about ppai
We Are The Voice And Force To Advance The Industry
Our vision is that promotional products are universally valued and essential to every brand.
Promotional Products Association International has worked to unite and advance our marketplace while serving the member community as its most devoted advocate since 1903.
The industry’s largest not-for-profit trade association, we are guided by 15,000 member companies to create solutions, provide resources, share information and lead.
Our message is Promotional Products Work!
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Our Values
We pursue excellence through these values:
Growth
We grow through our continuous improvement, accountability, and servant leadership. We foster innovation and seek out advancement opportunities that collectively elevate the industry, our members, and our employees, resulting in financial strength.
Integrity
We commit to honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct, cultivating the deepest trust through every interaction and each decision we make for the industry, our employees and our planet.
Community
We enable and create connections to bring exponential value to our stakeholders. We seek out diverse viewpoints and embrace belonging while encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Joy
We believe in the joy our industry brings to product recipients and are committed to creating that same feeling through the experience of our members and employees. We strive to build a culture, both internally and externally, that results in true joy for all involved.
Leadership Team
The PPAI leadership team is made up of individuals with a blend of experience in promotional products, associations and business.
Drew Holmgreen
Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE
With a 10-year tenure at the association, Ellen Tucker, a part of PPAI’s executive team, spearheads PPAI’s entire revenue stream and marketing, oversees professional development initiatives and orchestrates the industry’s largest trade show, The PPAI Expo.
Lindsey Davis, MAS
Lindsey Davis, MAS, is the director of business development for PPAI and also oversees the association’s professional development initiatives. A promotional products lifer, she previously served as president of Solar Advertising, a promo supplier founded by her parents, and lead the company’s successful purchase by Raining Rose, where she focused on their promo efforts as director of sales.
As an active volunteer in the industry, she also has served on the Promotional Products Education Foundation’s board of trustees and the PPAI Board, before joining the association’s staff in 2022.
Josh Ellis
A 2021 addition to PPAI, Josh brings nearly two decades of journalistic experience to the Association’s media efforts.
Formerly the editor-in-chief of SUCCESS magazine, a national newsstand publication that has served entrepreneurs and businesspeople for more than 125 years, Josh built and led a talented staff that competed for and won numerous national awards, including back-to-back editorial team of the year nominations.
In 2017, the trade journal Folio: named him a 30-under-30 honoree and one of the 100 most influential people in the magazine industry. In his role with PPAI, he oversees PPB magazine, the newsletters PPB Newslink and PC Today, as well as editorial content across the Association’s digital footprint.
Shannon Johnson
Shannon Johnson, MAS, is PPAI’s Director of Executive Administration with over 20 years of experience in optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Shannon streamlines executive operations, supports the PPAI Board, and manages the PPAI volunteer committee and action group programs.
With a strong background in operations and startups, Shannon excels in managing complex administrative functions, leading cross-functional teams, and fostering productive relationships with stakeholders. Her expertise includes project management, process improvement, and implementing innovative solutions that align with corporate goals.
Troy Naef
Troy Naef is the CFO at PPAI, where he is actively involved in ERP implementation and automating the company’s accounting systems. Prior to coming to PPAI, Troy served as regional vice president of operations for Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers and in that role oversaw operations and was the direct report for multiple surgical centers. Prior to Blue Cloud, Troy was one of the founding partners of Children 1st Dental and Surgery Center where he served as the company CFO/COO for 11 years.
Troy also worked as the CFO for Cottonwood Medical Group and managed four hospitals in Texas and Louisiana. Prior to working in healthcare, Troy received his CPA license in the state of Washington and worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young and as a controller for Newport Construction. Troy graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor and Master of Accounting.
Nicole Rhooms
Nicole Rhooms serves as PPAI’s Human Resources Director, bringing over 20 years of experience in driving organizational success through strategic human capital management. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University, with a specialization in Human Resources. With deep expertise in all aspects of HR, Nicole has consistently demonstrated a proven track record in talent acquisition, employee development, leadership coaching, and organizational development.
Throughout her career, Nicole has partnered with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business goals, fostering a positive and productive work environment while optimizing workforce performance and engagement. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges and build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, she is passionate about creating innovative HR solutions that drive sustainable business growth.
Renae Ward, MBA
Renae has worked in the promotional products industry for over 30 years, getting her start on the supplier side in her family’s manufacturing company.
Her experience was amassed from various roles within the organization, including serving on the executive management team as corporate vice president. Upon joining PPAI in 2021, she was able to draw on her industry knowledge as well as her experience to provide guidance to the finance department.
As the director of finance and administration, she oversees financial operations and activities for PPAI. Renae graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in business from the University of Minnesota, Moorhead. She received her MBA from Texas A&M University, Central Texas.
Elizabeth Wimbush
Elizabeth Wimbush is PPAI’s first-ever Director of Sustainability & Responsibility. Prior to joining PPAI, Elizabeth was the vice president of supply chain and sustainability for distributor Genumark. She had started with the company in 2020 as the director of supply chain. Before joining the promo world, she ran a fair-trade organic cafe & bakery in Toronto that prioritized community and minimizing waste.
