Mar 19, 2024

Gift for Life unveils new leadership

Gift for Life named new leadership for its board of directors, with Sarah Mount of ANDMORE and Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts transitioning to chair and first vice chair, respectively. Additionally, Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X was selected to second vice chair.

Ari Lowenstein, Gift for Life chair since 2022, steps into the role of immediate past chair.

In addition to welcoming new board leadership, Gift for Life also bid farewell to four retiring board members: Maureen Carpenter of The Queen’s Jewels, Wes Hardin of Diverse Companies, Andrea Padilla of Transpac and Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media. New, incoming board members will be announced in the coming weeks.

Sarah Mount

As senior vice president of integrated marketing for ANDMORE, Mount leads all marketing communications — including digital, creative, events, programming, and content strategy — across its markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas. Mount’s gift and home industry experience spans 17-plus years, including six years as vice president of marketing at AmericasMart Atlanta, leading all strategy, branding and events for its markets and daily business. She was named as one of Gift Shop’s 40 under 40, Class of 2019. Mount joined the board in 2021 and was elected 1st vice chair in 2023.

“Participating in Gift for Life initiatives over the last few years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” Mount said. “As chair, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our communities through incredible industry partnership and strength.”

Emalee Hoffman

Hoffman brings 15 years of experience to the gift and home industry. Starting as a buyer in 2009, she spent almost a decade at Orange Circle Studio, with the last three years serving as vice president of sales.

In January 2024, she took on the role of vice president of sales for CMA Gifts. Hoffman is a member of GHTA and was recognized as its Chad Corzine Young Executive of the Year in 2023. She joined the Gift for Life board in 2021 and was elected second vice chair in 2023.

“My experience with Gift for Life the last three years has truly stood out,” said Hoffman. “I find the impactful work of World Central Kitchen commendable, and it’s a privilege to support GFL’s fundraising endeavors.”

Amy Loewenberg

Loewenberg is the director of buyer relations for NY NOW at Emerald X, a gift, home and lifestyle B2B market. Her 25 years of experience in the industry ranges from leading successful teams and business development, to retail in the early 2000’s as a buyer for Kate’s Paperie, Blue Tulip and Housing Works. She is now a leading partner in growing the retailer presence at NY NOW through establishing and developing partnerships with key national and regional industry organizations.

Additionally, she is driving engagement by producing and participating in valuable content and conversations through podcasts, webinars, newsletters, social media, advisory boards and speaking engagements.

“I am filled with gratitude as I step into the role of second vice chair for the GFL Board,” said Loewenberg. “I’m eager to continue pushing the boundaries, amplifying our causes, building our communities and making a difference. The journey ahead is an exciting one, and I couldn’t be happier to work on it with such a talented and dedicated team of industry professionals.”