as a Communications Fellow at the Community Design Collaborative of AIA Philadelphia, a volunteer-driven design center that provides nonprofit organizations with access to pro bono preliminary architecture, planning and engineering services. She holds a Master's Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Design.
I work for the Design Trust because...
"Public space is our urban pulse. As a nonprofit, the Design Trust is equipped to tackle challenges – and generate solutions – in ways the public sector can't and private sector won't. Experiencing the city through the multidisciplinary lens of Design Trust projects fosters a deeper appreciation for the stunning diversity of our shared built environment — and for the millions of New Yorkers who animate these spaces everyday."
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