Nov 4, 2022

GSMA names new president, executive board

The Gift Sales Manager Association (GSMA) swore in a new executive board, naming Richard Freeman of DM Merchandising its new president.

“I have now been a member for three years (starting my fourth),” Freeman says.
“The first takeaway is you get out of GSMA what you put into GSMA. If you want maximum benefit, give maximum effort to attend conferences, roundtables, events, etc. I always walk away with something that I had not heard, tried or contemplated before. There is strength in numbers, and I learn from friends, associates and competitors alike!

He adds: “We all have a responsibility to pass along our knowledge and legacy to younger sales managers coming into the industry. It’s needed to keep our jobs relevant and sustainable. GSMA provides the platform to help us keep our commitment.”

The new executive board is as follows:
President: Richard Freeman, national sales director, DM Merchandising
Vice President: Taylor Brunson, sales manager, Alleyoop
Treasurer: Angela Knight, sales management consultant, The Center Stage Team
Secretary: Sydney Kearns, national sales manager, Regal Art & Gift
Special Events: Ann Nensel, sales manager, specialty channel, Peking Handicraft
Parliamentarian: Randy Spoor, sales management consultant, The Center Stage Team
Immediate Past President: Maureen Carpenter, vice president of sales

Freeman encourages anyone debating a GSMA membership to join.

“To paraphrase John Donne, ‘No man (or woman) is an island.’ We operate in a rapidly, ever-changing industry. It is great to have a group of peers to lean on for information, tips, tricks, advice and practical experience,” he says. “As good as we are, we just can’t know everything! GSMA is our version of ‘It takes a village.’ Come be a part of our tribe!”