They come from every corner of the branded merchandise industry, representing distributors, suppliers and business service firms of every size, but they share something important.
The 2026 PPAI Rising Stars possess the ambition to lead, the curiosity to keep growing and the instinct to bring others with them.
Each year, PPAI Media searches the industry for its brightest emerging leaders. From a deep field of nominees in 2026, 12 young professionals distinguished themselves through their accomplishments, contributions to their companies and communities and their potential to shape what comes next.
Since the program’s creation in 2010, PPAI Rising Stars have represented many of the qualities that keep the industry moving forward, from leadership, to creativity, service and a willingness to take on new challenges. Eligibility remains limited to professionals under age 40, keeping the program focused on recognizing the next generation of leaders already making their mark.
The 2026 honorees will be recognized later this month at PPAI’s Leadership Development Conference in Texas, where they will join peers from across the industry for education, conversation and connection designed to strengthen their skills and expand their influence. It is a fitting setting for a group defined not only by what they have accomplished, but by where they have the potential to go.
Many of this year’s Rising Stars were championed by colleagues, mentors and industry peers who have seen their impact firsthand. Together, their stories reflect a branded merchandise community that continues to evolve – one strengthened by new ideas, fresh viewpoints and leaders willing to help move it forward.
Read on to meet the 2026 class of PPAI Rising Stars. They are already helping shape the industry today, and their greatest contributions may still be ahead.
Terrin Conway
Director of Client Relations, SOCK101
“Her energy is contagious. I truly look forward to her meetings, and we collaborated to launch a program for on-demand no-minimum shoes on our ASB eCommerce platform that positiely impacted both companies and most importantly, our customers! Some of our programs are still repeating for three-plus years, and we have launched many new ones during that time. She is very good at building trust and delivering on ideas and goals!”
–Katie Foshie, ASB
Ritanshu Dokania
Co-founder, Trelium
“RD is an absolute rock star. He is one of the most engaging, humble, funny and intelligent people in our industry. Everyone who meets him likes him right away and wants to find a way to work with him! … Through Trelium, he is showing suppliers and distributors how AI can help them automate their everyday workflows like purchase order entry, quoting, proof follow-up, invoice matching, supplier updates and customer order status requests. What impresses me most, though, is RD doesn’t talk about AI as a replacement for people. Instead, he sees it as a way to remove repetitive work so teams can spend more time helping customers, solving problems, and growing their businesses.”
–Rusty Pepper, Taylor Promo Marketing
Emily Douglas
Vice President of Revenue Operations, PCNA
“I have worked alongside many talented colleagues, across a variety of professional industries, and Emily truly stands out. I firmly believe that you will not find one person at PCNA, or in this industry for that matter, that does not absolutely love working alongside, interacting with, and learning from Emily. Despite being insanely busy, when you have a conversation with her, she is always present. She makes you feel like you are the only thing on her agenda and the most important part of her day. Her kindness, positivity, and unselfish personality is truly contagious!”
–Skip Stevens, PCNA
Carmen Elise
Head of Sales, Award Maven
“She is a revenue-generating machine. Her problem-solving skills are unmatched. She’s doubled revenue year after year while building and growing a high-performing sales team, partnering with our tech team to streamline our software so it better supports our operations and meets customer needs. She’s phenomenal under pressure, quick to solve complex problems, and always finds a path forward. She truly does it all. She’s an exceptional leader and an expert in sales, strategy and critical thinking.”
–Tori Hamley, Award Maven
Lawrence Hanley
Founder & CEO, Desk Plants
“Lawrence is an innovator with Desk Plants. The activations Desk Plants are doing now with plants and candles are amazing and leading the way in that space for customer excitement and ease of use. He is also one of the kindest people in the industry. After the floods in Texas, he started a non-profit that helped the victims and allowed promo people to help in meaningful ways with boots on the ground.”
