OUR PEOPLE
MDI employs only the best talent to work hand-in-hand with designers and manufacturers to create the most productive spaces for end users. Our people work to make every part of the process, from design and submittals, to ordering and installation, seamless. Scroll down to meet our team.
MEET THE TEAM
MIKE DENNEY | Managing Principal
Mike is the “M” of MDI and first launched his business 20+ years ago. Carefully balancing the intricacies of managing a business with bringing together partners, people, and talent is Mike’s passion and his personal key to creating a positive company culture and successful business.
Combining fun with creativity, embracing and driving change, communicating openly and honestly, making the most of every resource, and doing this all with positivity, determination, and humility is Mike’s ultimate goal.
You could describe Mike as a husband and father, golfer, coach, teacher, wild game hunter, boater, and BBQ champion...at least in his own backyard.
MARGOT MANN | Principal
Margot is a lover of thoughtfully designed interiors fueled by her background in Art History and Organizational Communications. Margot’s goal is to use the power of communication to connect with her clients and ensure the delivery of quality products and services.
After eight years of working for Holly Hunt in her favorite city of Chicago, Margot made the move down to Houston to bring her talents to a new market.
You could describe Margot as a world-traveler, lover of all things preppy – (think seersucker, sailing, and oaky chardonnay), a die-hard Michigan State and WMU fan, and a city girl who is always looking for a reason to leave the city (think paddle boarding, kayaking, and hiking).
AMANDA CAMPOS | Director of A&D + Design Strategy
Amanda acts as a liaison between our clients, the A&D community, the MDI design team, and our brand partners. She serves as a knowledge resource, specializing in workplace strategy, and creates tailored solutions for each client’s unique culture.
After earning a bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Texas and a Masters in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in New York, Amanda started her career working for a global design firm. Now a Registered Interior Designer with over 13 years of experience on both sides of the project process, she can act proactively on behalf of her clients throughout their entire design journey.
Amanda is a true southern gal. She loves barbecue, craft beer, and college football. Her family is the most important thing in her life, and she loves spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their furbabies.
ALLY MAXEY | Market Manager | Austin + Central Texas
As a sales associate at MDI, Allyson uses her charisma, entrepreneurial spirit, and product expertise to serve as the Austin region’s go-to design resource. It’s Ally’s belief that strong customer relationships are the key to making work successful and, most importantly, enjoyable.
Ally has been part of the Austin creative scene for more than a decade after studying Architecture and Interior Design at Texas Tech University.
You could describe Ally as a true west Texan as she’s someone who can actually answer “yes” to the age-old question “did you ride a horse to school growing up?”. Today, she opts for driving a car and curates spectacular events that light up the Austin social scene.
LAUREN SNOWDEN | Market Manager | San Antonio + South Texas
Lauren is a design and office-planning specialist representing MDI in San Antonio and South Texas. Her goal is to exemplify the idea that hard work and reliable service are best accompanied by a positive attitude and great sense of humor.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Lauren has worked in the fields of architecture and space planning for over 14 years. She earned her Master of Architecture and MBA from Texas Tech University.
Lauren's biggest priority is being a devoted mother and wife, and spending her time with her family and friends. You could describe Lauren as an amateur chef, singer, painter, and Game of Thrones devotee.
MICHELLE MANCINI | Market Associate | Southern Louisiana
Michelle is a Louisiana native and Alumna of Louisiana State University. As a licensed Interior Designer, she moved to Houston to pursue her career in Design and Construction Management. Through volunteering and involvement in professional organizations, Michelle quickly developed a reputation for being hard working and dependable. Returning to her roots, Michelle is dedicated to supporting Southern Louisiana with her in-depth knowledge and top-notch service.
Her passion for interiors is driven by the goal of bettering the quality of life for the end user. She works seamlessly with the dealers and design firms to help their projects come to life.
Outside of the office, you can find Michelle spending quality time with her family and friends, eating delicious food, swimming, or reading a good book.
SARA BRAYTON | Brand Distribution Associate
As Brand Distribution Associate, Sara works closely with our dealer partners and the A&D team to create synergy on all projects. Fostering trustful, lasting relationships with everyone she meets, she strives to simplify the project process, creating efficiencies that benefit her clients.
