AIC College of Design : Faculty

AIC is independently owned and operated by professional designers. We offer only one degree, Graphic Design.

The curriculum is practical and designed by professional graphic designers known locally, nationally and internationally.

At AIC you can expect a small and caring atmosphere with a student to teacher ratio of 12 to 1 where students receive individual attention.

General Education Staff: AIC's General Education courses are taught by accredited instructors and are selected from local Colleges and Universities.

Academics | Curriculum | Faculty | Gallery

Marion K. Allman, CEO & Co-founder, studied at the Layton Art School in Milwaukee, the University of Cincinnati and is a graduate of Gable Art School. She was active in the Cincinnati Art Directors’ Club as Scholarship Chairperson and in 1999 received their “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Marion is a Charter member of ICDS (International Council of Design Schools) and served as President of that organization. She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and was recipient of the coveted “Athena Award” presented by Cincy Magazine in 2006 for her role in helping women achieve their goals.

Sean M. Mendell, President, holds a Bachelor of Science from Northern Kentucky University in Marketing. He has spent the last eight years employed in marketing and advertising for the aviation industry. Sean is also the founder and owner of The Children’s Art Academy in Ft. Thomas, Ky. He is active in YMCA Camp Ernst as a member of the committee of management and served as Assistant Ranch Director from 1995-99.

Cyndi Mendell, VP/Admissions/Instructor, The Mendell family lineage goes back to great uncle and Master Artist, Frank Duveneck. Co-founder of AIC, Ms. Mendell is also a graduate of Gable Art School. As Director of Admissions, her vitality, energy and positive nature inspire students in planning their future. Ms. Mendell was also an active member in Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati as well as many other civic organizations in Northern Kentucky, among them the YWCA and the Foreign Exchange. She is listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers.

Dan Bittman, Instructor Graphic Design, holds a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati. Founder and President of Design Team, he has taught at Northern Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati. He has served as President of both the Cincinnati Chapter of AIGA and the Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. Bittman has given lectures and presentations across the country including the AIGA National Conference and IDSA Worldesign. His work has been recognized with awards from numerous exhibitions including CA, AIGA, CLIO, and ID. He has served as a juror for AIGA, Art Directors’ and Advertising Club competitions across the country as well as the prestigious Communication Arts Magazine CA Annual.

Frederic Bonin-Pissarro, Instructor, If the name sounds familiar it’s because Frederic is the great grandson of Camille Pissarro father of the Impressionist Movement and contemporary of Monet, Van Gogh, Gaugin, Renoir, and Cezanne. Frederic received his Master of Fine Arts in 1990 at the ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris and has won many awards. Frederic taught graphic design in France, designed three Cincinnati Wine Festival posters, designs for French Rendezvous and exhibits his paintings in Cincinnati galleries as well as galleries nationally.

Randall Zimmerman, Computer Instructor IT, Randy’s diverse background in agency and studio work as a lead designer and Art Director has enabled him to work with several major corporations in Cincinnati and across the U.S. Along with print media, Randy also has experience in the multimedia and packaging design fields. His award-winning talent in design is partnered with his expertise in the technical side of software and computers.

Roy Waits, Design Director, is a graduate of the Cincinnati Art Academy. He has worked as an Art Director for WLW-T and WCPO-TV. Roy was responsible for much of the fine television broadcast design seen in the Cincinnati area during the last three decades. His strong background in television advertising, promotional campaigns, set design, and show production include programs such as: The Uncle Al Show, The Nick Clooney Show, The Bob Braun Show, WCPO and WLW News and Sports broadcasts. Roy’s appreciation and study of design and the visual arts has inspired exhibits for the Cincinnati Art Museum, The Miami Purchase Association, and The Historic Southwest Ohio Society. The desire to share his knowledge and his love of young people brought him to AIC in 1988.

Rita Schrand, Financial Aid Director,

Wendy Geis, Accounting, joins AIC as Accountant and Financial Aid Assistant with varied business and office experience. In past positions, she has managed office personnel, and was administrative support for project managers. Her warm personality and sense of humor lends itself to working with young people.

Geraldine A. Waits, V.P. Marketing and PR, in addition to managing two retail stores, she expanded her expertise in the marketing arena first as a member of the Beechmont Mall Merchant Association and then for the past 15 years as its President. Her duties included contact with the public as well as skills in business and advertising. Gerry majored in Business Administration at U.C., but has an affiliation with the graphic design community through her husband Roy, who is Design Director at AIC. This combination of both worlds coupled with her natural affability with young people makes her an asset to the Institute.

Dennis Gates, Director of Placement/Instructor, graduated from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Graphic Design, and has served as President of the Art Directors’ Club of Cincinnati. His years as Account Executive and Brand Consultant for major American and international clients provide a great source for networking. He is President and Creative Director of the G8s Design Alliance, a graphic design and integrated marketing collaborative specializing in brand identity and packaging design.

Laura Lewis, Administrative Assistant, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern Louisiana State University. She has eight years of business office experience including processing financial data and organizational skills. She looks forward to using her business skills to help students achieve their education and career goals. An internet social media aficionado, she will also be keeping AIC’s new social media networks updated.

Steve Dannemiller, Facilities Director, past owner of Dannemiller Electric and full-time employee of Children’s Hospital is a board certified electrician. On a regular basis, Steve supervises and maintains all improvements and repairs at AIC.

Marlene Shmalo, Instructor, Speech, Motivation, and History has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and an MA in Theatre from U.C. She presently is Director of Performing Arts at the Jewish Community Center of Cincinnati.