The Experiential Designers & Producers Association Foundation has again named David Walens as chair of the foundation. Walens succeeds Ray Montague, who served in this position for two years.
Walens is president of Exploring, Inc., the parent of several companies in the exhibit and event industry, including Brumark and ID3 Group. He has more than 30 years of exhibit industry leadership experience and is a strong advocate within the industry through membership and involvement with associations and local and national charities. In addition to his previous work as EDPAF chair from 2005-2013, Walens has served as an EDPA executive board member, EDPA Ambassador of the Year (2007), Fashion Institution of Technology Master of Arts program in Exhibition and Experience Design advisory board member, Exhibit 4 Smiles executive committee member, Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center executive advisory council member, and more.
Says Walens, “I want to thank Ray Montague for his dedication and leadership as chair these past two years. It has been an honor to be involved with the EDPAF and see the expansion in what it has been able to accomplish with the support of our generous donors and volunteers. From nearing the goal of $1 million in the EDPA Foundation Endowment to awarding nearly 100 scholarships, providing support for more than 150 industry families in need, and partnering with the exhibit design programs at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Bemidji State University, the EDPAF is making a real difference in our industry and its future. I’m proud to be part of that, and looking forward to what the EDPAF will accomplish going forward.
The Experiential Designers & Producers Association Foundation was formed in the spring of 2001. It is a foundation led by executives from all segments of the industry that have a common goal: the heartfelt desire to reach out to our peers in their time of need. The Foundation supports a university scholarship program, two partner schools with exhibit design programs, the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, and a number of other local need-based organizations. For more info, visit www.edpa.com/edpafoundation.
