Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, has announced that Lee Strom, vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer of Issaquah, Washington-based supplier SanMar, has joined the PPAI board of directors, effective immediately. PPAI board chair Tom Goos, MAS, appointed Strom to fill the space vacated by Bruce Perryman, MAS+, who has stepped down. The board approved Strom to fill the remainder of Perryman’s term, which ends at the PPAI Expo 2018.
“Lee brings unique expertise to the board,” Goos said. “With his vast industry knowledge, previous board experience and marketing knowledge, he will be a great asset to the PPAI board, staff and industry. His marketing expertise also comes at a key time as we roll out the industry branding initiative.”
Following a 16-year career in retail marketing, Strom joined SanMar in 2001. As the supplier’s head of marketing, he serves on its leadership team, and works to help the company engage the industry and develop the marketing tools necessary to grow its business and that of its customers.
Strom’s first term on the PPAI board began at the PPAI Expo 2010 as a member of the Class of 2014. Alongside his role in the association’s leadership, he has served on its Suppliers Committee and Government Relations Action Group, and has spoken frequently at PPAI events.
“I’m rejoining the board to serve as a steward of the industry during a time of increasing change,” said Strom. “All of us are consumers first, meaning that the expectations in how we research and buy products are highly influenced by our personal shopping habits. We need to evolve and deliver marketing and products that respect those habits.
“Promotional products are one of the best and sustaining branding mediums that continue to grow in a sea of change,” Strom added. “I’m especially excited to work on the new branding initiative the board has commissioned. Promotional products lead to so much good in building teams and communities, and we need to do ever more to tell those stories.”
Outside the promotional products industry, Strom has lent his volunteer services to the Seattle Direct Marketing Association; sat on the Hazen High School Community Relations and Process Improvement committees, and the Newport Presbyterian Church Mission Committee; and served on the Columbia Rim Homeowners Association board.
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Strom is the founder of the Newcastle Running Club and has served on the Newcastle Trails board.
For more information on PPAI, visit www.ppai.org. For more information on SanMar, visit www.sanmar.com.
