On August 1, 2002, Michael Makin will become the first Chief Executive Officer of both PIA and GATF. Makin, a native of Canada, began his association management career in 1986. In 1995, he was appointed President of the Canadian Printing Industries Association, a position he held until becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PIA in January of 2001. In November 2001, Executive Vice President was added to his COO title.

As noted in a recent special report Industry Trade Associations, What Printers Think, associations are experiencing evolutionary change - similar to the industries they serve. Overall, printers believe that the individual skill sets and association services are in place. The mission for Makin and other association leaders according to printers is creating a structure that promptly executes on the desires that are rated most important by printer members. Sounds obvious and simple, but it requires a leader who can build a consensus and leave politics and pundits in the waiting area.

Michael Makin has the needed experience as an association executive and solid knowledge of the printing and graphic arts industry. Several printers we have spoken with say he is a consensus builder and has the conviction needed for this position. Upon receiving the announcement Tuesday afternoon, we contacted Makin at a PIA conference he was attending in Orlando. He will spend more time with us in the future, but we wanted to capture his initial reaction.

WTT: Michael, first, tell us about the selection process and when did you find out that you had been selected as the CEO of PIA/GATF?

Michael Makin: First let me say how honored I am to have been selected as the first joint CEO of PIA and GATF. From my perspective, I couldn't have asked for a more open and fair selection process. I believe that Bob Murphy and the Selection Committee conducted one of the most thorough searches that I have ever been associated with and kept the membership informed throughout the entire process.

Of the 350 candidates who applied for the position, I was privileged to be considered one of eight finalists for the job and obviously am thrilled with the final outcome. In terms of notification, I only officially received the final vote of confidence this week following the ratification of my appointment by both Executive Committees of GATF and PIA and by the entire Board of both organizations.


WTT: What do you think was the deciding factor in the committee's decision?

Michael Makin: It is difficult to speculate on what deciding factors played in my favor. I believe my association management experience, knowledge of the industry and appreciation of the PIA and GATF federation certainly helped my candidacy.


WTT: Ray Roper has been a well respected leader of the association. Give us your thoughts on his tenure as CEO of PIA.

Michael Makin: Ray Roper has been an exceptional leader of PIA for 15 years. A consummate association professional, he was instrumental in turning the financial fortunes of our association around and has been the architect of a number of leading initiatives, from the Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN) to the “Print: The Original Information Technology” industry awareness campaign. It has been a privilege to serve under his leadership and I look forward to collaborating with him in the months ahead.


WTT: George Ryan, GATF President has been a strong force and great leader of GATF. Tell us about his tenure and what we can expect from him in the future.

Michael Makin: George Ryan and I have been friends for some time and I have the utmost of respect for him. He has been instrumental in bringing about significant change at GATF and will continue to play a key role in the Foundation's future.


WTT: Tell us about your style of management and your time as Chief Operating Officer of PIA.

Michael Makin: My time at PIA has literally flown by. It is hard to believe that I have been with the organization 18 months. It just seemed like yesterday that I arrived at the offices in Alexandria. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with what I consider to be a great team of staff professionals and industry volunteers as well as the chief staff executives of PIA's affiliated organizations throughout North America. We have a fantastic federation with boundless potential.

In terms of management style, I like to think of myself as a consensus builder, someone who takes the time to truly listen to all points of view and who works for the best interests of the industry.


WTT: You were President of the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA). How do you think that job will differ from leading PIA/GATF and what skills did you acquire in that position that will become useful here.

Michael Makin: I will always cherish the time I spent at CPIA for it was a period of great professional growth for me. I hope that the financial management, communications and leadership skills I developed in Canada will assist me as I take on the very exciting challenges of leading GATF and PIA into the future.


WTT: We hope to have more time in a later interview to discuss specific items of interest from our members. But tell us briefly about your vision of the unified position you will hold as CEO of PIA/GATF.

Michael Makin: For three and a half years GATF and PIA have worked diligently to bring about a consolidated organizational structure. With this infrastructure now in place, as CEO I plan to work with all stake holders to ensure that we offer timely and relevant products and services that meet member needs and market demand and that we take advantage of the synergies existing within our respective organizations to offer the best possible value proposition within the industry.


WTT: And to the members, staff and affiliates - what can they expect in your first 100 days heading into GraphExpo?

Michael Makin: Well... there are no shortages of priorities for the next 100 days. What members, affiliates and staff can expect is my full dedication to the position, to listening to their concerns and suggestions and to bringing about budget plans for both organizations for the year 2003. Putting together my senior management team will obviously be of pressing importance and I also look forward to meeting with all of the GATF and PIA staff and consult with the Operating Committees of GATF, PIA and the Affiliate Managers Group to chart the course for the future.


Thank you Michael. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us and look forward to hearing more from you in the future.