AIS, a leading manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating, has expanded and bolstered its presence in Southern California and the Midwest with the recent hiring of new sales team members. 

“AIS is experiencing record-breaking growth, and we’re pleased to add more people to our team as part of our continued growth plans,” said Nick Haritos, AIS executive vice president of sales and distribution. 

Todd Smith

Todd Smith joins the AIS sales team as the company’s new territory manager for San Diego, California. Based in San Diego, Smith comes to AIS with more than 20 years of experience in sales, business development and project management.

In this newly created position, Smith will be responsible for supporting AIS dealers and introducing new dealers to the company as AIS builds its Southern California network.

Before AIS, Smith was a senior account executive for G/M Business Interiors in San Diego where he worked to create dynamic workspaces for clients. Earlier positions include working as an intermarket services manager and an account manager for WB Wood in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in media and communication studies from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

“AIS is driven by a customer-first philosophy and a can-do culture. The company has a business-minded empathy for the dealers, designers and facility managers we serve. I’m proud to be on the team of a strong manufacturer with exponential growth, and I look forward to what is to come!” said Smith.

Sandi Vershay

Sandi Vershay has joined AIS as a new territory manager for St. Louis, Missouri, and southern Illinois. Vershay has over 20 years of experience in interior design and sales and will be based out of St. Louis.

In her new role with AIS, Vershay will work with existing area territory managers to continue developing sales and distribution strategies for growth within the AIS dealer network and beyond.

Most recently, Vershay worked as a manufacturer’s representative for Lyons Company, LLC, where she managed sales for the dealer and A&D community in Illinois and Missouri. Prior to that, she was with Ford Hotel Supply/Ford Equipment & Contracting as a senior interior designer. Vershay has a bachelor of fine arts degree (with an emphasis on interior design) from Maryville University in St. Louis.

“AIS makes a full line of office furniture that is smartly in-tune with our customers’ changing needs, studying the industry and taking a strategic view of what best solves for spaces – efficiently, flexibly and beautifully. I look forward to working with designers and account managers to find solutions. I love being part of a unified team that is made up of people who truly enjoy what they do!” said Vershay.

AIS has also expanded and strengthened its presence in New York with the recent hiring of a new showroom manager and the promotion of two team members.   

Chigozie Mbamalu

Chigozie Mbamalu joins AIS as manager and designer for the company’s New York showroom in Manhattan. Mbamalu comes to AIS from Coach Macy’s Herald Square where she worked as a sales hostess and as a senior sales and training manager. Previously, she was at Pallas Textiles in New York City where she served as the on-site librarian, selected and curated textiles for customers, and helped with client showroom visits.  

“One of the many things I love about working for AIS is the contagious ‘wow’ factor it gives each client. AIS is a brand that prides itself on exceeding expectations in service and quality. I hope to harness this same energy with my team and in all my future endeavors at the company,” Mbamalu said.

Mbamalu has a master of professional studies degree in healthcare interior design from the New York School of Interior Design and holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from the State University of New York at Albany.

Cathy Daler

Cathy Daler was recently promoted to AIS’s senior territory manager for New Jersey. Daler has been with AIS since 2008 as a territory manager. With this promotion, she will be responsible for managing the New Jersey market for AIS as well as mentoring new sales team members.

“I’m grateful to the AIS executive team for acknowledging my efforts with this promotion and title change. I’m truly blessed to work for such a great company where I’m surrounded by a talented team of people who share my passion for AIS!” Daler said.

Kait Kennedy

Kait Kennedy, formerly AIS’s New York City showroom manager, has been promoted to New York A&D representative. In this new position, Kennedy will work with AIS’s New York sales team to strengthen the company’s presence in the region’s architectural and design community.

“I’m very excited to raise AIS brand awareness within the New York A&D community. I want to see designers love AIS the way our dealers love us!”