PPB December 2018

PPAI Welcomes New Associate Editor Danielle Renda Danielle Renda has joined PPAI’s Publications team as associate editor. Among her responsibilities, she will write for PPB magazine and will be co-liaison to the PPB Editorial Advisory Committee. Renda comes to PPAI from Westfair Communications, Inc. in White Plains, New York, where she was digital director/ contributing writer. She earned her bachelor of arts in journalism and a master of science in interactive communications from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. PPB sat down with Renda to learn more about the newest member of the Association’s team. PPB: What was your professional background before joining the Association? Renda: Westfair Communications is home to two weekly newspapers and a monthly lifestyle magazine. I was there for four years, working closely with the magazine, writing articles—mainly profiles and product spotlights—about fashion, art and culture in the Greater New York City area. PPB : What attracted you to your new position within the Association? Renda: After relocating from New York to Dallas for a new experience, I was drawn to the multifaceted nature of PPAI. I was really looking forward to joining a new team and becoming involved with new projects that challenged my skill set. As a writer and word lover, I also didn’t want to let myself get away from writing professionally for too long. After I learned that PPAI published a monthly magazine, I knew this was where I wanted to be. PPB : What are your initial objectives for the position? Renda: As the new associate editor, I aspire to give my best effort and learn all the ins and outs of the Association’s many moving parts. I look forward to writing for and editing the publication, helping my colleagues with any of their writing and proofreading needs, assisting at the PPAI Expo—I’ve never been to Las Vegas!—and, of course, getting to know the other members of the PPAI team and this industry. PPB : Outside of PPAI, what are your interests? Renda: Outside of PPAI, I enjoy cozying up with a great book—I’m hoping some of my new colleagues are interested in doing book trades and exchanges, like an office “book club!” I also enjoy cooking, running outdoors, traveling and exploring new places, and binge watching American Horror Story. Danielle Renda Lindsey Davis, MAS, RAC president, presented Bibb with the Donna Hall Memorial Grant, and shared her pride in presenting it to such a deserving volunteer. Bibb says, “I am delighted to be named this year’s grant recipient. The funds provided by the Donna Hall Memorial Grant will make it possible to pursue additional educational opportunities that will help me better serve both GAPPP and VAPPA. I am looking forward to the opportunity to participate in events that will bring more insight as to how we can better serve our regional members and bring more value to their membership. I would like to thank the Regional Association Council for making this grant available to regional executive directors.” The grant, established by the RAC board in 2013, honors the memory of Donna Hall, who served as executive director of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA), and provides regional association executive directors the opportunity to advance their education and careers by providing financial support to attend education conferences and events. Lisa Bibb (right) accepts the Donna Hall Memorial Grant from RAC President Lindsey Davis, MAS, during LDW. 96 | DECEMBER 2018 | CONNECT