PPAI has appointed Jim Hagan, CEO of City of Industry, California-based supplier Sweda Company, LLC, to the director-at-large position for the PPAI Board of Directors. Hagan will begin his two-year term immediately following The PPAI Expo 2018 in January.

“Jim’s years of broad experience will add a valuable perspective to our board of directors,” says Mary Jo Tomasini, MAS, PPAI Board chair. “We are grateful for his willingness to serve as a director and look forward to benefitting from his vast knowledge.”

Hagan has been with Sweda since 2001, has served as chair of the Sweda board since 2015 and assumed the role of CEO last January. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s sales, operations and financial performance. Before becoming chair and CEO, he was president and CEO from 2007 to 2015, and prior to that, from 2001 to 2006 he served as vice president of sales.

The PPAI board is the Association’s governing body and plays a major role in directing its strategic activities, adopting policies and approving budgets to carry out its  work. PPAI’s incoming board members bring diverse backgrounds and experiences to the Association’s volunteer leadership.

The at large director seat is part of the board restructure and bylaws change announced to members in 2012. Larry Cohen, president and CEO of Axis Promotions, currently holds the seat and his two-year term ends in January. Cohen followed David Nicholson, president of supplier Polyconcept North America, who was the first individual appointed to the position.