News

Gift for Life announced changes to leadership of its board of directors with Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts and Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at Emerald X transitioning to Chair and First Vice Chair, respectively, and Landon Metts of MarketTime elected to Second Vice Chair. Sarah Mount, Gift for Life’s chair since 2024, steps into the role of Immediate Past Chair.

Emalee Hoffman, the incoming Chair of Gift for Life, brings 15-plus years of experience to the gift and home industry, and currently serves as vice president of sales for CMA Gifts. Show joined the industry in 2009 as a buyer and spent almost a decade at Orange Circle Studio. Emalee is a member of Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and co-chair of its Gift Back committee and in 2023 was recognized as its Chad Corzine Young Executive of the Year. She joined the GFL Board in 2021 and was elected 2nd Vice Chair in 2023.

“I’m truly honored to serve as chair of GFL and excited to contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the board,” said Hoffman. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a passionate and dedicated team, and I look forward to working together to drive our mission forward and make an even greater impact.”

Amy Loewenberg is the director of buyer relations for NY NOW at Emerald X, a leading Gift, Home, and Lifestyle B2B Market. With over 25 years in the industry, she brings a wealth of experience in retail, buying, and business development. For the past six years, Loewenberg has been an integral part of NY NOW, leading buyer and brand engagement initiatives, developing programming and fostering key partnerships. She is an active member of the GHTA and has authored articles for industry publications, sharing insights on retail trends and business growth. Passionate about building relationships and supporting businesses, Loewenberg is committed to strengthening and growing the retail community. She joined the Gift for Life board in 2023 and was elected to 2nd Vice Chair in 2024.

“I’m happy to step into the role of 1st Chair to continue the growth and impact of Gift for Life,” Loewenberg said. “Championing our mission and strengthening our community in meaningful ways is incredibly important to me, and I’m excited to work with our passionate team of industry professionals to make a lasting difference.”

Landon Metts, the newly elected 2nd chair of Gift for Life, currently serves as the vice president of sales at MarketTime.  His 14-plus years of experience in the gift industry, includes serving as Sales Manager for Creative Brands’ gift division which includes where he worked with territory reps nationwide and oversaw customer service and key account relationships. In 2021, Landon was named as one of Gift Shop Magazine’s 40 Under 40 honorees. He joined the Gift for Life board in 2022.

Metts said, “I am so very thankful for the opportunity to serve on the Gift for Life board, enhance connective giving within our industries, and strengthen partnerships where through collaboration and intentional giving we build an inspired community to make a difference in the lives of others. As Maya Angelou stated during the 1992 Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies, ‘The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.’ I am excited to place new steps with this team and the industries we serve.”

The Gift for Life Board is comprised of recognized leaders in the gift and home industries. Members include: Jessica Barile of Design Works Collective; Kelly Bristol of Just Got 2 Have It; Taylor Brunson of Softies; Randa Crisler of The Portico Collection, Inc.; Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; Lindsay Duncan of Patrick and Company; Carolyn Geremia of Beekman 1802;  Colleen Hall of C&F Enterprises; Emalee Hoffman of CMA Gifts; Russ Jones of Ivystone; Carlos Llanso of Legacy Publishing Group; Amy Loewenberg of NY NOW at  Emerald X; Carly McFadden of Gift Shop Plus; Landon Metts of MarketTime; Sarah Mount of ANDMORE; Brittany Rigg of Dallas Market Center; Angela Schmook of Road Runners; Cathy Steel of Steel Associates; and Lenise Willis of Gifts & Decorative Accessories.