Each passing year brings a transition of the PPAI Board of Directors. A delicate balance indeed, a few volunteer Board members complete their run guiding the Association and are replaced with new leaders with their own perspectives stepping on to begin their terms.
Departing the Board following The PPAI Expo 2025 in January were several leaders who helped guide PPAI with deep promo experience through years that saw the industry grow while facing uncertain political and economic landscapes.
Karie Cowden, MAS, was appointed to the Board in 2023, filling the open seat of Noah Lapine after he stepped down. Cowden, president and founder of Connect the Dots Promotions, filled Lapine’s remaining term, but it was not her first time serving the PPAI Board of Directors; she had previously served as a PPAI Board member from 2008-2012. The Board term of Kevin Walsh, CAS, also expired this year. The president of Showdown Displays, Walsh was named to the Board in 2020 and served as Board chair in 2023.
Their absence will be felt, but the Board will carry on with plenty of expertise.
Remaining in place to lead the Association is Board Chair Denise Taschereau of Fairware Promotional Products, who will receive counsel from Immediate Past Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, of Therabody. Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, has become the incoming chair, and Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, is serving as vice chair, financial services.
Also returning are Dan Pantano, president and CEO of alphabroder; Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG; Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu; and Erin Reilly, founder of Pop! Promos. Kara Keister, MAS, of Social Good Promotions continues to serve as Regional Relations Committee liaison.
The PPAI Board’s newest members are Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop, and Mark Gammon, CEO of Cap America, whose tenures will continue until 2029. Get to know both new Board members.
Alavez Brings A Full Perspective To PPAI Board
Kate Alavez isn’t one of those board members who comes to her role having jumped from one company’s C-suite position to another. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t bring leadership qualities to her seat at the table with the other PPAI Board members for her term, which began in January.
Alavez, president of PromoShop – PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor – achieved that title after nearly 20 years with the company, initially applying for a sales support assistant role. Early in her tenure at the firm she moved into human resources, eventually holding the directorship of that department until 2018. All those experiences along the way – including HR – have led to her becoming a strong, communicative leader, she says.
“One of my strengths is my extensive experience in human resources with interviewing, recruiting and people operations at the center,” Alavez says. “Because of the sheer number of human interactions and problem-solving scenarios, I am well-versed at working in a room with many voices and perspectives.”
The very nature of the PPAI Board of Directors, which is filled by volunteers, has yearly turnover and shapes the direction with which the Association helps the promo industry move toward, requires that its members are able to quickly establish priorities among themselves and agree to actionable goals. This is where Alavez’s strengths lie, moving from the big picture into the finer details.
Kate Alavez
President, PromoShop
“I have a firm belief in setting expectations and identifying a path forward with group feedback to ensure not only buy-in on the long-term goal, but respect for one another’s work throughout the process,” Alavez says. “When I am working through the development of a strategic plan, I start by building a framework – usually in draft form – that I use to brainstorm and work through for a while before bringing it to the team.
“If I sense there will be hesitation, I take the initial burden of work on myself so I can speak from experience when asking others to join me in executing plans,” she adds.
A former chair of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Work Group and a 2019 PPAI Rising Star, Alavez believes in measuring progress regularly and checking in with collaborators.
Alavez views the PPAI Board of Directors as a force for good in the industry. It’s about unlocking growth, trying to protect promo against future obstacles and maintaining the Association’s ability to elevate its support of firms of all sizes. For a volunteer position, much is asked of Board members. For those serving, including Alavez, it’s a responsibility not taken lightly.
“I am committed to tirelessly working on behalf of our incredible industry – listening to thoughts and upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics alongside the impressive PPAI Board of Directors,” Alavez says.
Gammon To Highlight Growth, Inclusion And Vision
Earlier in his career, Mark Gammon jumped from a prominent distributor to a big-name supplier. He brings both sides of his vision to the PPAI Board of Directors.
After graduating summa cum laude from William Penn University, Gammon pursued a disruptive strategy certificate from Harvard Business School. There’s something about a “disruptive strategy” certificate from arguably the most celebrated business school in the country that gives you the sense that he was never going to be someone who would sit still. If he saw somewhere he could make a difference, he’d accept the challenge.
After nearly eight years at PPAI 100’s No. 25 distributor The Vernon Company, where he honed his skills in sales management, business development and client relationships, the industry veteran joined Cap America, the No. 18 supplier, as vice president of sales. He quickly climbed the company ladder, becoming president and COO of the Fredericktown, Missouri-based firm less than two years later.
Now, Gammon has stepped into his next challenge: the PPAI Board of Directors. It fits right where his business acumen and industry knowledge collide.
Mark Gammon
CEO, Cap America
“I’m passionate about the role promotional products play in brand recognition and customer engagement,” Gammon says. “Joining the PPAI Board allows me to contribute to advancing the industry, leveraging my expertise and insights to foster innovation, supporting member companies and upholding the standards that make promotional products an essential advertising medium.”
To some extent, the Board naturally represents the kind of business environment that Gammon feels fosters success. There is little stagnation, with terms being completed every year. And Board members come from different regions and segments of the industry, creating a collection of perspectives.
“My leadership style is strategic and inclusive, focusing on empowering team members by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability,” Gammon says. “I believe in setting clear goals, providing resources and support and recognizing individual and team achievements. This approach promotes a collaborative environment where diverse ideas are valued and strategic initiatives are effectively implemented.”
Gammon, who sees serving on the PPAI Board as an honor, elaborates on what he sees is the most responsible way to sit at that table and ensure that members can have confidence that the Association is looking out for their best interests. His approach to leading Cap America means analysis, preparation and collaboration.
“My strategic planning process involves comprehensive market analysis, stakeholder engagement and scenario planning,” Gammon says. “I start by defining clear, measurable objectives aligned with our overarching vision. Then, I involve key team members and stakeholders in brainstorming sessions to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.”
He also emphasizes data-driven analysis to prioritize initiatives and develop actionable plans with clear timelines and responsibilities.
“Regular reviews and adjustments ensure our goals remain relevant and attainable,” he adds.
Auping is a news editor at PPAI.
