Connecticut-based distributor Barker Specialty Company (PPAI 102001, Gold) has promoted Karen Heiligman to chief operating officer, effective April 1.

Heiligman, who previously served as the company’s vice president of operations, has been with Barker Specialty for 21 years. During her tenure, she has worked in customer support, sales, logistics, and most recently as director of fulfillment operations.

“I am so proud to recognize and promote Karen to the critical position of COO,” says Gerry Barker, company president. “Karen is a strong leader and diligent worker. Her innate commitment to succeed is one of her many impressive qualities, and her compassion, empathy and concern for others are traits that my mom recognized when she hired Karen.

“I remember how excited mom was when Karen joined us, and I know my folks would be thrilled seeing the success Karen has achieved.”

In her new role, Heiligman will be responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations, developing strategic initiatives, ensuring operational success throughout all areas of the business, and expanding international opportunities through IGC Global Promotions.

“I am excited to take on this new challenge and greatly appreciate everyone’s confidence in me,” says Heiligman. “This business is difficult and has so many moving parts…. but I am determined to build on our 75-year history, while still maintaining our company values of respect for all, excellence in service and competitive pricing.”

American Solutions for Business (PPAI 101656, Platinum) welcomes Michael Conway as senior director of eCommerce.

• He will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic eCommerce plan for ASB, including building and nurturing a digital team to optimize the process and drive new ways of working with a digital-first approach.
• Conway brings years of experience; he was previously with ASI and PCNA. He was also one of the founding members of PromoStandards and served on the board representing ASI and PCNA.

“I am thrilled to have Michael join our eCommerce team,” says Mike Schmitz, vice president of technology. “His expertise will enrich our promotional products experience on the eCommerce platform.”

“I could not be more excited to be joining the team at American,” says Conway. “At my core, I love getting into the process of asking the why, what and how questions to uncover business opportunities, and then finding the appropriate place and means for technology to unlock them. I can’t wait to get started.”

Promo Consulting (PPAI 824358) has added industry veteran Jennifer Paquette as vice president to grow its Fractional CFO Service for distributors.

• Paquette is an 18-year industry veteran who started her career as the operations manager for a large distributor responsible for customer service, production and accounting. She has spent the past 15 years on the product team at Facilisgroup helping build its Syncore platform. She also held additional roles on the training and onboarding team.

Promo Consulting President Randy Conley, says, “Distributor owners are primarily salespeople at heart, and we’ve noticed that as they grow, they need more help with their finances and books than their in-house bookkeeper can provide, but they can’t afford a full-time CFO. Jennifer has the experience and expertise to really help distributors through our cost-effective Fractional CFO Service.”

Daniel H. Pendleton has joined the team at True Brands (PPAI 531435, Standard-Plus) as director of sales for the promotional products division.

• A 27-year industry veteran, his previous experience includes executive sales management on the distributor side with Pinnacle Promotions as well as national and e-commerce account sales on the supplier side with Gold Bond, OTTO Cap and Imagen Brands.

Cash Claridge, head of sales at True Brands, says Pendleton is uniquely positioned to help grow the promo channel. “We’re thrilled to have Daniel join our team of industry experts and work closely with our distributors, partners and customers.”

Spector & Company (PPAI 168328, Gold) has brought on Timothy Fox, CAS, as strategic account manager.

• Fox had been at HPG since 2015, most recently as national sales executive.

In a post on his LinkedIn page, Fox says, “As I embark on this new chapter, I’m eager to bring my passion for building strong relationships and driving strategic initiatives to the table. With Spector & Co.’s dedication to excellence and my commitment to delivering results, I’m confident that together, we’ll achieve remarkable success.”