PPB September 2019

by James Khattak DawnOlds, CAS, AndKevinWalsh Stand For 2019 PPAI Board Election This year marks the launch of a new approach to the PPAI Board election. As announced in January at The PPAI Expo, the Association is transitioning the ballot vote from an election process to a selection process for the board class of 2024, by presenting one distributor and one supplier to the membership for an approval vote. The two nominees on the slate are Dawn Olds, CAS, senior vice president of operations at distributor HALO Branded Solutions, and Kevin Walsh, president of supplier Showdown Displays. Going forward, nominees for the board of directors will be proposed as a slate and confirmed by the membership through an election and no longer individually elected by a popular vote. PPAI has undertaken this change as it provides a better opportunity to constitute a board of directors with a balanced skillset and experience best suited for leading the organization into the future. The selection process eliminates the time-consuming, peer-to- peer competition, and applies strategic foresight and brings transparency to the process. Olds and Walsh have been selected for their unique experience and balanced skillset of competencies that align with the board’s current focus and strategic plan. Each has also been extensively evaluated by the Leadership Advisory Council and the Elected Directors Nominating Committee. If approved by the membership, they will begin their four years of board service following The PPAI Expo in January 2020. Distributor Nominee Dawn Olds, CAS Senior Vice President of Operations HALO Branded Solutions Morrison, Illinois Dawn Olds, CAS, has spent more than 30 years in the promotional products industry, and of that time, nearly 20 years have been in management, spanning three focus areas: accounting, IT and general operations. Each leadership role has shaped her diverse skillset, including strategic planning, mentoring, coaching, developing relationships and building consensus. Olds is a proven problem solver, strategic leader and all-around professional. Supplier Nominee Kevin Walsh President Showdown Displays Ramsey, Minnesota With more than 30 years in the promotional products industry, Kevin Walsh is a visionary manager with experience in virtually every facet of the industry. His diverse background equips him with a unique perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. As an innovative business strategist, he has driven improvements across sales, marketing, operations, merchandising and e-commerce. The PPAI board election runs through September 30, with results available by early October. To learn more about the voting process, visit ppai.org/election2019 and follow PPB Newslink for election updates. | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 97 CONNECT