PPAI Media’s Rachel Zoch has stepped into the newly created role of public affairs and research editor, serving as the Association’s leading expert on policy, legislation and compliance.

Zoch was previously the Association’s associate editor. She will remain a part of PPAI Media, now working in the department’s research team under PPAI’s market economist and research lead, Alok Bhat.

Responsibilities within her new role will include:

  • Managing PPAI’s activities relative to legislation and compliance issues affecting promotional products.
  • Serving as a staff liaison to the Product Responsibility Action Group and Government Relations Action Council.
  • Monitoring and analyzing legislative developments at state and federal levels and providing timely updates.
  • Planning PPAI’s participation in LEAD and other advocacy events.

“As our editorial and research efforts have expanded, PPAI Media’s role in service of the members and our mission statement has expanded, too,” says publisher and editor-in-chief Josh Ellis. “The team is now responsible for much more than publications. We’ve embraced the opportunity to be the industry’s voice. The time was right to transition the essential Association service of public affairs to be part of the media team so that PPAI is best positioned to communicate vital information to and on behalf of our members. 

“Rachel is a perfect fit for this role and is quickly becoming an expert on legislative concerns and compliance. In structuring her efforts, Alok will ensure that PPAI is more effective than ever in leading as our industry advocate.”

Zoch feels that her work as associate editor, focusing largely on product trends, was good preparation for her responsibilities in the new role.

“I’ve learned a lot about the industry in the conversations I’ve had with our members, both suppliers and distributors, over the past two years, which will help me suss out the issues and developments that are likely to cause the most concern or impact,” Zoch says. “I attended and covered the Product Responsibility Summit last fall, and the knowledge I gained there has already been tremendously useful.”

  • As associate editor, Zoch has already had communication with many members of both GRAC and PRAG, while compiling PPAI Media articles concerning sustainability and responsibility.
  • Still, she has already begun what she is calling a “remote listening tour” with PPAI members and committee representatives to get a better feel for their perspectives.

Bhat says that Zoch’s new role is a key component to the department’s aim to enhance members’ understanding of the market and issues affecting it.

“With her extensive background in editorial work and her keen interest in product compliance, Rachel brings a fresh perspective that aligns perfectly with our strategic shift,” Bhat says. “Her innovative mindset and dedication to excellence will help us navigate the evolving landscape and better serve our member organizations.”