MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Szidik – President
Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions
Image Builders Unlimited Powered by Proforma (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/27

"I wanted to become more involved in the industry and MiPPA was a great way to network with the industry professionals. I wanted to find a way to give back to the industry and MiPPA provides this opportunity."

FUN FACTS

1. Enjoy golfing in scrambles twice a year in June and August!
2. My first job was a cashier in BI-LO and had to memorize pricing on all products to enter in the manual cash register as customers checked out.
3. Proud of both my sons who are in the fields of service. One is a Benedictine Monk at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and will be ordained a priest in July 2022. My other son is a Deputy in Isabella County protecting the community.
4. 4. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate.

Brian Deissroth – Director
Edwards Garment (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/26

"Giving back is paramount. As a second-generation person within our industry, I think volunteering with your local regional association is crucial! I look forward to working with the MIPPA board and MIPPA membership to facilitate a stronger community.”

1. I have two girls!
2. I played college ice hockey at Temple University
3. I have served on the PAPPA regional board and served on RRC (PPAI).
4. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my friends and family.

Scott Ward – President Elect

Big River Marketing, Multi-Line Rep (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/28

"I wanted to hang out with the cool kids… Or what I meant to say, is become more involved in the industry and network with industry professionals. MiPPA provides this opportunity better than anyone else.”

FUN FACTS

1. I am a girl-dad! One in College and one getting ready to graduate High School.
2. I’m a “Car Guy”, I also enjoy cooking, home remodeling, and traveling/spending time with friends & family.
3. If I’m not working, working, hanging out with friends/family, or more working – I’m usually enjoying a favorite cold beverage with friends and fellow members of VFW Post 1067 and Elks Lodge 1360, in my hometown of Ashland, Ohio.

Rod Kuncaitis – Director
International Sales, American Solutions for Business (Distributor)
Term Ending 12/31/27

"What an incredible time to be involved with the Logo’d Merchandise industry. We are in a unique position to pass the knowledge of our industry to a younger generation that is hungry to meld the traditions and accomplishments of the past, with the technology and advancement of the future. Getting involved with MIPPA provides an incredible opportunity for me to give back to the industry that has given so much to me.”

FUN FACTS:

1. I am a professional Santa
2. I have been with my current employer/distributorship for 31+ years
3. I have been referred to as “Grizzly Adams with a crockpot” because of my love of the outdoors and grilling.
4. I am a judge for the local First Robotics competition.
5. I studied Electrical Engineering with a background in Laser Optics in college. How I got here is a discussion to have over a nice Rye…. Lol

Keri Tapella – Director
Merchant, HELM (Distributor)
Term Ending 12/31/27

FUN FACTS:

1. I adopted a red golden retriever mix named Pablo Miguel in 2024 — he’s the perfect mix of chaos and charm.
2. I got engaged in May 2025 and am finally putting my past life as a wedding coordinator to good use (hello, spreadsheets and mood boards!).
3. I’ve spent most of my life exploring the arts — drawing, painting, pottery, and theatre have all been creative passions of mine over the years
4. Lately, I’ve been channeling that creativity into home projects, like building a custom entertainment stand and a cozy mini library with my fiancé.

Kim Cummings – Director
Outside Account Executive, Prime Line (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/27

"My reason for joining the MiPPA Board is both personal and professional. I truly want to be more involved in our industry, continue growing my knowledge, and build meaningful connections with other professionals. MiPPA creates such a unique space to collaborate, share ideas, and stay engaged in an industry that’s always evolving. I also feel strongly about giving back, and serving on the board feels like the perfect way to make a positive impact in an industry."

FUN FACTS:

1. My husband and were married over 30 years ago in Key West. 
2. I am the handicap for golf but give it my best for every tournament. 
3. My German Shepard, Lucy and I walk every day, rain, snow, or shine. 

Denise Hearn – Director
North Central Regional Sales Manager, Goldstar (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/26

"Being part of the promotional products industry has given me countless ways to grow, and joining MIPPA felt like the perfect next step to keep learning and connecting."

FUN FACTS:

1. I’ve always said the phrase “You can take the girl out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl” was written for me.
2. Growing up in a big family in a small Minnesota farm town taught me to love every season—spring garden planting, year-round fishing and hiking (yes, even in the winter), fall harvests and canning, and plenty of bonfires.
3. I remain forever hopeful that this might be the year for our pro sports teams!

Heather Byers – Director, Future Secretary

Account Executive, Creative Studio Promotions (Distributor)
Term Ending 12/31/27

"I joined the MiPPA board because I believe in taking action when you care about something — and I care deeply about this industry and the people in it. Promo works, and I love being part of the energy, innovation, and community that drives it forward. I truly love what I do and who I get to do it with."

FUN FACTS:

1. I say ‘Happy Fri-YAY!’ year-round, I can’t turn promo off ever, and as a true fire sign, I bring the spark everywhere I go!

2. BOY MOM - proud mom of two boys: Trace (20) and Carver (12)

3. I love the beach and anywhere there’s water — it’s my happy place and the best way to recharge

Nick Ostrowski - Director

Director of National Accounts, Pop! Promos (Supplier)

Term Ending 12/31/27

"In 2019 I was presented with an opportunity to join an industry I knew nothing about at one of its largest suppliers. A year after starting, the pandemic happened & I witnessed the magic that is this industry. Nationwide, suppliers & distributors supporting each other, learning from one another and finding ways to adapt and thrive. The promo world has changed the trajectory of my life for the better. Joining the board gives me an opportunity to give back, if even in a small way, to the incredible people that make up this industry."

FUN FACTS:

1. I have two kids under two. Therefore, an alarmingly high caffeine intake level.

2. My daughter and I dance together every morning before breakfast. Usually to 80's pop. Though lately her favorite song is "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" by the Beastie Boys. Complete with head banging - sometimes into my head.

3. I co-own a company that runs Fitness Competitions in Michigan. Our annual fundraising event has generated over $250k in donations to Veteran non-profits.

4. I served in the United States Air Force.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION

Service on the board of directors of MiPPA provides you with high profile leadership opportunities as well as the ability to shape the future of this organization.  

Service is a two year commitment beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31.  The board and newly elected members meet in November for a full day strategic planning meeting.  Board meetings take place about nine or ten months of the year, usually in a metro Detroit location.  When there are major association events, the meetings are scheduled to coincide with them.  Some meetings may take place via conference call or web conference.

Directors may run for a consecutive two year term. The President serves one additional year as Immediate Past President. 

By serving on the board, you will make life long friendships, meet the leaders and visionaries in the industry and get a much higher level perspective on the industry.  You will also be exposed to opportunities to interact and engage on the national level through our affiliation with PPAI and the Regional Association Council (RAC).

The people and skills that we are looking for are visionary, strategic, big-picture thinkers. Directors will also be needed to serve as officers including Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect and President.

Elections are held in September as voted by the general membership. We seek to have a good balance of supplier, multiline rep and distributors serving on the board although each director is charged to serve the best interests of the entire industry and membership.

If you would like to serve, please download and complete the nomination form.