Meet the OPIA Board of Directors

Dave Potje

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 a retired basketball referee, having been a High School and University referee for 25 years. Today golf is his favourite hobby.

Joseph Banich

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

Heather Black is the Founder and Managing Director of Freely Connect Recruitment, a boutique firm focused on helping companies in the print and packaging industry build strong, lasting teams. With over 30 years of combined experience in marketing, business development, and executive recruitment, she brings a strategic and people-first approach to hiring.

Her path into recruitment started with a simple belief: the right people are at the core of every successful business. Across her career, Heather has helped employers find exceptional talent and build hiring practices that support long-term growth.

At Freely Connect, she partners with clients to go beyond filling roles. She helps shape standout employer brands and build smarter, more sustainable hiring strategies. Whether she’s working with a large plant or a small independent shop, her focus is always on clarity, collaboration, and finding the right fit.

Heather also mentors students in TMU’s Graphic Communications Management program and is a regular speaker and panelist on hiring and leadership.

Learn more at www.freelyconnect.ca

Steve Cussons

Steve Cussons is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mini Giants Inc., an Oakville, Ontario-based business solutions group that helps companies bring their ideas to life through custom printing, packaging, branding, promotional products, and smart technologies. An entrepreneur with a strong community focus, Steve has built Mini Giants into a dynamic ecosystem serving startups through established brands with innovative, integrated solutions.

Deeply committed to giving back, he is a past Director of the Sound of Music Festival, has supported Halton Food for Thought, and is a major supporter of Halton Women’s Place, among other community initiatives. Within the industry, Steve serves on the board OPIA and is passionate about supporting the next generation, providing scholarships and educational opportunities for students through Mini Giants. Known for his collaborative leadership and civic engagement, he actively contributes to both the local business landscape and the broader community he calls home.

Patrick Douglas-Meis

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 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

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

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

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.

John Querques

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.

Tracey Preston

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.