1 million pennies that were donated to the DAV Auxiliary Support Program. Her efforts have won her numerous awards, including DAV Member of the Year and DAV Membership Recruiter of the Year, and she’s been twice honored with the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Volunteerism. In 2002, she was selected by the Olympic Organizing Committee as a torch bearer for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games, and in 2022, she received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Service Award from President Joe Biden. Jones has also generously given her time and talents to many other local and national business organizations, including serving on the board of directors for Wilmington Women With A Purpose, Wilmington Central Rotary, Greater Clover South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Carolinas Association of Advertising and Marketing Professionals, PPEF and PPAI. “I would rather volunteer than work,” she says, with a laugh. “In fact, I was only going to do promo for one year until my term as National Commander ended and then I was going to get a real job.” In November, she celebrated 24 years in business, adding that she has amazing clients and loves what she does. Finding a balance between running her successful distributorship and volunteering takes practice. “I just do what I have to do,” she says, often spending early mornings and late evenings catching up on things she can’t get to during the day. She’s also built a team around her that helps make her volunteering possible. “Getting the opportunity to volunteer gives me fire and makes me happy,” she adds. In nominating Jones for this award, Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel, PPAI 100’s No. 29 distributor, and incoming chair of the PPAI Board of Directors, says, “Beyond her professional achievements, Renée’s humanitarian heart shines through decades of volunteerism supporting veterans, children and underserved communities. Her life is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and her example invites all of us to show up, give back and lead with heart.” Filipski is a freelance writer and former director of publications at PPAI. “Beyond her professional achievements, Renée’s humanitarian heart shines through decades of volunteerism supporting veterans, children and underserved communities. Her life is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and her example invites all of us to show up, give back and lead with heart.” —DANNY ROSIN, CAS PPAI • JANUARY 2026 • 61 PPAI Icons | Must Read
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