designate (someone or something) as (something)
To label or name someone or something as something; to assign someone or something a specific role or status. The boss designated me as the point person for this project, so you guys have to listen to me. No, you can't sit here—mom designated this as the kids' table.
designate someone or something as something
to choose or name someone or something as something. Alice will designate Andrew as our representative. She designated herself as the head of the committee.