In February, PPAI welcomed Lucy Olvera to the Association’s team as its new membership sales manager. In her new role leading the PPAI membership team, Olvera’s focus will be on growing the Association’s membership and best serving their needs.

A graduate of the University of Houston, Olvera has worked as a sales and account manager in several different industries including a stint with Staples in their corporate print and marketing sales organization.

“After graduating from the University of Houston, I grew an appreciation for technology and the consultative approach to sales during my time working with the International Space Station team at NASA-Houston,” says Olvera. “In addition, I have many years of sales and leadership experience in various industries including cemetery and funeral, telecom and software as a service/robots as a service applications, as well in the sale of promotional products during my time at Staples as a print and marketing consultant in the business channel.”

That experience in the promotional products field drew Olvera to her new position with PPAI. She says, “Having worked in the promotional products profession in the past, I was very familiar with PPAI and its peak reputation and position in the industry. Being sales oriented and customer centric, I chose to seek a role within the organization that would positively impact our partners, clients and members while keeping the core values of PPAI prominent. I value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and partners and look forward to providing vision and support while putting my best foot forward.”

Olvera’s initial objectives in her new role are to provide service excellence and transformation that aligns with the changing needs of PPAI’s members and partners. She says, “I look forward to bringing innovation shifts and new development in the benefits and services that we provide.”

Outside of the office, Olvera’s time is filled with family and numerous pursuits. She says, “I enjoy spending time with my kiddos playing tennis and skating on ice, cooking risotto, baking macarons and creating elaborate grazing boards. I have a love for hot spin cycle in 125 degrees, short-distance marathons, indoor rock climbing and nature hiking. When I’m not busy staying in town, I travel to find lively and inspiring places—I’m attempting to beat my 2021 record of visiting 34 cities.

“My favorite quote of all time: ‘Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.’ From Vince Lombardi.”  

James Khattak is news editor at PPAI.