Elizabeth is a value-oriented professional with a diverse range of experience that prioritizes ethical and sustainable business growth, spanning 20 years. Organically influencing positive change from the ground up in organizations is the name of her game.
Most of her free time is spent with her two dogs, riding her motorcycle, hiking or swimming. On the road or in the woods, alone or with friends, “I’m never bored when I’m out in nature,” she says.
Our Strategy
The PPAI Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for the Association’s strength and impact, both now and in the future. It consists of five key pillars that guide all of our efforts.
- Drive member and community value.
- Ensure economic sustainability and scalability.
- Elevate corporate social responsibility in the industry.
- Facilitate the industry's digital transformation.
- Be the voice of the industry.
Board of Directors
Andrew Spellman, CAS
Board Chair (Class of 2026)
Andrew Spellman is the new vice president corporate markets for Therabody. Spellman formerly served as the senior vice president and general manager for Magnet, LLC. Magnet, LLC has been the world’s leading manufacturer of promotional magnets, and has won numerous awards for their products, service, and innovation. Prior to his tenure at Magnet, Spellman was the vice president corporate markets for Victorinox Swiss Army where he successfully managed their branded products division for over 14 years.
Spellman has also served on the Board of Directors of Guardian Angel Settlement Association in several different roles, including being chairman of their golf committee, vice chairman, and then escalating to the role of chairman of the Board. Guardian Angel has provided childcare services as well as social services in the city of St. Louis for over 150 years. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of the St. Vincent De Paul Mission of Waterbury during his brief time in Connecticut.
Spellman received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. He lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his two teenage daughters.
Chris Anderson
Vice Chair, Financial Services (Class of 2026)
Chris Anderson joined HandStands in 2002. At the time, HandStands was a 19-year-old manufacturer of computer accessories, with most of its revenue generated from the selling of mouse pads in the office products and promotional products channels
Chris led HandStands’ entrance into the automotive air freshener category in 2003; and, within eight years of selling its first car air freshener, HandStands had become the NPD, IRI and Nielsen US #1 market share leader in the highly competitive category.
In 2010, after serving in various leadership positions within the organization, Chris added the title of CEO to his existing role of HandStands President.
By 2016, HandStands revenue had grown more than 30 X the level when Chris joined the company, and its products were distributed in over 125 countries throughout the world.
In July of 2016, HandStands was sold to Energizer Holdings (the global battery and consumer products company).
In early 2017, Chris led the carve out of the “Legacy” HandStands Products’ Mouse Pad and Promotional Products business unit from Energizer. The resulting stand-alone business continued to grow rapidly, culminating in its December 2018 acquisition by HPG –a leading hardgoods supplier in the North American Promotional Products Industry.
In the months following HandStands Products’ acquisition by HPG, Chris was named CEO of HPG, a role he continues to serve in today.
In addition to his role of CEO and Board Member of HPG, Chris currently serves on the boards of JB Weld (a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded adhesive products), Durham Brands (a fast-growing innovator in the branded girls and womens hair accessory category), Millburn & Co. (a real estate investment firm, with over $1.5 Billion in assets across the U.S., focusing on the multifamily housing sector), and the Westminster College Gore School of Business.
Chris is a Summa Cum Laude Economics graduate of Westminster College, and lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife Jamie and their four children. Outside of business, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid aviator.
Dan Pantano
Director (Class of 2027)
Dan Pantano
With an amazing team in place, Dan is leading the way to capitalize on the company’s unique value proposition; being the industry’s only true One Stop Shop Solution. Dan has been known to say,
“Your attitude determines your altitude”. Colleagues and Customers alike can count on his positive winning approach that offers Employees an engaging environment to advance, while providing Customers a trusted partnership to profitably grow their business.
Danny Rosin, CAS
Director (Class of 2027)
Denise Taschereau
Chair Elect (Class of 2027)
Denise Taschereau launched Fairware after realizing how difficult it was to source promotional merchandise that reflected the social and environmental priorities of the many of brands and organizations she admired. Previously, Taschereau oversaw the Mountain Equipment Co-op’s national environmental programs, community grant-making and ethical sourcing programs, and wrote their award-winning first Sustainability Report. She is currently a board member of PromoCares, an industry group driving awareness and education around sustainability issues in the promotional product industry.
Erin Reilly
Director (Class of 2028)
Erin Reilly
Kara Keister, MAS
RRC Delegate (Class of 2026)
Kara Keister, MAS
I am a passionate go-getter who has learned to ask questions and never take no for an answer. I started my promotional professional career 12 years ago in distributor sales. My role allowed me to use my marketing background and love of all things brand to become a top-level salesperson within the company and eventually birth and grow Social Good Promotions. I served as a volunteer on regional industry Boards in an executive capacity. After my tenure as regional board President, I was elected to the Regional Affiliate Council where I have played an integral role in advancing the way regional associations will operate within the promotional products industry moving forward.
I am a self-proclaimed nerd willing to learn and accept any challenge that comes my way. I have survived injuries, breast cancer, and mental hurdles, all while advancing my career and building a successful small business. I attribute that survival to my tribe, my amazing support system, and my work ethic.
