Longtime UCDA executive director to retire in 2023 after nearly 23 years of service

Tadson Bussey, executive director of the University & College Designers Association and the UCDA Foundation plans to retire by the end of 2023.

Before working for the UCDA, Tadson was employed by Northern Illinois University and was a member of the organization for almost 11 years prior to taking the position.

“I was serving as president of the UCDA board of directors and UCDA was under-going some management changes at the time. It seemed like a perfect opportunity for a change. I resigned from the board, left my position at the university, and was hired on as executive director in July 2000.” Tadson said. “The board during that transition was gracious and supporting, as have the boards that followed.”

Looking ahead, Tadson said he’s focused on providing a smooth transition for UCDA—whether that is helping determine what the role of executive director of UCDA will play, or how the association will be managed to fit modern needs. “It may not be the same as what it’s been in the past, and hopefully it’s going to be better for our members and the UCDA community,” he said. “Times have changed, and we need to define the role of UCDA and its staff.”

“Having helped guide UCDA for 23 years, the last several years have been the most stressful, and I think I was ready for a break,” Tadson said. “I decided I was ready for something different.”

Chris Klonowski, UCDA’s assistant director, also announced he will retire at the end of 2023. After working at the College of DuPage for nine years, followed by some stints outside of education, Chris returned to the organization where he had been a member for so many years. “It’s been fun reconnecting with members from the past, and meeting so many new members over the years.” 

“Chris was instrumental in embracing and moving forward the technological side of the organization,” Tadson recalls. “We’ve worked with some great board members—together we’ve made a great team and our knowledge complements each other.”

While Tadson and Chris will no longer be with UCDA in an official capacity, they plan to still participate in events, in particular the annual UCDA Design Conference. “We will actually have the opportunity to sit in on the sessions,” Chris said.

“We have been fortunate to have been able to serve the UCDA community—it's been a very rewarding experience. Chris and I really appreciate the support and flexibility UCDA has given us over the years.”

 

Airport selfie: Tadson Bussey (left) and Chris Klonowski (right).