Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop – the No. 29 distributor on the PPAI 100 – and Mark Gammon, CEO of Cap America – the No. 18 supplier on the PPAI 100 – are set to become the newest members of the PPAI Board of Directors after being elected in a week-long voting process. 

Each PPAI member’s company voting contact was eligible to cast a vote on the decision to elect Alavez and Gammon after their nomination to this year’s slate. Said nomination was decided by the Leadership Advisory Committee, vetting by the Elected Directors Nominating Committee and final approval by the sitting PPAI Board of Directors.

  • Voting officially ended at midnight on August 30.


The two industry professionals will begin their tenure at the close of The PPAI Expo 2025 in January.

  • Alavez and Gammon’s terms will continue until 2029 and will replace the expiring terms of Karie Cowden, MAS, founder and president of Connect the Dots Promotions and Kevin Walsh, CAS, president of Showdown Displays.  


“It’s with great excitement that I welcome our newly elected board members, Kate and Mark,” says Andrew Spellman, CAS, chair of the PPAI Board of Directors and vice president of corporate markets at Los Angeles-based supplier Therabody.

“Their combined passion, experience and forward thinking will be key in taking us to new heights. I’m confident that their fresh perspectives will enrich the PPAI Board’s strategic direction, ensuring the continued growth and success of the Association.”

Meet Kate Alavez

When her employer, Diagnostic Products Corporation, was sold to Siemens in 2006, Alavez took a recommendation from a family friend and applied at PromoShop as a Sales Support Assistant. Eventually spending over a decade in human resources, Alavez was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and then President of the Los Angeles-based distributor earlier this year. 

“The PPAI Board of Directors is a remarkable team of contributors,” Alavez says. “As I start my journey with this impressive team of leaders, I hope to demonstrate my commitment to our industry through my work ethic and contribution. I look forward to learning, listening and leaning into the process.”

Alavez spoke to PPAI Media about the experiences that have prepared her for a potential seat on the board.  

Meet Mark Gammon

After nearly eight years at distributor The Vernon Company, where Gammon honed his skills in sales management, business development and client relationship-building, the industry veteran joined Cap America in 2018 as Vice President of Sales. He quickly climbed the company ladder, becoming President and COO of the Missouri-based firm less than two years later. 

“I’m honored and grateful for the confidence placed in me by my peers within the industry,” Gammon says. “I look forward to engaging with the communities and navigating the future opportunities alongside a talented and committed team of colleagues.”  

Gammon spoke with PPAI Media about what he’s hoping to bring to the board. 

2025 PPAI Board Members

The two new PPAI Board members will join Dan Pantano of supplier alphabroder, Chris Anderson of supplier HPG, Denise Taschereau of distributor Fairware, Kara Keister, MAS, of distributor Social Good Promotions, Danny Rosin, CAS, of distributor Brand Fuel, Lori Bauer of distributor iPROMOTEu, Erin Reilly of supplier Pop! Promos, Zack Ottenstein of distributor The Image Group and current board chair Spellman.

In January, Spellman will move to the position of immediate past chair, with Taschereau assuming the role of board chair and Rosin becoming the incoming chair. Ottenstein will take the role of vice chair, finance services.