006: Mike Joosse, AIGA Director of Chapter Development

Volunteer energy plus organizational legacy—Mike Joosse made it his mission. AIGA’s first-ever Director of Chapter Development, Mike helped design what chapter leadership looks like today. Whether orchestrating leadership retreats or building the connective tissue between chapters, his story intertwines systems, empathy, and retreat-floor pyramid chaos in a way only AIGA can inspire.Key TakeawaysLeadership begins with paying it forward: Mike’s journey started with a boss who didn’t just pay his membership—he sent Mike to AIGA events.Retreats are more than agendas—they’re rituals: Human pyramids, zoo afterparties, morning hall chats—they’re where bonds cement in unexpected ways.Every mind in the room matters: From entry-level attendees to seasoned leaders, AIGA chapters thrive when all needs—from connection to contribution—are met.Ideas leap across chapters: Success stories traveled faster than emails—retreats were breeding grounds for creative cross-pollination.Community transcends geography: Even after moving from AIGA to agency life, Mike carries community-building forward with virtual human connection.Remember to share the load: Leadership isn’t about running solo—it’s about creating spaces where everyone can show up, contribute, and feel seen.Episode Chapters01:23 – AIGA changed everything: “AIGA is responsible for almost every job I’ve ever gotten,” Mike reflects as he recounts his early entry into the organization.  03:11 – Paid to get involved: His first boss insisted Mike attend AIGA DC events and covered his membership—completely eye-opening for a 21-year-old.  03:56 – Leadership arc in chapters: From volunteer to board member, president, national staff, and ultimately AIGA Chicago VP—Mike lived a full AIGA cycle.  05:32 – Record–setting retreat runner: His first leadership retreat in February 2006 started a streak—10 retreats in total.  07:05 – Omaha, birthplace of the pyramid: The first human pyramid flared to life at an Omaha zoo retreat—the ritual that scared and captivated Mike.  12:05 – Planning with purpose: Salt Lake City was the last retreat he orchestrated—and he made every hour count, from the garden to a candy shop inside the venue.  13:15 – Room parties made real: The Philly chapter’s unstinting open-invite energy gave Mike one of the most memorable nights—lasting until sunrise.  15:50 – Attendees bring commitment: Mike explains respect for chapter leaders—anyone who spends their own time leading chapters deserves admiration.  19:40 – A leadership pyramid of needs: Using Maslow’s hierarchy, he maps what people attend AIGA for—from connection to giving back.  21:47 – Sharing knowledge across chapters: Leadership retreats became catalysts for idea swap—Seattle learned from Houston, Portland from others.  25:08 – Carrying connection forward: Mike built a mental Rolodex—now he uses that same mindset to keep his VML remote team of 40 connected.  37:23 – Community isn’t gone—it’s evolved: While AIGA-style gatherings paused, Mike recreated that sense of belonging through informal “Friday-life” sessions—no work, just real life.  About Our GuestMike Joosse is Group Studio Director of Brand Design at VML, where he orchestrates operations, talent, and culture across a team of designers. He served AIGA in a landmark capacity—as its first Director of Chapter Development—and supercharged chapter cohesion and leadership standards. Mike’s legacy includes retreat experiences, volunteer networks, and an enduring belief in facilitating over dictating.  FeaturingGuest Mike Joosse, connect on LinkedInHost Erik Cargill, connect on LinkedInHost Rachel Elnar, connect on LinkedInSupport the ShowTheme music: Loose Ends by Silver Ships Plastic OceansProduced by Chapter 2 MediaSubscribe to the Together by Design newsletter for more community-building and podcast episode updatesSponsored by: Able Made, The Original Off Pitch Soccer Style: shop nowSponsored by: Draplin Design Company, check us out!Sponsored by: The People's Graphic Design Archive: browse, contribute, and research