–Alicia Matthai, Haymaker Promotions
Rachel Hoskins
Vice President of Sales, RUPT
“Rachel embodies everything we should all aspire to be in the branded merchandise space: She’s a hard-working and forward-thinking young professional that has the one critical intangible that can’t be taught – she cares. This was on display during RUPT Summer Camp in Moab, Utah where she had to push past logistical challenges and the sheer heat of the day (well into triple digits) to deliver a huge activation of over 80 pairs of leather high top sneakers. She did it all with an efficiency I admire but, more importantly, a tremendously positive and contagious attitude that made every attendee feel not only seen, but personally part of the activation. Over time, I’ve learned that this can-do attitude is the norm when it comes to Rachel, not the exception.”
–Bill Petrie, brandivate
Kelsey Jones
Director of National Accounts, City Apparel + Merch
“In just four years in the promotional products industry, Kelsey has quickly established herself as a standout leader driven by creativity, strategic vision and authentic relationship-building. After joining City Apparel + Merch with a background in marketing, she rapidly advanced from Account Manager to Director of National Accounts…. Her drive, generosity, and commitment to elevating others make her a true rising star with an exceptionally bright future.”
–Halle Moore, Bay State Specialty
Hannah Mackay-Baker
Inside Sales Manager, SnugZ USA
“Hannah has been instrumental in launching the Young Professionals Committee in the UMAPP regional. As one of the original founders, she not only envisioned the group but has also driven engagement, organized events and created space where young professionals can collaborate and build relationships. When UMAPP needed a supplier representative on the board in a pinch, Hannah stepped up without hesitation, further demonstrating her commitment to the association. Even through significant life changes, including moving and becoming a mom, she has remained dedicated to serving others.”
–Kate Murray, ASB
Terri Harland
Director of Professional Development, Facilisgroup
“What stands out to me about Terri is that she’s not just a Rising Star herself – she’s helping create future Rising Stars. Since taking on her role with Amplifi, she’s taken an already solid education program and made it even better. The sales training has become more engaging, more relevant and packed with ideas that reps can actually put into practice. I’ve personally learned a lot from her sessions, but what really reinforces it is the feedback I continue to hear from other Facilis partners. Time and again, people walk away talking about how valuable her training was and how they can immediately apply what they learned.” Terri got a way of making people believe they can be better at what they do. She’s not just teaching sales. she’s building confidence, developing talented next stars. “
–Javier Melendez, Walker-Clay
Amanda Maynord
Director of National Accounts, Hirsch
“Amanda’s career is a great example of what can happen when talent is matched with hard work and a genuine desire to keep growing…. What impresses me most, though, is how intentionally she gives back. Amanda volunteers her time on GAPPP and PPAMS committees, shares her experience freely with others, and is always willing to encourage someone who is newer to the industry. She understands that leadership isn’t just about advancing your own career. It’s about helping others advance theirs as well.”
–Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS+, Competitive Edge
Kyla Powell-Emory
Inside Sales & Creative Director, Blue Phoenix Branding – Powered By Proforma
“As Blue Phoenix Branding’s creative director and inside sales representative, she has assisted in putting them on the map! She impresses me because she produces very strong social media content for the company through posts, videos and unboxing moments that are fabulous. She makes it lighthearted, entertaining and informative. She has an incredible talent for this and that is impressive to me.”
–Jenny Straub, MAS, Outdoor Cap
Madeline Weiss
Strategic Account Manager, Spector & Co.
“Maddie is a Rising Star because she has quickly distinguished herself through her professionalism, customer focus and ability to build authentic relationships. In just two years in the industry, she has consistently exceeded expectations while earning exceptional feedback from customers who value her creativity, responsiveness, and positive attitude. What impresses me most is her willingness to go beyond traditional customer interactions. She created and publishes Mondays with Maddie, a weekly communication that combines industry insights, product inspiration, humor, and personality. It keeps customers engaged while showcasing her authentic approach to relationship-building.” She has also demonstrated confidence and professionalism by presenting at the SAGNY Showcase in New York, representing both herself and Spector & Co. exceptionally well.”
–Andrea Kramer, City Apparel + Merch
PPAI congratulates all the nominees and invites the industry to share in the celebration for the 2026 PPAI Rising Stars. Look out for more on the new class in the cover story of PPAI Magazine in December.
