Griffin Voted IPMA President Elect

Alvin Griffin, director of the Graphic Production Center for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, is the new president elect of the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA). He was elected by IPMA membership and will become international president in April 2015, following current IPMA President Rob Lingard, director of Central Services for Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators, whose term began on April 1.

For the past 12 years Griffin has served as the director of his Charlotte, N.C., in-plant, which produces printing for the nation's fourth largest urban school district. He oversees more than 3,000 projects per year, valued at $4.1 million. Among his recent accomplishments, Griffin implemented a Lean Six Sigma program for his department, and was able to reduce paper waste by 90 percent, as detailed this month in IPG. He also was instrumental in increasing his department's print production by more than 25 percent over a three-year period, while reducing the average cost per copy by 46 percent.

Throughout Griffin's 36-year professional career, he has held leadership and managerial roles in several in-plants including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, Winthrop University in South Carolina, Prince William County Government and Prince William County's Board of Education in Virginia.

Since becoming an active IPMA member in 2002 and earning certification as a Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) in 2008, Griffin has served as a presenter on managed competition at IPMA's 2012 conference. Griffin has watched the association grow, both in the quantity and quality of members over the years.

"During my career, I have enjoyed the fellowship of many in-plant managers and employees," says Griffin. "Without the guidance of my fellow IPMA colleagues, many of the organizations I have led would have never realized the success they enjoy today.

"After dedicating 36 years to this industry, I welcome the opportunity to serve as IPMA's president elect and carry forward the mentorships I received from other IPMA members. It is my intent to see the organization grow in size and expand in scope."

The IPMA conference will take place June 2-6, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel, in San Mateo, Calif.