Chicago, Ill. – GPA, the market leader in substrate solutions for digital, wide format, and offset printing, announces the promotion of Trina May to Business Development Director – Client Marketing Services. In this new role, Trina will leverage her 20 years of expertise in developing and managing GPA’s corporate marketing programs to help GPA’s customers overcome existing challenges and add greater traction to their marketing efforts.

GPA’s customers can look to Trina as an extension of their own business, providing market intelligence, proprietary resources, and actionable ideas that can make an immediate impact. She will work with customers to learn about their current marketing goals, collaborate on marketing strategy and campaign creation, and propose other marketing initiatives that drive value and growth. This consultative approach ensures a personalized service that fits the unique needs of each business.

“Trina has tremendous experience in brand development and engagement, which is key to the sustained growth of any great company,” said Bob Niesen, President & CEO at GPA. “Our customers have seen the benefit in engaging Trina in their strategic marketing efforts. This is yet another example of how GPA’s innovative approach can bring unique value to our current and prospective clients.” 

With a formal background in creative design and previous advertising agency experience, Trina has over 25 years of involvement within the graphic arts industry. She joined GPA in 1997 as a Graphic Designer, went on to become the Marketing Manager, and then advanced to Director of Marketing. During her extensive career at GPA, Trina helped advance the company’s brands, products, and culture in considerable ways to shape GPA’s distinctive industry presence. She was the driving force behind the creation of company’s first website, customer-centric social media outlet, and e-commerce site. 

Under her leadership, GPA has produced numerous award-winning campaigns and marketing collateral, helping GPA win multiple Gold Ink and Premier Print awards, and an HP Inkspiration award. For her many lasting contributions, Trina was presented with GPA’s 2009 President’s Award, which acknowledges significant leadership and service achievements. She serves her professional and local community as a member of the Dscoop Partner Advisory Council, through her membership in the American Marketing Association (AMA), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), and through volunteer efforts with her local VFW chapter and other non-profit organizations. 

“Trina is truly a unique asset within the printing industry,” said Mary Ann Geers, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at GPA. “With her accomplished marketing background, intimate knowledge of the industry, and both practical and creative knowledge of substrates, Trina is poised to provide our customers with a personalized experience that will add traction to their marketing. There isn’t anyone providing anything remotely like this in our market, and we’re privileged to have her on our team.”