PPAI has named Daryll Griffin, MAS, owner and CEO of Atlanta, Georgia, distributor Accolades, Inc., and the late Irene Kogutt, MAS, former owner of Dallas, Texas-based supplier Dart Manufacturing Company, as recipients of the 2019 PPAI Woman of Achievement award.

The award recognizes individuals who have led the way in the advancement of women in the industry, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and their communities. Recipients of this award constantly strive to go above and beyond, lead the way by setting the standard of excellence in the industry, and inspire others as well as being role models and mentors. Griffin and Kogutt will be honored at the 2019 PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) welcome dinner and award presentation on June 24 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“This year’s PPAI Woman of Achievement award recipients have both demonstrated outstanding achievements, along with an exemplary commitment to service,” says Paul Bellantone, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. “Their leadership has strengthened our industry and we look forward to honoring these exceptional promotional products leaders whose vision and energy have had a remarkable effect on their communities and our industry.”

Griffin founded Accolades, Inc. in 1990, and was the 2019 recipient of the PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award. While building her firm, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the promotional products industry and her community. An active member of PPAI and the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), Griffin has graciously served the industry since 2003 on countless PPAI committees, task forces and advisory groups, including the Certification, Leadership and Membership Services committees. She is an industry advocate and speaker, and in 2016 she was recognized as a PPAI Fellow.

Griffin also has a long history of dedicating her time and energy serving the community and mentoring others. She serves on the board of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, where she was inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers for her dedication to the YWCA and its mission. As a member of the Atlanta Business League (ABL) since 2000, she has served as chair for the board of directors and is currently the board secretary. ABL has honored her with the League’s Leadership Award for her service and in 2015 Accolades was inducted into the Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame. Griffin also served for a decade as secretary of the United Sisterhood of Wheat Street Baptist Church, and as director of Vacation Bible School at Wheat Street, where she is a lifelong member.

Griffin previously volunteered on the boards of Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), Callanwolde Arts Center Foundation, Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta and was a two-term president of NSAC Jack and Jill of America.

Irene Kogutt, who passed away in 2017, founded Dart Manufacturing Company with her husband Sam in Dallas, Texas. Together they owned it for 42 years. During her time in the promotional products industry, Kogutt was an active industry volunteer. She served on the PPAI Board of Directors from 1994 to 1998 and was honored with the PPAI Distinguished Service Award in 1999. Under her leadership, the company won numerous Supplier Star and Supplier Achievement awards over the years. Kogutt was also a passionate volunteer and fundraiser for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, serving on its board from 1996 to 2000, and as chair in 1998. She was also a strong supporter and participant in education within the promotional products industry.

Kogutt led by example as a parent, professional and industry member. She committed numerous hours to many organizations throughout her work and retirement years. She was active in fundraising for Akiba Academy and Yavneh Academy, and was a Cub Scout Den leader, chair of the Business and Professional Woman’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and a youth group leader.

Kogutt had a zest for life and was passionate about lending a hand in a range of areas that extended well beyond making donations.Those who knew her say she had a heart of gold and a will of steel.

Griffin and Kogutt are preceded by 13 previous recipients of the PPAI Woman of Achievement award. They are Carol Aastad, MAS; Margaret Custer-Ford, MAS; Margie Price, MAS; Mary Ann Farmer, MAS; Janelle Nevins; Roni Wright, MAS; Jo-an Lantz, MAS; Maribeth Sandford, CAS; Sheri Lennarson, MAS, Teresa Moisant, MAS; Mary Dobsch; Marsha Londe; and Mary Ellen Sokalski, MAS.