Meet AIGA Arizona’s Treasurer: Kathy Morgan Keeps the Lights On (and the Ideas Funded)
Behind every thriving creative community is someone quietly making sure the mission is sustainable. The AIGA Treasurer is the role that transforms big ideas into real programs. In Arizona, that role has been shaped for nearly 15 years by Kathy Morgan, who never set out to be “the numbers person,” but whose business acumen, creative leadership, and deep belief in community have helped make AIGA AZ one of the strongest chapters in the country.
From building legacy archives to supporting Phoenix Design Week and mentoring generations of creatives, her impact proves that leadership in design doesn’t only happen behind a screen—it happens behind the scenes. We sat down with her to talk about creativity, service, and why saying yes to community can change everything.
Kathy, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative background?
I’ve spent most of my career as president and creative director of the design studio Morgan and Company, founded by me and my ex, David, in the days of rubber cement and Rapidogaphs — many, many moons ago when we were just young’uns four years out of ASU. Today, I still work independently for several long-time clients, as well as hanging out part-time with the creative team at LAVIDGE.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?
I’d always been the “family artist” growing up. One day sometime during my teen years, both of my parents appeared in my room with a newspaper article they wanted to show me. It was about a local young woman who was an art director at one of the agencies, and they thought it might be a career I’d like. I can clearly remember them saying, “you know, drawing billboards and such.” Turns out they were right. After all this time, I really wish I knew who that article was about.
You have served on the Board of Directors here in Arizona for almost 15 years. That’s a long arc of service. What originally attracted you to AIGA, and what kept you saying “yes” year after year?
My friend and former long-time AIGA AZ president, Jim Nissen, had been harping to all of our designer roundtable group about getting an AIGA membership for years. Like everyone else, I kept ignoring him, until one day I found myself taking his side and said, “Why would you, as a professional designer, not stand up and participate in the one organization that represents you?” It just clicked in that moment — I became #AIGA4life right then. Soon after that, another dear friend, Marvin Forte, became president of the chapter and invited me to join the board as its treasurer. At first, I thought it would be so boring, but who knew? My experience running a business came in quite handy. AIGA AZ is known on the national level as one of the most stable and best run chapters, and I’m proud to have contributed to that.
My experience running a business came in quite handy. AIGA AZ is known on the national level as one of the most stable and best run chapters, and I’m proud to have contributed to that.
What’s one program, initiative, or tradition you helped build as a part of the Arizona board that you hope outlives your tenure?
In 2014, in honor of the chapter’s 25th anniversary, we brought together an exhibition of design artifacts produced in Arizona by Arizona designers over the past 25 years. That was the beginning of AIGA AZ’s Legacy Archive initiative. Each year after that, as part of Phoenix Design Week, I have curated a “Best Of” exhibition to continue building that archive. Not to mention, pulling the strings to make Phoenix Design Week happen year after year is also right up there.
You are only the second Arizona board member to be named an AIGA Fellow, a national award that recognizes designers who have made a significant contribution to raising the standards of excellence in practice and conduct. How does that feel, and what was it like in the moment?
Of course, I’ve known about AIGA Fellows for years, but never imagined I would ever be considered. So I was completely astonished when Cory Skaaren and Morgan Clark got up on stage at Phoenix Design Week last October and started talking about this award. As they were describing the criteria, other people in the audience were starting to turn and look at me. I thought, what is going on here? because usually we share everything, and I had absolutely no clue this was in the works.
While it’s not what I do this for, I do have to admit it feels really good to be recognized. Many people came up to congratulate me afterwards, including Bill Gardner (of LogoLounge) who said, “Welcome, Fellow Fellow!” Two weeks later at the AIGA Design Conference in Los Angeles, several national directors and chapter leaders greeted me with big hugs and congrats. The medallion with the printing press emblem is pretty cool, too.
Is there a project from your career that you’re especially proud of?
The most demanding and also most rewarding project I’ve ever done was when the studio was tapped to execute the brand for US West’s (now CenturyLink) new wireless division. We did literally EVERYTHING from print collateral to retail store design to packaging. Looking back, I still can’t believe all we accomplished. This work directly set us up to subsequently rebrand five different credit unions in the years following. The privilege of working on election materials for the Arizona Secretary of State’s office also stands out. Truly, I’ve loved them all – every project is a stepping stone to the next experience.
Do you have any advice for up-and-coming creatives?
Believe in yourself and just DO the thing. Stop searching for inspiration and comparing yourself to someone else. Go out and meet people in person. And if you see me out there, come up and say hi!
How has AIGA helped you in your creative journey?
I can unequivocally say that nearly everyone I work with today is in some way related to my participation with AIGA Arizona and being present in the creative community. It also connects me to a nationwide network of AIGA chapters all across the country. Anywhere I might happen to land, there’s a built-in community of friends.
Why do you think creative communities are important?
What we do may seem like it’s all fun, and yes, it can be. But it’s also incredibly hard to create, on demand, something new that hasn’t existed before. It’s reassuring to be with others who can relate.
One final question, and going back to your board service, if someone is considering board service or simply volunteering, what words of advice would you give them?
Don’t wait to get involved! I wish I had known this earlier in my career — I discovered that I have superpowers as an AIGA board member! The people I’ve collaborated with that I would’ve never met otherwise, and most of all, the confidence that comes from being deeply integrated with this community are priceless.’
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AIGA Arizona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, sustained by the support of our members. Our creative community fuels everything we do — and it’s your passion and involvement that make AIGA Arizona a place to grow, connect, and inspire.