2026 SEGD Chapter Chair Award

November 4, 2026

The SEGD Chapter Chair Award recognizes outstanding volunteer efforts made while significantly contributing to the direction, growth, strength, and excellence of SEGD both regionally and internationally. Past recipients include SEGD Washington, D.C. Chapter, SEGD Vancouver Chapter, and Kayte Muse. The SEGD Cincinnati Chapter has built a vibrant design community through thoughtful programming, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to professional growth.

SEGD Cincinnati Chapter

Rooted in a strong bond between the city’s professional and emerging design communities, the chapter models engagement by regularly hosting events through its Student Chapter at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Communication Design program.

By collaborating with local design organizations to produce Cincinnati Design Week and the Cincinnati Design Awards, the chapter has expanded the visibility of experiential design. Through portfolio reviews, project tours, workshops, and networking events, it fosters an engaged, inclusive community reflecting SEGD’s collaborative spirit.

Meet the 2026 SEGD Cincinnati Chapter Co-Chairs

Suzanne Hopkins is a multidisciplinary designer at Kolar Design with experience developing innovative design systems from concept through production. Her work spans retail environments, workplace, healthcare, higher education, interactive exhibitions, and digital experiences. She thrives on collaboration, working with colleagues and creative partners to develop thoughtful solutions to complex design challenges.

Beyond her professional practice, Suzanne is an active contributor to Cincinnati’s creative community. Her volunteer work includes the Cincinnati Design Awards, Girls With Grit, and the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC), where she supports the organization’s brand identity and creates digital and print communications. Her involvement reflects a commitment to using design to connect people, support creative organizations, and strengthen her community.

Mikayla McMellan is a Cincinnati-based graphic designer whose practice is driven by empathy, curiosity, and a desire to create a positive impact on the people who experience her work. Raised in rural Ohio, Mikayla brings a hands-on, exploratory spirit to design, embracing opportunities to experiment with new software, techniques, and creative mediums.

Her creativity extends beyond her professional work into making, crafting, and home improvement projects. Whether exploring a new design challenge or learning a new skill, she approaches the process with openness and enthusiasm. That spirit of curiosity and continuous learning complements the chapter’s commitment to welcoming and supporting designers at every stage of their careers.

Mike Ruehlman is a creative strategist and brand experience designer who blends research, insights, design, and storytelling to create immersive brand experiences. Through his practice, Goodfire Design, he takes a holistic approach to brand building, connecting digital and physical touchpoints to create cohesive experiences that deepen human connections.

His work spans a diverse range of industries and brands, including Amazon, Oracle, Hershey, and the Cincinnati Reds, with experience across UX design, packaging, workplace, retail, and entertainment environments. Mike is a strong advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration and believes that bringing together different creative perspectives leads to richer, more impactful design solutions. His passion for strengthening Cincinnati’s local design ecosystem aligns closely with the chapter’s mission to foster connection and professional growth.

Together, Suzanne Hopkins, Mikayla McMellan, and Mike Ruehlman bring diverse creative perspectives and a shared commitment to building community. Their leadership reflects the collaborative spirit of SEGD and the important role local chapters play in connecting designers, supporting emerging talent, and advancing the practice of experiential design.

Congratulations to the SEGD Cincinnati Chapter and its Co-Chairs on receiving the 2026 SEGD Chapter Chair Award!