Emerging Leader Award
Congratulations to the 2024 Emerging Leader - Patrick Blackburne, Canterbury Press!
Announcing PIAG's Emerging Leader Award
PIAG is excited to launch the Emerging Leader Award, celebrating a rising star who has demonstrated their commitment to excellence and made impactful contributions to their organization, the industry, and their community. This award acknowledges past achievements of an individual while honoring their expected trajectory of continued success and growth.
Nominees should meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership attributes and ability for continued growth
- Exhibits a forward-thinking mindset and is committed to driving positive change
- Contributes to their organization through their ability to innovate and inspire
- Recognized accomplishments through their company, professional organizations, and community
- Less than 10 years experience in the print and graphic communications industry
- Under 40 years of age at time of award
- Employed by a current PIAG member company in good standing
Nominations are open through June 1, 2024. The recipient was announced and recognized at the imPRESS Celebration of Print on August 8, 2024.
Congratulations to the 2024 Recipient, Patrick Blackburne!
Mr. Blackburne purchased Canterbury Press in 2020 following more than a decade in other industries, including venture capital, manufacturing technology, and hospitality. Mr. Blackburne currently serves on the PIAG Board of Directors. He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and is a graduate of the University of Georgia.
Mr. Blackburne told attendees he is humbled and honored to receive the Emerging Leader Award. “I look forward to being the first on a long and distinguished list of recipients,” he said.
The award was presented by PIAG Board Chair Littie Brown, owner of SpeedPro Marietta. “We had a number of deserving nominees,” she said. “Selecting a winner was not easy. Patrick rose to the top by demonstrating true leadership skills, including learning a new industry, earning the trust of his employees, making new investments in his company and team, and finding success in one of the country’s most competitive markets.”