People of Play (POP) has announced Shannon Swindle as its newest Director.
As a division of The Toy Association, POP has created a community of toy industry professionals to promote creativity and connectivity. Known for organizing events like POP Week, Chicago Toy and Game (ChiTAG) Week, and the Bloom Report, POP has been a staple of the toy industry for more than 20 years. With Shannon Swindle’s knowledge and experience at the helm, the group will further expand its reach to celebrate the innovation that makes the toy community special.
Shannon is perfect for this role. She has been an integral part of our events for over a decade in various capacities and is universally respected within our industry. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of watching Shannon’s journey—from her beginnings as a self-publisher to becoming a director of product development, and then an inventor relations executive, all while staying true to her roots as an educator. Throughout it all, she has consistently led with integrity, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to the people she works with.”
Swindle began her career as a teacher, and her passion for education and play-based learning has echoed through every new role. Swindle was a Director of Product Development at Big G Creative, specializing in board game development, before becoming the Inventor Relations Manager at Moose Toys. Here, Swindle played a pivotal role in the growth of the games division. She licensed 18 games in just two years across a variety of sectors, including the award-winning “Pickleball Blast.”
As Director of People of Play, Swindle plans to expand POP events’ reach, strengthen community connections, and spotlight revolutionary products and creators that push the industry’s creative boundaries. Alongside Mary Couzin, Senior Vice President of the Toy Association and the founder of POP, the pair will work to reinvigorate the industry with a commitment to innovation, imagination, and the power of play.
“Joining People of Play and working alongside Mary Couzin is an incredible honor,” Swindle stated. “We share the same values and vision, believing in the importance of play and its power to bring people together. I look forward to creating meaningful experiences, celebrating the work of toy and game designers, and continuing to support the incredible people in this industry that I love so much.”
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