Leadership Team
Wendell Niles
PresidentWendell is a US Army Veteran, visionary entrepreneur, and the founder of Niles Signage Solutions, Inc. With over 30 years of experience in graphic design and strategic communications, Wendell has built a reputation for delivering innovative signage and custom display solutions for both private and public sector clients. Wendell has a bachelor’s in media arts from the School of Visual Arts, and advanced certifications in Construction and Business Management from Skanska USA and Columbia University.
His leadership has garnered national recognition, including being named Regional Service Firm of the Year by the United States Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency and selected for the Super Bowl XLVIII Business Connect Program. Beyond his role in business, Wendell is a mentor and community advocate, featured in The New York Times for his work empowering Black and Brown youth. He continues to champion diversity and inclusion, most recently as a speaker at VETCON 2025, the premier conference for veteran business, education, and growth.
Pat Johnson
Chief Operations OfficerPat brings extensive executive management experience in operations, compliance, and strategic leadership across public and private sectors. She has experience managing real estate development and capital improvement teams. She has led large-scale exterior signage rebranding initiatives for 600+ retail locations nationwide, as well as construction and renovation projects for affordable housing and healthcare facilities. Pat has a master’s in policy and management from the New School University and several industry-recognized certifications.
She also has a proven track record in project life cycle management and partnership development with local, state, and federal agencies. She drives innovation through responsible AI and data analytics to enhance communication strategies and business growth. As a passionate community leader and keynote speaker, Pat champions accessibility, inclusion, and strategic excellence.
Wendell Niles 2
Director of Business DevelopmentW2, specializes in turning complex spaces into clear and visually engaging environments. His background as a journeyman carpenter gives him a strong understanding of how architecture, branding, and human behavior work together. He uses this knowledge to help clients navigate environmental graphic design and structural signage, creating spaces that are both practical and impactful.
He collaborates closely with architects, general contractors, developers, and property managers to deliver turnkey wayfinding solutions. From initial master planning and compliance to fabrication and final installation, he ensures that every project seamlessly integrates with its architectural context while elevating the end-user experience.
With a passion for branding, W2 builds strong partnerships and helps turn design ideas into functional spaces that add value and improve navigation.
Vance Niles
Director of MarketingVance brings years of expertise in safety and security operations to his role as Director of Marketing. He supports clients with signage planning, ADA-compliant solutions, wayfinding systems, and project coordination across commercial, educational, and public-sector environments.
With experience working in compliance-focused and high-traffic facilities, Vance also teaches FDNY fire safety certification preparation courses for adult learners, focusing on emergency procedures, blueprint interpretation, and life safety communication.
His background in operations, communication, and facility environments helps clients navigate complex signage and visual communication needs with clarity and functionality. He brings a practical, safety-focused perspective to every project, helping shape solutions that are professional, functional, and effective.