FTA announces inaugural Rising 20 Class

The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association has announced the inaugural FTA Rising 20 Class of 2026, recognizing 20 emerging professionals who are making a meaningful impact across the flexographic and package printing industry. 

The FTA Rising 20 program celebrates professionals age 35 and younger who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership, industry involvement and the potential to help shape the future of flexography. 

'The Rising 20 represents the next generation of talent, passion and ideas driving our industry forward,' said Nathan Ridnouer, president of the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association. 'These professionals are already making important contributions within their companies and across the flexographic community. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and excited to see where their leadership takes our industry next.' 

The members of the FTA Rising 20 Class of 2026 are  Rachel Acevedo, Ace Media Marketing; Rayan Alami, Enviroxi;  Anita Tyndall Blendowski, Labels & Specialty Products; Becky Bunch, independent; Maria Burkle, ProAmpac; James Dye, Emerald Packaging; Sean Farr, Wikoff Color - Graphics; Hailey Ferrington, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Callam Harvey, Apex International; Elysia Heil, Penn Color; Dusty Hoffpauer, Accredo Packaging; Kariahlyn Lindsey, Esko; Alaina Ludwig, Q360 Group; Cooper Ludwig, Q360 Group; Gracie Patat, Brook + Whittle; Zac Patterson, ProAmpac; Kaveri Satija, Janvi Arts; Dillon Silver, PPC Flex; James Steptoe, Troika Systems; and Katherine Wolfgram, All Printing Resources. 

Selected from nominations submitted by colleagues, industry leaders and the honorees themselves, the 2026 class reflects the breadth of talent supporting today’s flexographic supply chain. Honorees represent a range of roles and organizations, including printers, converters, suppliers and other industry partners. 

Candidates were evaluated based on five areas: professional experience and achievement, performance and innovation, leadership and teamwork, FTA and industry involvement, and future potential. Eligible nominees were required to be age 35 or younger at the time of the award, and to have worked in the flexographic or package printing industry for at least two years. 

Each member of the inaugural class has distinguished themselves through contributions to their company, colleagues and the broader industry. Together, they represent a new generation of professionals advancing print quality, technology, sustainability, collaboration and workforce development.