Ms. Sannella is currently the President and CEO of the Design Exchange, Canada’s Design Museum. She is responsible for leading the organization in their mandate to increase awareness of the critical link between business and design.

Ms. Sannella is a former professor of Interior Design at Ryerson University and a former practice leader for HOK Consulting Canada. Ms. Sannella’s expertise includes strategic planning, architectural and interior design for Fortune 500 companies. Her knowledge also includes facility and construction management for the public sector.

As part of her career, Ms. Sannella has been instrumental to organizations through fundraising, public relations and community involvement. Ms. Sannella is passionate about Universal Design and Sustainable Design and teaches audiences about the critical
connections between design, health and well-being, the economy and the environment. Ms. Sannella is also considered an expert in designing for and marketing to the Multi- Generational workplace and has traveled around the world as a conference speaker for this subject.

Ms. Sannella is married to Robert Sannella and is the busy mother of two boys, Francisco, 7, and Umberto 3. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, BFA Interior Design, Magna Cum Laude, (Minor, Sociology) and has a Master of Architecture from University of Houston. Additionally, Ms. Sannella is a volunteer and fundraiser for children’s charities.

In 2006, Ms. Sannella was named one of the top 10 most inspiring women in Canada. In 2007, she was honoured by Ryerson University for her work within the design community. She serves on the advisory committee for Sheridan School of Interior Design, Humber School of Industrial Design and is on the advisory board of IIDEX NeoCon Canada. She also serves on the Nathan Phillips Square Advisory Board. She is a frequent guest lecturer and critic at many universities across Canada.