This month PPB begins a year-long series of department profiles to help readers learn more about the PPAI staff members who serve them.

PPAI’s Membership Services Department is responsible for the recruitment and retention of member companies. The department also works directly with SAGE to facilitate the strategic partnership agreement, and manages the PPAI Affinity Program, which provides value-added products and services to member companies. Membership Services explains the benefits of joining PPAI in the onboarding of new member companies and is responsible for retention efforts throughout the year.

Kari Banner
Affinity Program Associate Manager
“I love to paint in my spare time.”

Natalie Clark
Director, Membership Services
“On a flight to Maui we were the only people in first-class with Maroon 5 and lead singer Adam Levine. Unfortunately, Adam wasn’t assigned the seat next to me.” 


Jeff Coulter
Membership Representative
“I’m a Scorpio who enjoys long walks along the beach followed by deep treks through the mountains. When not out on the dance floor you can find me on a patio when the weather is nice.”

Willie Dishmon
Membership Representative
“I am a grill master and love to BBQ. I’m also president of an indie record label, Trunk Tight Records.” 

Gwen Gann
Membership Services Supervisor
“I enjoy fishing, camping, reading, cross-stitch, sewing, and garage, estate and antique sales. And mostly hanging out with my family and friends.”

Alicia Haswell
Membership Representative
“I’m all about F.A.M.–fashion, art and music.”

Rod Henderson
Membership Representative
“A man who cooks, cleans, repairs cars and does the lawn and home improvements.”

Brandon Lee
Membership Representative
“My immediate family members are all born on a holiday—Christmas Eve, Fourth of July and Halloween. And then there’s me, born on the ninth of August.” [Editor’s Note: August 9, 2019, is Book Lover’s Day, which is always worth celebrating.]

Justin McClain
Membership Representative
“I love memes! If you want to get on my good side, send me a hilarious meme and we may be friends for life.”

Sandy Mendoza
Team Lead, Business Analytics
“I compete in shuffle board tournaments every Sunday with my 95-year-old mom.”

Jason Prickett
Membership/Sales Specialist
“I have a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am a father-to-be.” [His daughter is due in October.]

Kevin Soward
Membership Representative
“I enjoy meeting new people, watching competitive sports and traveling across the  globe and coast to coast when I’m away  from the office.”

Fabiola Vargas
Membership Representative
“I like to spend time with my family on the weekends. If the weather is pretty, we like to play baseball or go fishing or camping.”

Dominic Young
Membership Representative
“I’m an avid sports fan who enjoys spending time with family and friends.”  

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.