History will be made in January with the addition of three new industry leaders to the PPAI Board of Directors.
- Following member voting Aug. 17-24, Merchology Co-Founder and CEO Ally Delgado and SanMar Vice-President of Marketing Shelley Williams have been confirmed for four-year terms, marking the first time two women made up the Board’s elected slate.
- Additionally, Brandivate Founder and Creative Director Bill Petrie will join the Board as the Regional Relations Committee delegate in a rare appointment from the business services provider ranks.
Each will begin their term following The PPAI Expo 2027.
Delgado and Williams fill roles vacated by outgoing board members Denise Taschereau, CAS, of Fairware, and Frank Myers of S&S. Petrie succeeds Kara Keister, MAS, of Social Good Promotions.
A 2023 winner of the PPAI Distinguished Service Award, Petrie has helped organizations grow through branding and marketing strategy while remaining actively involved in industry service through speaking, thought leadership and mentoring. Nominated by the RRC, he was approved by the sitting PPAI Board last week.
“I’m truly honored to serve on the PPAI Board, bringing a different voice and perspective into the boardroom as a business services provider,” Petrie says. “Even more, I’m thrilled to represent a community that’s the backbone of industry volunteerism: the regional associations. We all know the industry is in a transition – and I mean that in the best possible way. To be a small part of shaping our shared future with PPAI leadership and the Board has me fired up and ready to contribute.”
Bill Petrie
Founder & Creative Director, Brandivate
While the PPAI Board has included multi-line representation in the past, Petrie will become the first Director possessing no affiliation to any distributor or supplier member.
Petrie began his industry career with HALO in 2000 and has worked as a consultant for both distributors and suppliers in addition to serving as president of PromoCorner from 2017-20. He currently runs the networking community Promocations along with Josh Robbins of Vault Promotions.
“We all know that branded merchandise is having a moment, and it’s a moment we need to capitalize on,” Petrie says. “My sincere hope is that we can build on the existing momentum to help all our members grow their respective businesses, whether they are multi-million dollar organizations or solopreneurs. At the same time, I hope we can foster the growth of the next generation of professionals to take branded merchandise to new heights.”
Williams, Delgado Confirmed By Members
Delgado and Williams are each poised to serve on the Board through January 2031 after receiving the majority approval required from the member election.
PPAI’s board nomination and election process is intentionally extensive, with candidates undergoing a comprehensive vetting process focused on the leadership competencies, professional experiences and perspectives needed to support the Association’s strategic priorities over the next three to five years.
The process includes evaluation by the Leadership Advisory Committee, vetting by the Elected Directors Nominating Committee and approval by the sitting PPAI Board of Directors before candidates are presented to members for a vote.
The approach is designed to ensure the Board remains equipped to respond to the evolving needs of the branded merchandise industry and PPAI membership.
Delgado has helped grow Merchology into a branded merchandise platform generating approximately $90 million in annual revenue and serving more than 60,000 companies worldwide. Before becoming CEO in 2022, she served as the company’s chief marketing officer and previously held roles with General Mills and Deloitte Consulting.
Ally Delgado
CEO & Co-Founder, Merchology
READ MORE | Know The Nominees: Ally Delgado
Williams brings nearly three decades of experience spanning brand strategy, creative direction and digital experience. Before joining SanMar in 2019, she held leadership roles with Disney, Expedia and Alaska Airlines and has since been involved in both marketing leadership and organizational governance at SanMar.
Shelley Williams
Vice-President of Marketing, SanMar
READ MORE | Know The Nominees: Shelley Williams
2027 Board Officers Previously Announced
PPAI previously announced its Board officers for 2027, whose terms will also begin following The PPAI Expo.
Zack Ottenstein, president of The Image Group, will become PPAI Board Chair. Mark Gammon, senior vice president of sales at PCNA, will serve as Chair-Elect, while Samantha Kates, president of Spector & Co., will serve as Vice Chair of Finance Services.
Current Board Chair Danny Rosin, CAS, co-owner and co-president of Brand Fuel, will transition into the role of Immediate Past Chair.
Also returning to the Board in 2027 are:
- Bruce Barnet, Charles River Apparel
- Kate Alavez, PromoShop
- Erin Reilly, Pop! Promos
- Joseph Sommer, Whitestone
