After more than 40 years in the industry, Draper director of marketing Penny Sitler has announced her retirement. Sitler first came to what was then Draper Shade & Screen Co., Inc., in 1978 as a summer intern, and returned in 1982 as the company’s first salaried female employee.
Over the years, Sitler built the marketing program and in-house marketing team, launching web and social media initiatives, and introducing many new products. In 2017 she oversaw a complete company rebrand, including a new logo and website.
Well-known in the AV industry, Sitler is a former chair of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) Women’s Council. In 2013, she received a Women in InfoComm Award acknowledging her contributions and strong leadership in the AV industry. She was named to the Systems Contractors News AV Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Penny has had an enormous impact during her years at Draper, both professionally and personally, for many people,” says Draper president Chris Broome. “In addition to building a top-flight marketing team focused on our customer needs, she has also been an important mentor for other women at Draper and in the AV industry. She will be missed as a key ingredient in our success, but also as a good friend to many.”
Replacing Sitler as director of marketing is Mike Feeney. Feeney joined the Draper marketing department in 2006. He has held several marketing positions, including graphic designer, photography & video, web designer, and web team lead.
“Mike’s experience throughout the various areas of Draper marketing will be a real bonus for him and the department,” says Broome. “Having an existing knowledge base, plus familiarity with and the respect of members of the department has allowed him to hit the ground running and continue Penny’s legacy of excellence.”
The marketing department is broken into two teams. In order to facilitate communication and collaboration, two team leaders have been named. Amy Bradway, a 14-year Draper employee, will lead the Design & Messaging Team, while Josh Shopp, with Draper since 2014, heads up the Technical and Product Team.
For more information, visit www.draperinc.com.
