Swindle joins as new Director of People of Play, a Division of The Toy Association

Chicago, IL (December 12, 2024) – People of Play (POP) is excited to announce that Shannon Swindle, a respected leader in the toy and game industry, has joined the organization as the new Director of People of Play. Shannon brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for the industry, making her an invaluable addition to the team.

In her previous role as Inventor Relations Manager for Games at Moose Toys, Shannon played a pivotal role in helping grow the company’s Games division by building strong relationships within the inventor community. Her work on licensing 18 games over the past two years, including award-winning products, such as Pickleball Blast, has solidified her reputation as a creative force and trusted collaborator in the toy and game world.

As Director of People of Play, Shannon will lead initiatives to strengthen connections within the global toy community, spotlight innovation, and celebrate the creators and contributors who bring joy to millions of children and families. This appointment reflects The Toy Association’s commitment to elevating creativity, innovation, and consumer engagement across the toy industry, while further enhancing the impact and reach of the POP events.

Shannon will report to Mary Couzin, senior vice president, founder/leader of People of Play™ at The Toy Association. Together, they will focus on expanding the People of Play division of The Toy Association, including POP Week’s Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conferences, the TAGIE Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, and the POP platform.

“Shannon is perfect for this role,” said Mary Couzin. “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.”

Shannon expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Joining People of Play and working alongside Mary Couzin is an incredible honor. 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.”

About The Toy Association™

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.8 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $41 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

About People of Play:

People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association, leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for industry professionals, aspiring inventors, and people of all ages who love to play, People of Play hosts a play platform packed with resources and connection points as well as a wide range of events including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIEs) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the Toy & Game Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, Thought Leaders Summit, Toy Takedown and more.

Media Contacts:

Amy Friedland, amy@carvecomms.com

Emily Auriemma, emilya@carvecomms.com

Susan O’Sullivan, susan@carvecomms.com