PPAI has promoted three team members into expanded roles designed to strengthen the Association’s communications, education and marketing functions as it continues to invest in long-term member value and industry impact.
The promotions include Josh Ellis to senior director of media, research and public affairs; Jessica Gibbons-Rauch to director of professional development; and Megan Slusser (Dean) to associate account manager within PPAI’s marketing team.
“Our industry has always stood out for the strength of its community,” says PPAI President and CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS. “At PPAI, that same principle guides how we think about our team. We’re intentional about developing talent, building a strong leadership pipeline and preparing the next generation to step forward. Recognizing the amazing talent within Team PPAI through new roles is rewarding, but more importantly it ensures the continuity, energy and connection that define our organization, the entire market we serve and the joy we create.”
Drew Holmgreen, CAS
President & CEO, PPAI
The promotions align with key pillars of PPAI’s mission and strategic plan for branded merchandise, including strengthening community, elevating the industry and driving member success.
All three staffers support PPAI volunteers. Ellis is the staff leadership liaison to the PPAI Icon Awards Action Group, while Gibbons-Rauch is the staff liaison to the Professional Development Committee and Slusser is staff liaison to the Emerging Leaders Workgroup.
Josh Ellis
Sr. Director, Media, Research & Public Affairs, PPAI
Ellis, who joined PPAI Media as its publisher and editor-in-chief in 2021, steps into a broader enterprise leadership role responsible for shaping the Association’s reputation, thought leadership and advocacy narrative. Reporting to Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Ralston, he will lead the integration of media, research and public affairs, aligning content, communications and advocacy strategies with PPAI’s organizational priorities.
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In the role, Ellis will continue to oversee PPAI’s print and digital editorial platforms, newsletters and multimedia content, while guiding earned media, industry storytelling and public affairs initiatives. His responsibilities include developing a unified content and communications strategy, translating research and market insights into narratives that drive engagement, retention and growth while supporting legislative and advocacy efforts through strategic communications.
Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MAS
Director, Professional Development, PPAI
Gibbons-Rauch joined PPAI in 2023 and has led the Association’s refreshed education and certification programs, including the launch of the PPAI Advance platform.
She will now lead the strategic vision and execution of PPAI’s learning ecosystem, designed to support workforce development and industry advancement. Her expanded responsibilities include designing and implementing a multi-year professional development strategy aligned with member needs and organizational goals, modernizing certification frameworks and developing scalable education models that support both learning outcomes and revenue growth.
The role includes direction for education strategy for PPAI events, ensuring programming aligns with industry trends and delivers high-impact learning experiences. She reports to Chief Revenue and Experience Officer Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE.
Megan Slusser
Associate Account Manager, Marketing, PPAI
Slusser has been with PPAI since 2024, previously serving as a marketing coordinator. She expands her role in supporting PPAI’s marketing and cross-functional initiatives with the new position, aimed at deepening client partnerships and consulting across a range of internal and affiliated teams, including media, research and advocacy, as well as human resources and DEI programs, Promotional Products Education Foundation and the annual Leadership Development Conference.
Her work will focus on delivering integrated marketing solutions that enhance program visibility, strengthen engagement and consistently exceed expectations. By collaborating across departments, Slusser will help ensure that marketing strategies align with organizational goals and effectively support PPAI’s broader mission.
