PPAI has appointed Karie Cowden, MAS, to the Association’s Board of Directors with immediate effect. Cowden is joining the board to fill the remaining term of Noah Lapine.

Lapine is stepping down from the board to focus on his work as CEO, Americas of the UK-based adm Group, parent company of distributor Lapine Associates. Lapine Associates was acquired by adm Group in May 2022 and Lapine was appointed to his new role at the private equity-backed company in January 2023. Lapine was elected to the PPAI board in 2020.

Meet Karie Cowden, MAS

Cowden is the president and founder of Connect the Dots Promotions, LLC, based in Phoenix. Starting her business in 2008, Cowden has come to understand and appreciate the challenges the promo industry faces. She is also an active volunteer:

  • She previously served as president of the Regional Association Council.
  • She is active in the Arizona Promotional Products Association.
  • She is a director of PromoCares, a volunteer-driven group of industry members dedicated to corporate social and environmental responsibility.
  • She previously served as a PPAI board member from 2008-2012.

What They’re Saying

“So much has changed since I had the honor of serving on the board last time around,” Cowden says. “I look forward to digging in and seeing how we can continue to propel our industry association forward!”

PPAI Board Chair, Kevin Walsh, CAS, adds, “I am delighted to welcome Karie as a new board member to PPAI. Cowden brings the ‘solopreneurial’ perspective that comprises the majority of our member community, and I’m look forwarding to her greater involvement with the Association.”