In October APA announced its longtime executive director Louise Ristau, CAE, would step down, and Dave Pomeroy, who had been serving APA as its director of business development, was appointed as her successor.
For over 25 years, 15 as executive director, Ristau was a steady hand supporting APA through years of strategic development, association management, and brand awareness.
During her tenure, Ristau was a supportive force when membership voted to change the organization’s name from Awards and Recognition Association to the Awards and Personalization Association in 2015. The initiative and implementation was critical to better position APA in an industry that was growing beyond awards and trophies, actively diversifying into personalization. Ristau held an unmatched knowledge about the industry and the APA membership.
“While serving as president of [APA], an enormous amount of my time was spent working alongside Louise as we undertook the rebranding from ARA to the Awards and Personalization Association,” said Jeanette Brewer-Richardson of Engraving Concepts. “It was a significant project, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in making it happen. Louise brought leadership and dedication to our association in everything she did.”
Stepping into the role is industry veteran Pomeroy. No stranger to the awards and personalization industry, Pomeroy is former publisher of A&E (Awards & Engraving) magazine and served as president of parent company National Business Media from 2019 to 2023. Under his leadership Pomeroy built significant growth in Graphics Pro magazine and the corresponding Graphics Pro Expo.
Pomeroy brought that knowledge to APA where in 2026 the APA International Personalization Expo saw a 10 percent increase in booth space over 2025.
“Louise Ristau has done so much to set APA up for success going forward, both strategically and financially,” said Pomeroy. “I’m ready to jump in as APA continues to deliver exceptional member value: great tools for industry communication and education, plus an Expo that leaves everyone in attendance fulfilled, inspired, and excited to be a part of this great industry community.”
On her time at APA Ristau said, “It has been an honor to serve as APA’s executive director, and I’m grateful for the friendships, experiences, and accomplishments we’ve shared along the way. I know APA is in excellent hands with Dave Pomeroy. He brings the experience, passion, and vision needed to lead the association forward, and I am confident its best days are still ahead!”