Design and Merchandising Advisory Council

Principal | OZ Architecture

Tracy Boyer, a 1992 CSU Alumna, is a principal at OZ Architecture, a 130-person, 62-year-old architecture and interior design firm based in Denver, Colorado, that serves clients around the globe spanning diverse practice areas, including civic, resorts and hospitality, science and technology, and education.

With more than 32 years as a designer, all spent at OZ, Tracy has risen from intern to principal, making her a valued mentor to design teams and individual staff members. Tracy oversees OZ’s People and Culture department, leads many of OZ’s public outreach processes for project work, and is integral to the firm’s stewardship efforts.

Tracy serves as a role model for future designers through the Cleworth Architectural Legacy Project, teaching K-8 kids about architecture and design – an impactful way to encourage more girls and minority kids to think about design as a career path when they see role models who look like they do. She also provides mentorship to the CSU-IAD Capstone Project Discussion sessions.

Board Chair | Workplace Resource

Carla Dore is the former owner and current board chair of Workplace Resource, a long-term Miller Knoll Certified Dealer. As a 1983 CSU alumna, she holds a CSU degree in Interior Design with a minor in Industrial Construction Management. Carla is an inaugural member of the Executive Leadership Council for CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences and an affiliate at the Nancy Richardson Design Center.

A fourth-generation Coloradan and proud mother of two children, Carla is active in the community and charitable life, serving on numerous boards and loving her long-term volunteering commitment to the Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Vice President, Stores | Tommy Hilfiger, North America

Heath Forrest Olson is the vice president of stores for Tommy Hilfiger. A senior fashion retail executive with nearly 30 years of industry experience leading iconic global brands, Heath’s early immersion in Argentina shaped his global perspective on fashion, culture, and leadership.

Originally from Iowa, Heath began his career on the sales floor and built a leadership path spanning retail operations, brand strategy, visual merchandising, and talent development. He currently oversees retail stores across the U.S. and Canada for the Tommy Hilfiger brand.

Heath is passionate about connecting academic learning with real-world application and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, and actively supports CSU through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Head of Innovation | The North Face

Cory Olson is the head of innovation at The North Face, where he has spent over 11 years deepening his connection to the brand and driving forward its legacy of performance innovation. Cory has consistently aligned his professional path with his personal passions – bringing creativity, technical expertise, and a love for the outdoors into everything he does.

With a background in textile engineering, he has led groundbreaking work at The North Face, including research and development of FutureLight technology, the creation of a portfolio of patents across multiple product categories, and most recently, establishing the TNF Innovation team. Cory lives in the Colorado foothills with his wife and their Alaskan Malamute. He’s an avid skier, mountain biker, camper, and explorer – always seeking new ways to connect with the mountains that inspire his work.

Director, Marketing Industry Programs | Cotton Incorporated

Megan Peterson is the director of marketing industry programs in the Marketing Division of Cotton Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the demand for and profitability of cotton worldwide. She leads the development of industry-focused marketing strategies that deliver cotton technologies, insights, and solutions across the global textile supply chain, helping keep cotton competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

A strong advocate for education and industry collaboration, she also partners with university students and professors to help connect academic learning with real-world industry needs, supporting the development of future leaders in textiles and apparel. Her recent work has focused on advancing sustainably produced cotton and next-generation cotton fabric innovations in global markets.

Since joining Cotton Incorporated in 2006, Megan has concentrated on cotton market strategy and insights, including sustainability, product innovation, consumer research, and performance metrics. She holds a B.S. in Textile Apparel Technology and Management and an M.S. in Textile Management and Technology from North Carolina State University.

Director of Specification Marketing | Cooper Lighting Solutions

Ryan C. Rodau is director of specification marketing at Cooper Lighting Solutions with a passion for providing lighting solutions that will enhance a specifier’s toolkit to do their best work. His education and professional experience in both technical and business pursuits bring a unique perspective for new product development to provide an optimized solution for differing applications.

Ryan has been involved in the lighting industry since 1999 in various roles and functions, including packaging, sourcing, product management, sales, marketing, and general management. He has a Bachelor of Science from the School of Packaging within Michigan State University, a Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from The Weatherhead School of Management within Case Western Reserve University, and a Graduate Certificate in Architectural Lighting from The University of Colorado Boulder.

Co-Founder & CEO | Topo Designs

Jedd Rose is the founder and CEO of Topo Designs, a Colorado-based apparel, bag, and accessories brand. He is a creative director and brand builder with a deep focus on product, storytelling, and timeless design. Raised exploring the outdoors in Wyoming, his perspective is rooted in classic mountain culture, functional gear, and an enduring respect for craft.

Before launching Topo Designs in 2008, Jedd spent more than a decade in the graphic design and branding world, working across print, motion, and digital. His background continues to shape his approach today, where brand, product, and experience are inseparable. Jedd has built the Topo Designs brand around a simple idea: create thoughtfully designed products that blend heritage inspiration with modern utility and style.

Bio coming soon!

Chief Executive of Concept | Free People, FP Movement

After graduating from CSU in 2001, Lady Soule has carved out a prestigious career at the helm of global fashion. As chief executive of concept for Free People and FP Movement—and with previous leadership roles as chief creative director at Urban Outfitters and head of design at Anthropologie—Lady is a master of brand storytelling.

Alongside her success in the fast-paced fashion world, she remains a desert soul at heart. Raised in New Mexico, she continues to draw inspiration from the outdoors, fueled by her love for hiking, biking, and the rugged beauty of the Southwest.

Executive Director | Material Bank

Kelly Weertz is executive director at Material Bank, where she focuses on building partnerships and strengthening connections across the design community. As a formally trained interior designer, her career began in resource libraries at Gensler and Apple, where she developed a deep expertise in materials that continues to inform her work today.

A natural connector and engaging speaker, Kelly is passionate about people—hearing their stories, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for growth. She is especially committed to supporting students and emerging designers as they navigate and shape the future of the industry.