Board of Directors
Meet the team of print industry volunteers that work to guide the Ontario Printing and Imaging Association.
Dave Potje
Chair
Dave Potje has been an active member of the OPIA Board of Directors since 1985.He is a strong believer in Industry Associations. Associations are good for the individual member and good for the Industry. OPIA has been very helpful to Twin City Dwyer Printing over the years, especially when a Government department (i.e. environment) came for a “visit”. With OPIA’s assistance Dave has found it easy to be a friend with his fellow printers.
Dave is one of OPIA’s two representatives at CPIA, (the Canadian Printing Industries Association).
After 55 years of operating in Kitchener-Waterloo, Twin City has joined forces with Ampersand Print and Dave is now a consultant with Ampersand.
On the personal side, Dave is retired basketball referee, having been a High School and University referee for 25 years. Today golf is his favourite hobby.
Joseph Banich
Board Member
Joseph Banich is Product Manager for Prinect and Digital at Heidelberg Canada. He bridges the worlds of digital and offset. His knowledge goes beyond just discussing these topics he actually works directly with customers on implementing Heidelberg’s solutions.
This real world experience makes him a great resource for Heidelberg and customers alike. He is also an experienced blogger.
Heather Black
Board Member
Heather Black currently works with Connecting for Results as a Talent Acquisition Specilalist. She leverages over 25 years of business development and recruiting experience in the printing sector to deliver a personalized service that connects clients with high-caliber candidates.
She has helped big box office suppliers, wholesale printers, and packaging companies successfully recruit candidates for roles including operations leaders, general managers, sales and business development executives, and production staff.
A servant leader, Heather prioritizes building long-term relationships with her clients and candidates using a transparent and responsive approach.
Patrick Douglas-Meis
Board Member
Printing has fascinated me for a long time because it is located at the crossroads of unlimited creativity and the latest technologies. During my career I have worked for publishing and printing companies in Germany, the USA and Canada.
Ten years ago I have started my own company that is helping printers get more efficient with customized robotics and automation solutions. More than ever I am convinced that print has a bright future, some sectors are growing rapidly. I am proud to be a member of the board of OPIA, a group of people that are all passionate about printing and work together to connect people and make printing better.
Lee Eldridge
Board Member
Lee’s journey in the print industry began in the 1990s as a laborer in a small silk-screen shop. He quickly ascended the ranks, obtaining his Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), advancing into prepress management in the magazine industry. His career further progressed at CJ Graphics, the world’s most award-winning print company, where he served as Director of Advanced Technologies (“Interactive Solutions”) for almost twenty years. Afterwards, he returned to university to obtain his Master’s degree in Professional Communication.
Lee’s versatility shone when he took on the role of Associate Editor of DesignEdge, Canada’s premier trade magazine for graphic designers, for seven years. His extensive knowledge, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving, coupled with a proven track record of delivering outstanding results, have made him a sought-after expert in the industry.
In 2023, he refocused his career on consultation, research, and education in graphic technologies. As a consultant, he specializes in the efficient implementation of technology and the development of training materials, with a keen focus on the adoption of generative AI and workflow automation systems. His research is dedicated to mapping industry trends and integrating AI-powered tools into creative professions.
Today, Lee shares his knowledge and experience by teaching at Toronto Metropolitan University in the Graphic Communications Management and Creative Industries programs. His passion for education and innovation helps shape the next generation of graphic industry professionals.
A recognized thought leader, Lee is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences worldwide. He has captivated audiences across North America and internationally, with notable appearances in Beijing, Tel Aviv, and Reykjavik, sharing his insights on the future of graphic technologies.
Ken Freek
Board Member
As the print industry changed, Ken’s unique career path as a print executive evolved to meet the needs of each new role or project.
The various roles in book printing through to the print equipment and supply business have given him a broad perspective of the industry and useful insights into where it is headed.
Key employers through Ken’s career included Webcom Inc. (now Marquis Book Printing Inc.) and Heidelberg Canada.
