Top Alliance professionals step into expanded roles as the Alliance builds on strong momentum across events, media, and member programs
PHILADELPHIA, PA — PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, today announced key leadership updates within the organization as part of its continued evolution to support long-term growth and service to the global printing industry. For more information about the Alliance and membership, including its award-winning events, programs, training and education, resources and services, visit: www.printing.org.
Fueled for Growth to Support the Next Phase of Serving the Industry
The Alliance is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments:
• Chris Lyons will step into the role of Group President where he will oversee sales across Alliance media brands and events.
• Denise M. Gustavson has been appointed as Vice President of Editorial and Content Strategy in recognition of her ongoing and expanding role in editorial content and strategy across Alliance media outlets and brands.
• Josh Carruth will take on expanded leadership responsibilities including oversight of PRINTING United Expo operations as EVP Expositions, in addition to membership.
“These leadership advancements reflect the strength of our team and our commitment to promoting from within,” said Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “We are confident in the experience, vision, and continuity Chris, Josh, and Denise bring, in addition to our more than 100 other professionals on staff, as we continue to serve our members and the industry at the highest level.”
CHRIS LYONS – GROUP PRESIDENT
Lyons has been an innovative and dedicated industry executive having run many of the industry’s top media and event brands and has launched numerous others, while having served in key executive roles at Scholastic Children’s Books and Kodak.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue working closely with our partners to deliver even more meaningful value across our complete portfolio,” said Chris Lyons, Group President. “There is tremendous momentum across the Alliance, and I’m excited to help build on our past success while delivering on many of the new and exciting initiatives we are bringing to market.”
DENISE M. GUSTAVSON – VICE PRESIDENT OF EDITORIAL & CONTENT STRATEGY
A recognized voice in the printing industry, Gustavson began her career in 1998 and brings more than 28 years of experience. She also serves as a professional advisor for the Women in Print Alliance and is a frequent speaker on industry trends, technology, and business growth.
"The Alliance has more touchpoints with this industry than most organizations — media, education, events, research," said Denise M. Gustavson, Vice President of Editorial and Content Strategy. "The industry trusts us across all of those channels, and my job is to make sure we're earning that trust on the content side — being precise about what we cover, who we serve, and why it matters."
JOSH CARRUTH – EVP, EXPOSITIONS
Carruth brings more than two decades of experience in event strategy, media, and community development. Since joining the Alliance in 2021, he has played a key role in expanding engagement and strengthening the industry community and now leads Expo strategy and cross-functional teams for PRINTING United Expo.
“PRINTING United Expo is the defining platform for the industry, and I’m proud to step into this expanded role at a time when the momentum behind this event continues to build, driven by years of execution, vision, and meaningful results,” said Josh Carruth, EVP, Expositions. “This show is a direct reflection of the industry, and that industry is evolving, resilient, and strong. With an exceptional team behind it, we’re focused on delivering real value to attendees and building a stronger industry community, strengthening the entire ecosystem, and creating even greater opportunity for our exhibitors and partners.”
PRINTING United Expo 2026 takes place September 23-25 in Las Vegas and is slated to be the premier event in North America this fall with even more on-site activations and engagements for the global printing industry. Sign up to be notified when registration officially opens in May here: https://www.printingunited.com/notify-me/.
Become a Member of the Alliance
To learn more about joining the Alliance community and gaining access to an extensive suite of advocacy materials, training and certifications, industry resources, and exclusive benefits, visit: printing.org/membership.
About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry’s vast communities. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education and training via iLEARNING+, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from our leading media brands – Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Apparelist, and Promo Impressions. The Alliance is also a global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain.
PRINTING United Alliance also produces PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.