Andrew Spellman, CAS, vice president of corporate markets at Therabody, was named to the Board in 2021 and served as Board chair in 2024. Chris Anderson, CEO of HPG, was elected to the Board in 2022 and saw his term expire in January. The term of Lori Bauer, CEO of iPROMOTEu – the No. 6 distributor in the 2025 PPAI 100 – has also expired. Bauer had served in the Board’s atlarge seat, a two-year appointment. 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 Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, who will receive counsel from Immediate Past Chair Denise Taschereau of Fairware Promotional Products. Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, has become the incoming chair, and, Mark Gammon, senior vice president of sales at PCNA, is serving as vice chair, financial services. Also returning are Erin Reilly, founder of Pop! Promos, and Kate Alavez, president of PromoShop. Kara Keister, MAS, of Social Good Promotions continues to serve as Regional Relations Committee liaison. The PPAI Board’s newest members are Joseph Sommer, founder and CEO of Whitestone; Bruce Barnet, COO of Charles River Apparel; Samantha Kates, president of Spector; and Frank Myers, CEO of S&S Activewear. The terms of Sommer and Barnet expire in 2030. Meanwhile, Kates’ tenure ends in 2028, and Myers’ term ends next year. Get to know all of the new Board members here: Sommer Brings ‘Deep Empathy’ To PPAI Board Joseph Sommer, whose term on the PPAI Board of Directors began in January, has never been one to follow the traditional path. While still in his 20s, he launched Whitestone from his one-bedroom Manhattan apartment in 2013 with little more than a bold vision and relentless drive. Today, the fully remote branded merch agency ranks No. 34 on the 2025 PPAI 100. It employs more than 75 people across four countries and serves some of the world’s most influential brands. “I’ve been a solo salesperson grinding it out,” Sommer says. “I’ve grown a team. I’ve landed major accounts and lost them, too. I’ve acquired companies and even shut one down. That mix of wins and failures gave me resilience, perspective and a deep empathy for distributors at every stage. Whether you’re just starting out, running a small-but-mighty shop or scaling into the millions, I’ve lived in your world and I know the challenges – and opportunities – that come with it.” “I’ve been a solo salesperson grinding it out, I’ve grown a team. I’ve landed major accounts and lost them, too. I’ve acquired companies and even shut one down." "I’m passionate about sharing these experiences and collaborating with suppliers across all levels to address their needs and help position our industry for long-term success.” Joseph Sommer Bruce Barnet 30 • MARCH 2026 • PPAI Must Read | Board of Directors
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