She graduated from the University of Houston with a BFA in Interior Design and minor in Architecture. With over 15 years of industry experience, she understands and values all design phases. She finds passion in collaborating to understand her clients’ project needs and develop thoughtful product applications and solutions.
Sara may not have been born in Texas, but she got here as fast as she could! She holds onto her Wisconsin roots when it comes to cheese, supper clubs, and the Packers, but she has also embraced all things Houston. If she isn’t cheering on the Astros, you can find her surfing the Gulf’s brown waters, running the trails (when it's under 100 degrees), and then offsetting it all with Tex-Mex.
SAVANNAH FORTUNE-FOUNTAIN | A&D Associate | Houston
Savannah is a seasoned professional in the contract furniture industry, bringing over 8 years of rich experience to the MDI team. With a degree in Social Work and a minor in Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, Savannah combines her creative and analytical skills to provide top tier service and foster meaningful connections with her clients.
Savannah enjoys showcasing her ability to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. Embracing each design phase with enthusiasm, she derives immense satisfaction from collaborating to understand her clients’ project needs and crafting thoughtful, innovative solutions.
Savannah is a connoisseur of fine dining, enjoying Houston’s incredible restaurants, as well as a home chef. Her love for international travel has not only broadened her cultural horizons, but it has also influenced her design sensibilities. When not immersed in the world of design, you can find Savannah savoring a gin and tonic and enjoying the finer things.
LORI LA FRANCE | Showroom Coordinator | Houston
Lori is MDI’s Showroom Coordinator and her detail-oriented, organized personality keeps daily operations running smoothly and at full speed.
Lori joined the MDI team after working at Crate & Barrel for 14 years and representing the company as a million-dollar-seller.
You could describe Lori as a lover of beautiful things (such as her Yorkie, Henry), a New Orleans native (go Saints!), and an entertainer – always looking to bring friends and family together with her skills in the kitchen and her sense of humor.
SHANNON SCHROEDER | Director of Design
Shannon attended Kendall College of Art and Design in the backyard of some of the contract furniture industry’s majors. Cultivating a unique set of skills throughout her 25-year career, Shannon has been involved in all aspects of the project process, from design to sales to project management, and has a diverse background in various vertical markets, including healthcare, corporate, and education.
Shannon manages the MDI project pipeline from lead through close, and she builds rapport with clients through her rapid response to requests and industry-leading product knowledge.
In Shannon’s down time she enjoys nothing more than a Michigan summer and spending time with family and friends.
LINNA YOON | Project Designer | A&D + Workplace
Linna has always had a passion for art and design. She studied Interior Design and Architecture and has a Master's degree in Environmental Design from Texas Tech University. Linna joined the MDI family in 2013 and has over 12 years of experience in commercial furniture from both the dealer and manufacturer side. She continuously strives to create innovative and efficient design solutions that promote well-being and productivity.
Linna loves spending time with her family, eating anything with noodles, and occasionally reading a mystery novel in her spare time. She resides in Katy, Texas with her husband and two young children that always keeps her on her toes.
NATASHA NAVA | Project Designer
Natasha joined MDI as a Project Designer in 2017. With a passion for 3D modeling, Natasha aspires to bring every client’s vision to life.
Natasha is a graduate of the Art Institute of Houston, earning degrees in Digital and Technical Graphics and Interior Design - specializing in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of design. She is well-versed in over 15 computer programs, including AutoCAD and Photoshop, which she utilizes at MDI.
Passionate about her hometown, Natasha spends her time delving into Houston’s rich culture. She enjoys the city’s art, architecture, and eateries.
TERESA GASCA | Project Designer
Teresa is a Project Designer at MDI motivated by the daily design challenges her work provides her. She is adept at utilizing space efficiently and strategically, maximizing functionality and aesthetics, and she is passionate about creating inspiring and productive workspaces that empower people.
Teresa joined MDI following her experience as a commercial furniture designer at one of our local distribution partners. Proficient in our industry-leading design software, she thrives on collaboration with team members and clients.