I was named to the Promotional Products Association International Rising Star list in 2021. Our company has received PPAI Silver Pyramid Awards in the Social Responsibility Program and Digital Self-Promotion categories. Social Good was named to the AIM Eco Leaders list in 2020 and we have consistently grown our gross sales by over 80% per year since our 2019 inception.
My passion is for education, advocacy, and volunteerism for the promotional products industry and organizations close to my heart like Special Olympics, local schools, and leadership programs for youth.
Karie Cowden, MAS
Director (Class of 2025)
Karie Cowden, MAS
Karie Cowden, MAS is Founder and President of Connect the Dots Promotions out of Phoenix, AZ. Karie brings a wealth of experience to the board with almost 30 years in the promotional products industry. She has had the opportunity to work on both the distributor and supplier sides of the fence which brings a unique perspective to share with the PPAI Board of Directors. Karie served as President of her regional board Azppa, RAC President as well as on the PPAI board 2008-2012. While RAC President, with the help of her board she initiated the Affiliate program with 28 regionals then on while on the PPAI board the SAGE initiative was born. She is currently a board member of PromoCares, an industry group driving awareness and education around sustainability issues in the promotional product industry. Karie is married to Steve and has 2 lovely teenage daughters, Emma and Averie and a black lab named Luna.
Kevin Walsh, CAS
Immediate Past Board Chair (Class of 2025)
Kevin Walsh, CAS
Kevin Walsh, CAS is a proud member of the Showdown Displays team, where he has worked the past eight (8) years serving in several leadership roles, the most recent of which is President. Kevin’s creative vision and ‘customer first’ mentality has contributed to the success of numerous industry suppliers including New Buffalo Shirt Factory, Lee Printwear, VF Imagewear and Wrangler Jeans and Shirts. In each of these organizations, Kevin has demonstrated a leadership philosophy that is founded in the belief of having the vision to recognize evolving landscapes and the courage to embrace the change needed to succeed. Kevin’s sales and marketing expertise combined with his bias for solutions utilizing technology, will prove to be a great addition to the PPAI Board.
Lori Bauer
Director (Class of 2026)
Lori Bauer
Zack Ottenstein
Director (Class of 2028)
Drew Holmgreen
Ex Officio Member
Cory Halliburton
Ex Officio Member
Cory Halliburton is an attorney with the law firm of Freeman Law, PLLC, a tax, white-collar, and litigation law firm based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and with clients throughout the world. He has served as General Counsel for PPAI since May 2014. He serves as outside general counsel for other international trade associations, public charities, multi-state engineering firms, and others. Cory Halliburton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about buying promotional products? Or how PPAI supports industry businesses? Here’s help.
What Are Promotional Products?
What Are Promotional Products?
Essential to every brand, promotional products – often referred to as merch, swag, promo, or advertising specialties – are customized items, typically given to clients, employees, business partners, and others.These can take many forms but are most commonly apparel, drinkware, pens, bags, or tech products.
How Does PPAI Advocate For The Industry?
How Does PPAI Advocate For The Industry?
The Association supports public relations on behalf of the entire promo market, as well as end-buyer outreach such as the Promotional Products Work initiative to enhance the recognition of our medium as a valuable piece of any brand’s marketing tool.
Can Anyone Join PPAI?
Can Anyone Join PPAI?
Association membership is open to qualified distributors and suppliers, as well as business services firms eager to provide solutions for the industry – a $26.1 billion market in the U.S. in 2023.
Is There A Cost To Joining PPAI?
Is There A Cost To Joining PPAI?
When joining PPAI or renewing a membership, businesses have the opportunity to choose the level of benefits they wish to receive from PPAI. A small business may elect to receive only basic benefits at a minimal cost initially, and as the business grows, they have the option to take advantage of more membership perks.
What Is PPAI’s Relationship With SAGE?
What Is PPAI’s Relationship With SAGE?
SAGE is PPAI’s official technology partner, providing members with the most advanced, cutting-edge technology services in the industry. The partnership creates a cost-effective bundle of access to quality products, services, education, and resources essential to any growing promotional products business.
What’s The Difference Between PPAI And ASI?
What’s The Difference Between PPAI And ASI?
PPAI exists as a not-for-profit trade association that is owned and directed by the promotional products industry itself. ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) is a private, for-profit company.
Contact Us
PPEF Scholarship Foundation
With the support of industry member companies and individuals, the Promotional Products Education Foundation provides college scholarships to promotional products industry employees and their children to support general studies and industry-related educational goals.
PPAI History
The use of physical goods to drive movements and inspire action traces back to ancient times, but it was the founding of PPAI that turned promotional products into a true industry. The Association started with just 12 member companies more than 120 years ago.
Over the decades, our Association has led the medium’s evolution and been a trusted partner to thousands of professionals. PPAI united the promotional products market through professional education, member services and events, including promo's largest and longest-running trade show, The PPAI Expo, now held every January in Las Vegas.
Through it all, PPAI has remained a loyal partner to promotional products companies and professionals, expanding its offerings to now serve members through technology services, sustainability solutions, exclusive research and more.
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