Russell H. Woodlief, long involved with the promotional products industry, died Aug. 24 in his home town of Napa, CA, of myelodysplastic syndrome, the Promotional Products Association International said. He was 83.
Woodlief had worked for 26 years for Jack Nadel, Inc., a marketing and merchandising services company based in Culver City, CA. He was named executive VP in 1970 and held that position until his retirement in 1994.
In his honor, the Promotional Products Education Foundation has established the Russ Woodlief Memorial Chair.
In 1963, Woodlief became a board member for the Advertising Specialty National Association and was involved in the merger between ASNA and the Specialty Advertising Guild in 1964, later serving on the board of the merged group, SAAI (which eventually became the Promotional Products Association International).
He sat on the PPAI board a second time in 1977, was chairman in 1980 and was inducted into PPAI’s Hall of Fame in 1983. Among his other achievements was the establishment of the Regional Association Advisory Council, a precursor to today’s Regional Association Council.
Woodlief is survived by his wife Rita, three children and several grandchildren.
Donations in his name may be sent to: Promotional Products Education Foundation, Attn: Russ Woodlief Memorial Chair, c/o Seandae Caffey, PPEF, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, TX, 75038
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