PPB January 2020

inaugural recipient of the PPAI Education Lifetime Achievement Award, and Counselor magazine named him its Person of the Year in 2003 and has included him in its Power 50 list since 2008. “Being a volunteer is about learning while doing something you enjoy,” says Neaman. “PPAI offers many opportunities to those with all kinds of interests and skills. Some of my best friendships have come from being a volunteer on committees that have interested me. PPAI does a great job at fostering relationships that will last for a lifetime.” Neaman was appointed to the PPAI Board by then-chair Dale Denham, MAS+, in July 2018 to ll a vacant board seat. In assuming chairmanship, he says that his priorities for the year ahead are to work with the board and staff to develop a strong strategic plan and encourage thought leaders to participate in the evolution of the business. He adds, “I look forward to developing new friendships and working with a smart and dedicated group of staff and volunteers, all who wish to advance the goals of the industry.” Read more about Neaman’s plans for the year in his Perspectives column on page 4. Department Spotlight: Advocacy and Member Engagement This is the ninth installment in a year-long series of department pro les to help readers learn more about the PPAI staff members who serve them. The Advocacy and Member Engagement department oversees three primary functional areas: public affairs, member engagement and executive support. Public Affairs plays a critical role in managing both government relations and product responsibility strategy, program design, implementation and outreach to target audiences. The team works to guide members as they navigate product safety, social and environmental regulations and respond to the challenges of greater legislative scrutiny. They produce two live events each year—the Legislative Education and Action Day (LEAD), the annual legislative y-in as well as the Product Responsibility Summit, a multiday conference delivering best in class compliance education. Member Engagement encompasses overall member relations, volunteer programs, and the member awards and recognition programs—including Pyramid awards and Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service and Humanitarian awards. The staff looks for opportunities to enhance member experiences with PPAI by creating personally and professionally gratifying experiences and memories. In addition, Executive support provides backup to the Association CEO through management of the executive department, providing support to the Board of Directors, managing governance documents, recording and maintaining of cial Association records such as meeting minutes, and managing the Board election process. Anne Stone Director, Advocacy and Member Engagement I love to travel ... I have a bucket list with 11 pending countries and I add more all the time. I’m an avid reader and lifelong learner. Best thing I’ve learned recently is how much fun it is to hang out with all of our now adult children! Kathlene Brethowr Volunteer Programs Coordinator “I love to play golf. This summer, my husband and I played at St. Andrews, which is the home of golf.” Veronica Bailon Member Engagement Manager “I love shoes—63 pairs and counting. I also love earrings, but I’m not driven enough to count how many of those I have. I go out of my way to cruise Targets across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I also love dancing, music and true crime television, and was raised on the island of O’ahu.” Maurice Norris Public Affairs Manager “I’m a member of a military fraternity. Its founder, General John J. Pershing, was the rst ve-star General of the Armies and was the commanding of cer of the 9th and 10th Cavalries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, also called the Buffalo Solider units.” Christina Sanders Member Recognition Coordinator “I have been the PTO president at my daughter’s school for the past three years. I’m also an avid reader, Dr. Who fan and all-things-Marvel geek.” | JANUARY 2020 | 111 CONNECT