PIA/GATF Names Makin its CEO

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Out of a pile of hundreds of applicants, a Canadian with a background in both printing and construction association management emerged as the new CEO of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) and Printing Industries of America (PIA).

Michael Makin, the executive vice president and COO of PIA who joined the association in January 2001, emerged from a list of 350-plus applicants to be named to the top spot of the joint association. The nomination, which is effective August 1, was announced by Jerry Williamson, chairman of the board of the GATF, and Chuck Stay, chairman of the PIA.

It was Makin's expertise in leading associations—first with the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) for nine years, followed by a six-year stint with the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA)—that made the difference in the decision making.

"His stellar leadership as president of the Canadian Printing Industries Association and most recent service as executive vice president and COO of PIA were leading factors in his selection as our new CEO," according to Stay.

"This marks the final major step in the consolidation of GATF and PIA, and we have great confidence that a single CEO will help us realize the full promise of our organizations," Williamson stresses.

Makin, a Montreal native, holds an honors degree in journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa. During his nine years with CCA, he assumed several roles, including deputy chief staff executive.

In 1995 he was appointed president of the CPIA, a position he held until becoming COO of PIA in January 2001. Makin was promoted to executive vice president and COO in November 2001.

"GATF and PIA offer such tremendous resources to the industry," Makin says. "I look forward to developing a clear vision for our consolidated organizations. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with our elected leadership, affiliates and staff to position GATF/PIA as the premier value proposition of the graphic communications industry."

Makin is a member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives and is a past national president of the Alumni Association of Carleton University, where he also served on the university's Board of Governors and Senate.

Makin and his wife, Maureen, have a 5-year-old daughter, Emma.