In the months since her departure, we’ve heard how many members greatly missed their conversations with Tina as she reported stories, or simply seeing her name in their email inboxes each day. Since announcing her plans to move on in the fall, she has graciously provided a smooth transition for PPAI’s media efforts, helping to select and onboard new Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Josh Ellis and continuing to contribute to PPB. After 26 years and countless stories, her byline continues to appear in the magazine, including the cover story in the upcoming June issue. As a proper thank you—and, frankly, onemore chance to squeeze out asmuch wisdom fromher as possible—Ellis sat downwith Filipski for an interview to recall some of her biggest accomplishments, the stories that defined the industry over the years, and her insight intowhat the future holds for promotional products. Josh Ellis: Well, first things first, we all miss you. But how are you enjoying this new chapter so far? What does it feel like to be out of the game after being so dedicated to your work at PPAI for so many years? Tina Berres Filipski: As hard as change can be, this was the right move for me personally and professionally. I definitely needed to step away, learn something new and stretch my capabilities. Working remotely for the past two years during the pandemic prepared PPAI Publications Time Capsule Above: Tina served on numerous PPAI committees and work groups as a staff liaison, including PPEF. Left: With Anne Stone, CAE, PPAI Director of Member Engagement “I’mblessed that I can look back on somany incredible experiences at PPAI, working with people I adored, and feel very satisfied and fulfilledwithwhat I accomplished there.” The August 1995 issue was Tina's first as editor of PPB. Tina led celebrations of PPAI's 100th anniversary in 2003, helping to produce a commemorative coffee table book. Exit Interview | FEATURE | MAY 2022 | 47
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