Ken currently serves as Marketing Support and Social Manager for Canadian Print Scholarships and is part of the team at Connecting for Results, a consulting company focused on the printing industry.
George Politis
Board Member
George Politis MCIC (Member of the Chemical Institute of Canada) joined the OPIA in 1993.
George has been a Director on the board of the OPIA since 1995 and continues to this date.
George has been instrumental for developing technologies to recycle and reuse solvents from the Printing Industry for which his previous company C.L.E.A.N. received an Environmental Award.
George sat on many Environmental Committees and participated in many initiatives of the OPIA including the Graphic Communications Management Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
George founded the OPIA Golf Classic Tournament, which he continues to Chair today.
George retired from his environmental business in 2019 and has remained in the industry as a consultant for Gamda International Corporation.
John Querques
Board Member
As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, John leads the AdMill Group and Elite Bindery and Mail Solution to meet the evolving needs of the retail industry and print service providers. John has thirty years experience in the direct marketing industry with leadership roles with notable corporate organizations including TC Transcontinental Inc. and Quebecor Media Inc.
Extensive experience in retail marketing optimization through geo-demographic analytics and media planning. Developed teams to advance operational systems, client services and analytics resources and methodologies to help clients improve their competitive edge and exceed growth objectives. A resourceful innovator, he has a track record of delivering results.
Matthew Serwin
Board Member
After graduating from Toronto Metropolitan Universities’ (formerly Ryerson University) GCM Program, Matthew continued with work with his internship employer PaperlinX Canada Ltd. (currently Spicers Canada ULC) as a National Technical Specialist. With the technical knowledge gained Matthew transitioned into servicing customers in the pressroom as a Graphic Arts specialist with a strong focus on G7 Colour Management and process control implementations. After several years Matthew transitioned into Sales Management working with account managers in Toronto, Belleville and Sudbury until his transition to Southwestern Ontario.
Currently Matthew manages the branch sales activities and team in Southwestern Ontario and the Graphic Packaging segment for Spicers Canada in Ontario.
Matthew continues to give back to the industry by being a guest or sessional lecturer at Ryerson University, academic & program advisor, a member of the Sustainable Mail Group, Co-Chair of the PAC’s (Packaging Consortium) Central Leadership Council and a Board Member of the OPIA.
Tracey Preston
President
For over twenty years Tracey Preston has served the OPIA membership and boards covering government affairs, events, stakeholder relations, regulatory affairs, and membership services.
As a professional lobbyist and career association executive she serves the graphic communication industry after representing other industries including construction, and real estate. She has represented the graphics communication industry in an effort to have the printing industry’s message heard by federal, provincial and municipal governments.
She has managed the implementation of benefits and services of various kinds including the facilitation of an $8 million dollar rebate to print industry firms over a ten year period.
OPIA Committees
The OPIA utilizes a committee structure to accomplish it’s goals and deliver it’s services.
Marketing Committee
This committee is overseeing the revision of the OPIA website, social media presence on LinkedIn and other marketing opportunities to improve the professional image and outreach to members and potential members.
Events Committee
Organizes meetings and webinars with educational or social content for the membership. Events such as dinner meetings, awards night and webinars are included in the mandate of the events committee.
Environment Health and Safety Committee
Watches legislation that has an effect on the health and safety management programs for the membership. The committee assists members with Environmental, health and safety initiatives driven by government and required reporting.
Government Affairs Committee
Presents issues and concerns to governments on behalf of the membership and industry. Many of the issues are driven from the Environment Health and Safety committee regarding Labour and Environment. However, as other issues arise such as small business, ecommerce, privacy, and taxation are all issues that OPIA has raised in the past with governments.
Golf Committee
This committee is Chaired by George Politis. The committee is responsible for organizing the day of golf, meals, sponsors, and prizes. The OPIA Golf Classic is held in the Greater Toronto Area.