James Martin Succeeds George Ryan as Printing Association of Florida CEO and Graphics of the Americas President

The Printing Association of Florida (PAF) and the Graphics of the Americas Conference & Expo (GOA) announced that, effective immediately, James Martin is succeeding George Ryan as CEO and president of the two organizations, respectively. Ryan will retire after serving as president for nine years.

"On behalf of the board of directors, I welcome James Martin as the new president and CEO of PAF and Graphics of the Americas,” said Curt Kreisler, PAF chairman of the board. “James has guided important and positive change at the foremost organizations in our industry, and we are confident that he will bring similar success to PAF and Graphics of the Americas."

Martin spent more than 20 years in senior-level leadership positions in sales, marketing and product management at both Heidelberg NA and Unisource Worldwide. An innovative leader, he also has extensive experience in event management and remains one the key architects of Heidelberg's Print Media Center, a dedicated area where visitors can view practical demonstrations of integrated print production with a focus on customer benefits.

Martin has held board positions at both NPES and PIA, continues to participate on the advisory board of California Polytechnic State University, and is chairman of Clemson University's Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics.

Ryan's long-term tenure in the industry includes his position as president of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). Ryan went on to serve as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the combined organization that resulted from the merger of GATF and PIA (Printing Industries of America). He then joined PAF and GOA.

"George has had such a positive impact on PAF and GOA,” said Martin. “His technical acumen and acute business sense have combined to make him one of the most highly respected executives in our industry. I am excited about the challenge to expand on the already-excellent foundation that George has built across two continents. I'm hitting the ground running, meeting with PAF members and GOA participants, all while we get ready for Graphics of the Americas 2016!"

"I could not be more proud to have worked alongside the finest people and printing operations in the world," said Ryan. "Having them tell us that we've helped improve their own operations, as well as the industry, with top-notch education, networking and other professional resources, is highly gratifying.

"My sense of responsibility to all of these people makes me comfortable handing the reigns over to James Martin—a forward-thinking, successful professional who will undoubtedly take these organizations to ever higher heights," he continued. "I look forward to seeing what the future will bring."

For more information about PAF, visit www.flprint.org. For more information about GOA, visit www.goaexpo.com.