Paramus, NJ - 6/20/2006 - NAPL, the trade association for excellence in graphic communications management, has announced that, effective in fourth quarter 2006, Robert G. Whitton will become managing director of its Research & Engineering Council, an organization dedicated to educating graphic communications companies about the profitable management and integration of current and emerging technologies. A respected expert on operational efficiencies and a frequent speaker at industry events, Whitton is founder and principal of Arellton Group, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in operations and supply chain management. He has a long and productive history with the R&E Council, having served on the organization’s steering committee for the past seven years, most recently as executive vice president. Whitton succeeds Ronald L. Mihills, R&E Council of NAPL managing director, who will be retiring from that role. Mihills led the R&E Council for 10 years and was instrumental in facilitating the merger of the R&E Council with NAPL in 2002. Over the next five months, Mihills will work closely with Whitton and R&E Council of NAPL voluntary leadership to assure a smooth transition. “The R&E Council of NAPL is the premier forum for printers to come together to learn about the latest technologies and productivity improvement methods and how to use them to advance their companies. We congratulate Bob on his new role and are confident that he will continue to build on Ron’s distinguished track record of facilitating the practical and profitable integration of technologies in the graphic communications environment,” said Joseph P. Truncale, NAPL president and chief executive officer, in announcing the appointment. In his new role, Whitton, who reports to Timothy Fischer, NAPL chief operating officer, will plan and manage all R&E Council of NAPL activities. He will work closely with the Council’s steering committee in developing programs for R&E conferences, which include an annual Bindery, Finishing & Mailing Operations Conference, the Digital Smart Factory Forum, and Critical Trends Breakfasts at major industry events. Whitton will also become a member of NAPL’s Content Review Board, assuming a leadership position in determining the strategic direction of R&E Council content and conferences.