LaunchPad Announces Debbie Propst to Join its Board, and an Exciting New Chapter with MillerKnoll & Design Within Reach
Debbie Propst
President of Global Retail
MillerKnoll
LaunchPad is thrilled to welcome Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll, to our Board of Directors and to formally announce an expanded partnership with MillerKnoll’s portfolio of retail brands, including DWR (Design Within Reach.) Made possible by Debbie's leadership and support.
This is a milestone moment, one that builds on collaboration and unlocks powerful opportunities for young adults pursuing careers across design, retail, media, and the creative industries.
Debbie Propst serves as President of Global Retail for MillerKnoll, leading the Direct-to-Consumer and Wholesale businesses across DWR, Herman Miller, Knoll and Holly Hunt brands globally. A renowned retail industry leader, Debbie is known for building iconic brands, shaping innovative strategies, and connecting deeply with customers.
Before joining Herman Miller in 2020, Debbie served as President of One Kings Lane and Chief Brand Officer at Bed Bath & Beyond, following seven years at Abercrombie & Fitch and her early career at Neiman Marcus.
Debbie's leadership and spirit of community extends well beyond MillerKnoll, serving on the Grace Farms Design for Freedom Working Team, the Glass House Advisory Council, and spearheaded MillerKnoll’s engagement with the Waterside School. She also sits on the advisory board of the Design Leadership Network and joined the Andersen Corporation board in 2023.
A Partnership Already in Motion
LaunchPad's relationship with MillerKnoll and DWR has grown organically and steadily through shared values: expanding opportunity, nurturing creativity, and investing deeply in community.
Most recently, DWR and LaunchPad partnered on a photography and videography project at The Glass House in New Canaan — capturing the launch of the reissued Johnson Kelly Lamp. This project brought LaunchPad talent into an iconic modernist setting, offering hands-on production experience while documenting a historic moment in design. The images and videos created will support both the product launch and long-term storytelling for DWR, The Glass House, and BassamFellows.
And this is just the beginning.
Together, the organizations are planning:
● A LaunchPad site visit to MillerKnoll’s headquarters in Stamford
● New project-based earn while you learn opportunities for participants
● Exploration of summer internships across MillerKnoll’s family of brands
● Continued pathways for emerging creative talent to gain real-world experience in design, retail, marketing, and brand storytelling
A Shared Vision for Elevating Talent
Debbie’s leadership, values, and deep commitment to design education and community impact make her an extraordinary addition to the LaunchPad Board. Her presence—and MillerKnoll’s partnership—will directly expand access for emerging talent, opening doors to careers that have historically been difficult to break into.
We are grateful for her belief in LaunchPad and excited to build a pipeline of experiences that will empower our participants for years to come.
Welcome, Debbie — we’re honored to have you on this journey with us.
