Pottebaum’s introduction to industry leadership on the national level came through former PPAI Board Chair Sherri Lennarson, who asked him to serve on the Marketing Information and Research Committee. He was later named committee chair and then became chair of the Government Relations Action Committee. “Those early experiences showed me just how much thoughtful work goes into building and supporting our industry,” Pottebaum says, adding that the more he was exposed to the work, the more he wanted to be part of shaping where the industry was headed. He got his chance in 2018 when he was elected to a four-year term on the PPAI Board. In 2021, he was named chair. One year later Pottebaum stepped into his newest role – one that is even closer to his heart. He helped launch the IQSEC2 Research & Advocacy Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for a rare neurological disorder linked to the IQSEC2 gene. It’s a condition that affects children worldwide, including Pottebaum’s 16-year-old son Jaeger. In the past three years, the foundation has helped fund early-stage research and worked closely with scientists around the world. “Most recently, our chief science officer demonstrated therapeutic rescue in animal models, which means treatment is now within reach,” he says. The organization’s next milestone is a big one – working to raise $750,000 to fund the first human clinical trial involving five participants. “It’s emotional work, but it’s also full of purpose,” he says. “Every step forward gives families like ours something we didn’t have for a very long time – hope.” Pottebaum’s generous gifts of time and talent easily caught the eye of long-time colleague and former PPAI board member Perry Wehrle, MAS, who nominated him for this year’s honor. “Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of servicedriven leadership, with a wide-reaching and deeply personal impact on the promo industry,” says Wehrle. “A frequent speaker, mentor and advocate for well-being and ethical leadership, Todd embodies the very ethos of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award. His legacy is still unfolding, but he has helped shape a stronger, more compassionate and more connected promotional products community.” “Todd Pottebaum stands as a model of servicedriven leadership, with a wide-reaching and deeply personal impact on the promo industry. A frequent speaker, mentor and advocate for well-being and ethical leadership, Todd embodies the very ethos of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award.” —PERRY WEHRLE, MAS PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 59 PPAI Icons | Must Read
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