Meet our Board
Together, We Shape the Future of Direct Selling
The strength of our Coalition lies in the diversity, experience, and shared purpose of its leadership. Our Board continues to guide the organization toward positive legislative impact, greater collaboration, and expanded opportunities for direct sellers and consumers across Florida.
Gordon Hester - Founder & Executive Chairman of the Foundation
With over 35 years of experience in sales, operations, and leadership, Gordon Hester is recognized as one of the foremost strategic thinkers in the direct selling industry. Having served as CEO, CIO, and CSO, Gordon brings a rare 360-degree perspective to business development and organizational growth.
As the former CEO of Roberti Enterprises, he led one of the largest global distributorships in industry history — exceeding $8 billion in sales and 100,000 distributors across 25 countries. Today, Gordon leads Shapetech Solutions, a Sarasota- and Serbia-based tech firm that provides transformative digital solutions to global businesses.
A member of multiple industry advisory boards, including the Direct Selling Association and Direct Selling Education Foundation, Gordon also serves on the Make-A-Wish Foundation board and the Entrepreneurial Program Advisory Council at Wake Forest University.
He is the author of Positioned Right and a frequent Forbes contributor, known for his commitment to ethical leadership, innovation, and advancing the future of direct selling.
Ryan Chamberlin - Florida House of Representatives
For over 25 years, Ryan Chamberlin has empowered entrepreneurs and business leaders across the country through his expertise in direct sales, leadership, and strategic consulting.
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2023, Ryan is the only active legislator with a full-time direct sales background — using his platform to advocate for free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and fair business policy.
He has authored five books on leadership and marketing and has consulted with numerous organizations to help them navigate complex legislative and regulatory environments. As a long-time member of the DSA and ANMP boards, Ryan bridges the gap between business and government, helping companies protect their interests and achieve sustainable growth.
Stuart Johnson - CEO & Founder, Direct Selling News % Direct Selling University
A respected leader and visionary, Stuart Johnson has served the direct selling industry for nearly 40 years. Through Direct Selling News (DSN) and Direct Selling University, he has built the leading platforms for education, recognition, and connection in the channel.
Stuart’s extensive network of executives, strategists, and innovators has made him one of the most influential figures in the industry. His passion for fostering collaboration and sharing insights continues to strengthen the global direct selling community.
Aspen Emry - CEO & Founder, Bravenly Global
Aspen Emry is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and author of Chase Your Brave. A former educator turned business leader, she has spent over two decades mentoring and empowering individuals within the direct selling industry.
As Founder and CEO of Bravenly Global, Aspen leads with heart and vision, helping others achieve success through community, integrity, and personal growth. Her leadership philosophy centers on developing people — teaching, duplicating systems, and creating a culture where everyone can thrive.
Aspen has been featured in Success From Home magazine and multiple podcasts for her impact on the industry. Her mission is simple: to help people realize their potential while building lives they love.
Rolf Sorg - CEO & Founder, PM International
Rolf Sorg is the Founder and Chairman of PM-International AG, one of the world’s leading direct selling companies in premium nutrition and cosmetics. From modest beginnings as a student distributor, Rolf built a global enterprise headquartered in Luxembourg, now consistently ranked among the top companies in Direct Selling News Global 100.
Under his leadership, PM-International operates in over 45 markets and continues to expand through innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to empowering independent entrepreneurs.
Rolf’s dedication to excellence and integrity has made him a respected figure across the global business community and a powerful advocate for the future of the direct selling profession.
Connor Hester - CEO & Founder, ShapeTech Solutions
As CEO of Shapetech Solutions, Connor Hester combines technology innovation with deep industry expertise to help direct selling and D2C companies grow smarter and faster. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has guided numerous organizations through digital transformation, operational scaling, and salesforce modernization.
Connor’s work focuses on helping businesses embrace technology to empower their independent sellers and build lasting success. His leadership at Shapetech has positioned the company as a trusted global partner for startups and enterprises alike — delivering data-driven, full-stack solutions that enable measurable growth.
He is an active contributor to the Direct Selling Association and Direct Selling Education Foundation, advocating for innovation and integrity within the channel.
Dave Grimaldi - CEO, Direct Selling Association (DSA)
Dave Grimaldi brings decades of experience in public policy, advocacy, and leadership to his role as CEO of the Direct Selling Association. A former Executive Vice President of the Blockchain Association and Chief of Staff to FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Dave is known for his ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with clarity and purpose.
His early experience as a direct seller shaped his deep respect for the industry and the people it serves. Today, he leads the DSA with a focus on transparency, fairness, and the advancement of evidence-based policy.
Dave’s vision is to ensure that every direct seller — from startups to legacy brands — has a voice in shaping the future of the profession.
