Under Sommer’s leadership, Whitestone has grown rapidly, expanding through acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada. The firm is committed to ambitious sustainability goals through its RISE Initiative, which includes 1% for the Planet membership, EcoVadis certification and validated science-based emissions reduction targets. Sommer is known as a “classic entrepreneur,” but also a leader who cultivates a people-first culture, embraces a techforward approach and champions a more inclusive, innovative industry. Barnet To Highlight Innovation, Growth And Resilience Bruce Barnet has built his career on blending strategy with operational precision – and he’ll continue to do that as part of the PPAI Board of Directors. As chief operating officer of Charles River Apparel – supplier No. 39 on the 2025 PPAI 100 – Barnet has spent the past 13 years helping to shape the third-generation, family-owned Massachusetts firm into a stalwart of sustainable growth and operational excellence. He joined the company as CFO before moving into the COO role, where he has driven transformative changes in global supply chain management, technology adoption and corporate culture through the Charles River Cares social impact initiative. With more than 30 years of financial and operational leadership experience, Barnet’s background spans executive roles in both public and private companies, the founding and sale of a supply chain business and extensive volunteer service to the promotional products community – including leading roles with the Promotional Products Education Foundation, PPAI’s Investment Committee and the Supplier and Strategic Foresight committees. “I’ve navigated both growth and disruption – driving sales and profitability, embracing technology, fostering product innovation, streamlining operations and strengthening our supply chain,” Barnet says. “I’ve also led initiatives in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. I’m passionate about sharing these experiences and collaborating with suppliers across all levels to address their needs and help position our industry for longterm success.” Kates Sees Opportunity In Industry Challenges Samantha Kates has had the unique opportunity to work on all three sides of the industry – distributor, supplier and technology services. Now the president of Quebecheadquartered Spector, the No. 18 supplier in the 2025 PPAI 100, she brings that range of experience to the PPAI Board of Directors for a two-year term as an at-large appointment. “I have a broad perspective on how each segment operates, where the pain points are and how we can better collaborate to drive success,” Kates says. “In addition, having worked extensively in both Canada and the U.S., I bring a North American perspective that helps me understand the nuances of different markets while recognizing the common opportunities that unite us.” Overseeing sales, customer service, marketing and product development, Kates joined Spector in 2022 as chief sales officer and rose to president in 2024, playing a central role along the way in shaping its vision for growth, innovation and customer engagement. With nearly 30 years in the promotional products industry, Kates has held leadership positions at commonsku, Charles River Apparel and iPROMOTEu. Her cross-category experience and drive for strategic growth “I have a broad perspective on how each segment operates, where the pain points are and how we can better collaborate to drive success.” Samantha Kates PPAI • MARCH 2026 • 31 Board of Directors | Must Read
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