A Top 40 distributor’s chief executive has been recognized for her leadership and philanthropy.

Vera Muzzillo, CEO of Proforma (asi/300094), is Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine’s 2023 Technology Business Woman of the Year. Muzzillo received the honor during the publication’s first-ever Tampa Bay Business Women Awards gala, held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on April 21.

Vera Muzzillo, Proforma

Honorees were recognized for their leadership as well as their professional contributions to both their industries and the community.

“I am honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the entire Proforma family,” said Muzzillo. “We are beyond thrilled to be recognized for … our ongoing commitment to empowering the success of our distributors through the best technological resources and tools available.”

According to the company, Muzzillo, who became CEO of Proforma in 2001, has been vital in Proforma’s development of technology for its owner-affiliates. Last month, the distributor hosted what it described as its largest-ever annual Million Dollar Club celebration for owner-affiliates that generated more than $1 million in revenue in 2022.

Based on reported 2021 North American promotional product revenue of $540.8 million, Proforma ranked fourth on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest distributors in the industry. The new list is due out this summer.