Alexandria, VA (March 29, 2002) - The Printing Industries of America (PIA) and The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) are currently conducting a search for a single Chief Executive Officer as one of the final steps in the consolidation of the two organizations. "A smooth consolidation of GATF and PIA has been one of my highest priorities since the process was initiated in 1999," said Ray Roper, PIA President. "With the outstanding support and guidance from leaders of the industry we are in the final stages. It is now time for one chief staff executive to lead PIA and GATF." Ray Roper will retire at the end of April 2003. "We are extremely pleased with the progress of the search. We received over 350 resumes from potential candidates. We have completed the preliminary screening and the selection committee will meet on April 14th to select those to be interviewed," says Robert E. Murphy, Chairman/CEO of the Japs-Olson Company, St Louis Park, MN and the chairman of the Selection Committee. Murphy noted that current plans call for the interviews to be conducted in late May. Serving with Murphy on the committee are: David Bacon, President of Printing Industries Association of the South; Randy Camp, Walton Graphic Media, Monroe, GA; Laura Gale, priNexus, Inc., Norgross, GA; John Green, Automated Graphic Systems Inc., White Plains, MD; Eileen Hall, American National Ltd., Miami, FL; James Herbst, Henry Wurst, Inc., Apex, NC; Hans Peetz-Larsen, Heidleberg Americas, Inc., Kennesaw, GA; Mike Marcian, Corporate Press, Landover, MD; Chuck Stay, Bert-Co Industries, Los Angeles, CA; Jerry Williamson, Williamson Printing Corp., Dallas, TX; and Chuck Zunk, Cincinnati, OH. Ray Roper will provide staff support for the committee and serve as an ex-officio member of the committee. Murphy noted that three individuals currently serving on the staff of PIA & GATF have expressed their desire to be considered for the position. They will be interviewed along with those selected from the 350 candidates who submitted their resumes.