Mandi Rudd, director of new markets at Genumark (PPAI 266066, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 47 distributor, has been named the recipient of the 2025 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award.
The honor is given out annually to regional association members who demonstrate an outstanding level of volunteerism, leadership or have made other significant and measurable contributions to one or more regional associations.
Recognition for the 2025 PPAI Regional Volunteer Award winner will be held during the PPAI Leadership Development Conference from Oct. 27-29 at the Westin Southlake Hotel in Southlake, Texas.
In 2023, PPAI invited regional associations to officially join PPAI as business service members. Since then, nearly every regional association has come on board and become members of the Association.
Regional Association History
Outside of her role at Genumark, Rudd has been heavily involved in Promotional Products Association Midwest for the past seven years, including serving as president in 2022.
- In addition to serving on PPAMidwest’s events committee and marketing committee, Rudd is the chair of the association’s “Social in KC” event.
“Mandi Rudd has been instrumental in the success of our regional association,” says Dennis Oglesby, MAS, category director of promotional products at GO2 Partners, PPAI 100’s No. 30 distributor.
- Oglesby is the immediate past president of PPAMidwest and nominated Rudd for the award.
“She utilizes her extensive contact network to secure event spaces at reduced costs to benefit the association regularly. She engages directly with membership and provides guidance and suggestions to those new to the industry. Simultaneously, she has encouraged increased participation in the association for both supplier and distributor members.
Dennis Oglesby, MAS
Category Director of Promotional Products, GO2 Partners
“During her reign, our regional enacted our PPAMidwest-named scholarship through PPEF, and several have already benefited from this award. Mandi also regularly contributes to the association’s social media presence,” Oglesby says.
Giving Back
Additionally, the 12-year industry veteran serves on the PromoCares board, managing philanthropic initiatives such as significant donations to animal shelters and foster care programs.
- Rudd is also actively engaged in industry groups on social media, offering guidance and support to newcomers and soliciting additional volunteers.
“She is unwavering in her dedication to our regional association and the promotional products industry in general,” Oglesby says. “Perhaps most importantly is the importance Mandi places on making each individual feel important. She is always the first one to check on the well-being of members and volunteers. She personally texts and emails just to say hello and ask how they’re doing. No one deserves this award more than Mandi Rudd.”
