Leadership (Previous Officers)

The Visual Communication Studies Division’s history traces back to 1993 when it began as an Interest Group before being elevated to Division status in 2004. It has benefited from numerous leaders who have dedicated their time and talents for the benefits of the greater membership.

What follows is a list of our community’s chairs over the years that has been generously compiled by founding member, Michael Griffin, in 2026.

Chair

  • Shahira Fahmy (2025-27)
  • Saumava Mitra (2023-25)
  • Mary A. Bock (2021-23)
  • Jelle Mast (2019-21)
  • Catherine Preston (2017-19)
  • Giorgia Aiello (2015-17)
  • Jana Holsanova (2013-15)
  • Michael Griffin (2011-13)
  • Luc Pauwels (2009-11)
  • Marion G. Müller (2007-09)
  • Michael Griffin (2004-07)
  • Catherine Preston (2002-04)
  • Michael Griffin (2000-2001)
  • Anne Marie Barry (1999)
  • Robert L. Craig (1997-99)
  • Kevin Barnhurst (1995-97)
  • Kevin Barnhurst, Michael Griffin, and Larry Gross (Three-member steering committee) (1993-1994)

Vice-Chair

  • T.J. Thomson (2025-27)
  • Shahira Fahmy (2023-25)
  • Saumava Mitra (2021-23)
  • Mary A. Bock (2019-21)
  • Jelle Mast (2017-19)
  • Catherine Preston (2015-17)
  • Giorgia Aiello (2013-15)
  • Jana Holsanova (2011-13)
  • Michael Griffin (2009-11)
  • Luc Pauwels (2007-09)

Secretary

  • Kristian Jeff Agustin (2024-26)
  • T.J. Thomson (2022-24)
  • Kyser Lough (2020-22)
  • Tim Highfield (2018-20)
  • Michael Grimm
  • Jaana Simola
  • Jelle Mast
  • Mary A. Bock

International Liaison

  • Ashley Stewart (2024-26)
  • Anat Leshnick (2022-24)
  • T.J. Thomson (2019-22)

Student and Early Career Representative

  • Nataliia Laba (2024-26)
  • Natalia Mielczarek (2022-24)
  • Hanna E. Morris (2020-22)
  • Rebecca Venema (2018-20)

Internationalization Task Force

  • T.J. Thomson (QUT), Chair (2020-2022)
  • A.L. Lando (Daystar University), Representative from Africa (2020-)
  • Fla Gonsales (Universidade Federal do Pará), Representative from South America (2020-)
  • Margaret Cassidy (University of Tasmania), Representative from Oceania (2020-)
  • Alli Kwessell (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), Representative from North America (2020-)
  • Shiv Ganesh (University of Texas), Ex-Officio Representative from the ICA Membership & Internationalization Committee (2020-)

Note: Sometimes, the elected office holder was unable to serve in their elected capacity. In these instances, the person who ended up serving in the role rather than the person elected is reflected in these lists.