MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PROVIDING LEADERSHIP AND VISION FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS INDUSTRY.

David Szidik – President
Proforma Infinite Marketing Solutions
Image Builders Unlimited Powered by Proforma (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/25

"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.

Tony Shereda MAS MASI – Past President & Treasurer
QMI Group, Inc. (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/25

“I wanted to become more involved in the industry and MiPPA was a great way to do that. After all that this industry had given to me and my family I really wanted to find a way to give back and MiPPA gave me that opportunity.”

1. Unlike everyone else on the board it seems, I am not a runner. I did play football in college and two years of semi-pro ball as an offensive lineman though!
2. My daughter Alli was a nationally ranked spring board diver on both the one and three meter boards at Eastern Michigan University. She finished 24th in the nation on 1 meter in 2017 and 38th in the NCAA division 1 finals in 2018 on the 3 meter.
3. I have been in this industry since I was 16 and have loved it ever since! I have been with the same company my entire career.
4. Besides the MiPPA board I also sit on the board for Kids on the Go, a non-profit organization that helps children on the spectrum with a free summer camp so that they can continue their therapies while not in school and Christian Financial Credit Union. 

Mike Freestone – Director, Marketing / Newsletter
The Promo Agency (Distributor)
Term ending 12/31/25

"I wanted to join the board because sometimes I feel like a small fish in a big sea. There is a lot to learn and a lot of exposure being a part of the board. It is always a goal of mine to continue to learn and grow in the industry I love. I also take a lot of pride being able to be a part of something like this and to be able to represent myself and what I believe in. I look forward to being a part of such a great organization."

1. I have finished 6 marathons and 4 triathlons
2. I live 6 blocks from where I went to kindergarten
3. I bartend once a week
4. I'm thankful for my supportive wife and great kids...and now two grandkids.

Scott Wakefield – Director, Corporate Social Responsibility AlphaBroder / PrimeLine (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/24

"I wanted to give back to those who have helped me get to where I am today.  MIPPA, not only introduced me to some outstanding people but also helped me create new friends over the past 5 years."

1. I used to own a hair salon and no I don’t know how to cut hair or do nails… LOL
2. I played Baseball at Madonna University
3. I have two girls, who beat me in Golf.

Regina Harrington – Director, Corporate Social Responsibility

Tekweld (Supplier)
Term Ending 12/31/25

"Unfortunately for Paul Kiewiet, he did not know at our first meeting during ASI Chicago over fifteen years ago.  That he would still be taking me under his wing almost two full decades later.  Consistently helping me find my way and locate all of my things along the way at just the right time.  I believe in and have experienced first hand the support, benefits and relationships that stem from being involved with regional associations.  It is an honor to serve and a privilege to work alongside accomplished board members and MIPPA Members.  I am committed to MIPPA and my role as a board member.  I look forward to the challenge, hard work and all the fun!”

1. I am fluent in ASL (American Sign Language)
2. I have worn a real life astronaut space suit
3. Unintentionally for the first time this summer while watering my flowers a land slug touched me (I didn't die, at least not yet)
4. I have extended family from college with The Big Sisters, Little Sisters Organization.  My little sister has some social anxieties.  In short, I was allowed to participate in her college and work study onboarding.  This required a ton of walking each day during the process and I fell in love with walking.  So, I purchased a treadmill and it has not become a clothing rack (at least not yet)
   

Brian Deissroth – Director
Edwards Garment
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 – Director
Big River Marketing, Multi-Line Rep
Term Ending 12/31/26

"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
Term Ending 12/31/26

"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

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.