PPAI Honors Two Industry Dynamos As 2023 Woman Of Achievement Recipients

The 2023 PPAI Woman of Achievement honor is twice as nice. The Association on Monday announced two recipients: Brittany David, MAS, and Patricia Dugan, MAS.

For 14 years, PPAI has awarded women who’ve spurred the industry forward. Their outstanding leadership, dedication and talent have impressed peers, empowered other women and energized entire communities. For David and Dugan, their impact is undeniable and deserving of praise.

During a special ceremony, David and Dugan will be recognized Sunday, June 25, at the opening of the 2023 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, Minnesota.

David is chief revenue officer for SnugZ USA and an 18-year veteran of the promotional products industry, the last 13 years with SnugZ. David is an advocate for the industry and completed a five-year term on the PPAI Board of Directors, serving as Chair in 2019.

Upon hearing the news, David said, “Wow! Thanks to the committee and the Board. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing people in this industry.”

A proven and driven leader, David serves on several advisory groups and committees. She is a PPAI Fellow and recently, was presented with the Supplier Visionary award by A Woman’s View, an organization dedicated to supporting women in the promotional products industry, and named to one of the most influential people in the industry. David’s creative star power and engaging personality have landed her numerous industry recognitions, and she has been a panelist, guest speaker and keynote for many industry events. She currently volunteers for Adopt A Native and has a passion for the Wounded Warrior Project.

In David’s application, nominator and PPAI Hall of Fame recipient Teresa Moisant, MAS, calls her the “jewel of the industry.”

Moisant says, “In today’s world, role models are more important than ever. Women increasingly play a crucial role in the advancement of our industry. With an aging industry demographic, our future success depends on not only women, but Millennial business executives within our ranks. Both represent fresh faces with new perspectives, limitless energy, creative innovation and unparalleled passion for the sales and marketing solutions we deliver.

“Brittany David is one of these role models and the way she lives shows others ‘if they see it (her), they can do it (lead), too!’ Brittany is authentic in every sense of the word. Her energy is contagious and sustained. Brittany believes attitude counts and her positivity inspires others. She leads everyone she meets to seize the day.”

Dugan is vice president of sales and marketing for BUDGETCARD and has worked within the promotional products industry for almost 50 years. Dugan has served in dozens of Board positions within PPAI as well as Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) chair from 2015-2017, leading the nonprofit through a defining period of change that ultimately led to it increasing scholarships to the highest dollar amount ever awarded in a single year at that time.

When she heard the news, Dugan said, “Huge ‘wow!’ I can say without hesitation that I was not expecting this!”

Dugan earned the distinction of receiving the New England Promotional Products Association (NEPPA) Person of the Year in 1987, is a PPAI Fellow and a recipient of the PPAI Distinguished Service Award. She has been a dedicated volunteer and board member for two regional associations, NEPPA and Caribbean Advertising Specialties Association (CASA), and is a well-respected role model within the promo industry. Dugan is also actively involved in her community, serving on committees for nonprofits like Linden Place and Manton Avenue Project and in her church, St. Alexander Church.

In her application, Carol Boutwell, executive director of NEPPA, describes Dugan as a “true champion.” PPAI Hall of Fame member Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS, says she was “flabbergasted” that Dugan hadn’t already been recognized.

In a letter, Sokalski says, “Here is a superstar volunteer and fundraiser for over 43 years who should be on one of our industry’s highest pedestals, but she continually dodges the limelight.

“When I first met her over 40 years ago, I watched her from afar, noting the lines of raving fans and friends who waited to speak to her, to be helped by her. Always smiling, always a solutions provider, Pat built an army of customers and competitors as friends and supporters.”

Solaski says Dugan can no longer shun the spotlight. “Since our time on the Board, Pat continues to volunteer, mentor, help, support and cheerlead for everything PPAI and her regional associations, CASA and PRASA, especially as an advocate for women. Without ever asking for recognition, or saying ‘no.’

PPAI invites the industry to join in congratulating and thanking these two women for their immeasurable contributions to our lives and industry.