PromoKitchen has appointed Ashley Colautti as its new board chair for 2024.

  • Colautti was recently named director of new markets for Montreal-based supplier Spector & Co.
  • 2023 PromoKitchen co-chair Johanna Gottlieb will move into a vice chair position during Colautti’s transition and act as a mentor.
  • Current vice chair Kate Plummer will step down from her position but remain a member of the PromoKitchen board.

In addition to Colautti’s appointment, PromoKitchen has added six industry professionals to its board of directors, referred to as “chefs.”

PromoKitchen is an all-volunteer organization that brings together suppliers, distributors and service providers in order to further the education of industry professionals and elevate the industry status through mentorship opportunities.

A New Chair Of The Board

Colautti has spent just under three years volunteering with PromoKitchen and has sat on the board since 2022.

  • She has 16 years of experience in the promotional products industry.
  • Before joining Spector & Co. in 2022 – where she is now director of new markets – Colautti spent over three years at commonsku.

“What I love most about my job is the people I get to work with and the supportive nature of the broader promo culture,” says Colautti. “In other industries, it's rare to see competitors collaborating, but our industry is based on sharing, mentorship and elevating each other to be stronger.”

In her time volunteering with PromoKitchen, Colautti has been recognized as an integral part of the editorial team.

  • She also led the committee that organized PromoKitchen’s Mixer for the past two years.

“Change seems to be a trend in my life these days, and I’m thrilled to see change at PromoKitchen, too,” says Gottlieb. “I am confident Ashley is going to lead us to greatness as chair, as she is a proven leader with great vision and execution. I’m so glad I’ll be working with her and helping to take us in new directions.”

Six Incoming Board Members

The new year also brought six new board members (or “chefs”) to PromoKitchen.

  • Each board member started as part of PromoKitchen’s “sous-chef” volunteer program.

The list of new board members includes:

  • Alyson Anderson, product marketing manager, commonsku
  • Kate Alvarez, COO, PromoShop
  • Kate Masewich, VP Marketing, commonsku
  • Raul Rodriguez, CPO, Imprint Engine
  • Christopher Duffy, CEO, Signature Group
  • Alicia Matthai, owner, Haymaker Promotions

“All of these new chefs have been important parts of PromoKitchen’s evolution and growth,” says Plummer. “Each has brought something new to the kitchen table and I’m looking forward to what creativity this new slate has cooking.

“All new board members have been part of PK’s thriving mentorship program, content creation and the famous Mixer that happens every year at The PPAI Expo.”

The board members will be available to meet in-person at the PromoKitchen Mixer on January 15 during The PPAI Expo 2024 (registration required).