Vera Muzzillo has long been recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the North American promotional products market.

Now, she’s being honored on a global stage as a groundbreaking female entrepreneur.

Muzzillo, CEO of Top 40 firm Proforma (asi/300094), the fifth largest distributor in the promo products market, earned a Silver Award at the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Proforma Support Center team members attended the Stevie Award ceremony in New York City to accept the Silver Stevie Award on behalf of CEO Vera Muzzillo. Pictured are Michelle Dalton, Catherine Roten, Charity Gibson, Jordan Sura and Courtney Amos.

An international competition, the awards honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and their companies. Muzzillo’s silver win came in the category of Female Executive of the Year for Business Services for companies that have 11 to 2,500 employees.

The Stevie Awards are often referred to as being among the world’s premiere business awards.

“In its 20th year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations from women in organizations of all types, in 26 nations,” said Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards. “We are gratified by how meaningful it is to women to win a Stevie Award, and how impactful it can be on the futures of their careers and their organizations. We congratulate all of this year’s Grand, Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners for their achievements.”

Said Muzzillo: “This organization is full of so many incredible women who serve as trailblazers in their respective industries. I’m so proud to have found a community of women who share the common goal of inspiring the next generation of female leaders both professionally and personally. I’m filled with gratitude to be honored among them.”

Muzzillo has been in promo for nearly 25 years, all of them with Proforma. She’s appeared 18 times on Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people, co-ranking sixth with her husband, Proforma founder Greg Muzzillo, in 2023.

“I'm so proud to have found a community of women who share the common goal of inspiring the next generation of female leaders both professionally and personally. I'm filled with gratitude to be honored among them.” Vera Muzzillo, Proforma

With Vera as CEO, Proforma grew sales 15% in 2022, from $541 million to $620 million – a showing good enough to make the firm the fifth largest distributor in the industry.

Meanwhile, in early October, Proforma achieved a significant milestone by securing the 126th position on the prestigious Franchise Times Top 400 list, marking a substantial leap from the company’s 2022 ranking at #159.

Additionally, 32 of Proforma’s distributor owners have been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America this year, with 2023’s list having a record number of Proforma owners. If all that collective achievement under Muzzillo wasn’t enough, she also secured another individual accolade earlier this year, being honored with Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine’s 2023 Technology Business Woman of the Year award in April.

“I am overjoyed to see Vera recognized for the visionary she is in the print and promotional industry and for her immense influence,” said Charity Gibson, Proforma’s chief marketing officer. “With Vera at the helm, we will continue to see the Proforma Network advance, thrive, and set the standard for success for years to come.”