Dale Coates replaces Linnea Keen as CEO of TLMI

Linnea Keen is resigning from TLMI, an organization she has led since 2020. With Keen’s recommendation and the unanimous approval of the TLMI board, Dale Coates is the association's new CEO and president. 

TLMI chair Mark Glendenning made the announcement during the conclusion of the TLMI Printing Excellence Awards, held during the 2025 Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott in Marco Island, Florida, on October 14. 

Keen joined the TLMI staff in July 2020, where she immediately faced the challenge of leading the association through the Covid pandemic. During her five years at TLMI, she has spearheaded efforts to create more inclusive networking programs, provide more support for members and host more expert speakers on market and technical trends, among other achievements.  

Prior to TLMI, Keen worked at UPM Raflatac for about 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of South Alabama and an MBA from Western Carolina University. 

‘It has been an honor and privilege to serve as a steward of TLMI over the past five and a half years,’ Keen said during a speech at the award ceremony. ‘TLMI is an incredible organization. I sat in the seat for 15 years as a supplier member, truly honored to step up and to serve TLMI. I always knew that it could be more and so happy that I could participate.’ 

Keen hired Coates as TLMI’s engagement director in 2020. Coates has since gone on to serve as vice president of member operations and engagement and as COO. 

Coates previously worked at Unison Tube and Franklin International and holds a PhD in polymer science from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in physics/engineering from Washington and Lee University. She has also been a supplier member of TLMI.