PPAI Board of Directors | Must Read Alavez Brings A Full Perspective To PPAI Board Kate Alavez isn’t one of those board members who comes to her role having jumped from one company’s C-suite position to another. That doesn’t mean that she doesn’t bring leadership qualities to her seat at the table with the other PPAI Board members for her term, which began in January. Alavez, president of PromoShop – PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor – achieved that title after nearly 20 years with the company, initially applying for a sales support assistant role. Early in her tenure at the firm she moved into human resources, eventually holding the directorship of that department until 2018. All those experiences along the way – including HR – have led to her becoming a strong, communicative leader, she says. “One of my strengths is my extensive experience in human resources with interviewing, recruiting and people operations at the center,” Alavez says. “Because of the sheer number of human interactions and problem-solving scenarios, I am well-versed at working in a room with many voices and perspectives.” The very nature of the PPAI Board of Directors, which is filled by volunteers, has yearly turnover and shapes the direction with which the Association helps the promo industry move toward, requires that its members are able to quickly establish priorities among themselves and agree to actionable goals. This is where Alavez’s strengths lie, moving from the big picture into the finer details. “I have a firm belief in setting expectations and identifying a path forward with group feedback to ensure not only buy-in on the long-term goal, but respect for one another’s work throughout the process,” Alavez says. “When I am working through the development of a strategic plan, I start by building a framework – usually in draft form – that I use to brainstorm and work through for a while before bringing it to the team. “If I sense there will be hesitation, I take the initial burden of work on myself so I can speak from experience when asking others to join me in executing plans,” she adds. A former chair of the PPAI Women’s Leadership Work Group and a 2019 PPAI Rising Star, Alavez believes in measuring progress regularly and checking in with collaborators. Alavez views the PPAI Board of Directors as a force for good in the industry. It’s about unlocking growth, trying to protect promo against future obstacles and maintaining the Association’s ability to elevate its support of firms of all sizes. For a volunteer position, much is asked of Board members. For those serving, including Alavez, it’s a responsibility not taken lightly. “I am committed to tirelessly working on behalf of our incredible industry – listening to thoughts and upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics alongside the impressive PPAI Board of Directors,” Alavez says. Their absence will be felt, but the Board will carry on with plenty of expertise. Remaining in place to lead the Association is Board Chair Denise Taschereau of Fairware Promotional Products, who will receive counsel from Immediate Past Chair Andrew Spellman, CAS, of Therabody. Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, has become the incoming chair, and Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, is serving as vice chair, financial services. Also returning are Dan Pantano, president and CEO of alphabroder; Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG; Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu; and Erin Reilly, founder of Pop! Promos. Kara Keister, MAS, of Social Good Promotions continues to serve as Regional Relations Committee liaison. The PPAI Board’s newest members are Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop, and Mark Gammon, CEO of Cap America, whose tenures will continue until 2029. Get to know both new Board members. PPAI • MARCH 2025 • 39
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