press release - Ƶ Book, Magazine & Catalog Printing Company Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:47:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cropped-Ƶ-W-transparent-black-white-circle-150x150.webp press release - Ƶ 32 32 Jacob Gordon Named General Manager of Ƶ – Marceline /blog/jacob-gordon-press-release?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jacob-gordon-press-release Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:47:37 +0000 /?p=18826 MARCELINE, MISSOURI [Aug. 31, 2026] — Ƶ, one of the nation’s leading printing companies, has promoted Jacob Gordon to General Manager of its printing facility in Marceline, Missouri. He will assume the role on Aug. 31 and succeed David Sevits, who will officially retire this fall after 22 years with the company.  Gordon joined Ƶ […]

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MARCELINE, MISSOURI [Aug. 31, 2026] — Ƶ, one of the nation’s leading printing companies, has promoted Jacob Gordon to General Manager of its printing facility in Marceline, Missouri. He will assume the role on Aug. 31 and succeed David Sevits, who will officially retire this fall after 22 years with the company. 

Gordon joined Ƶ in 2007 as a General Worker and became the first participant in the company’s Management Trainee program. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of leadership positions, including Bindery Supervisor, Quality Supervisor, Learning & Development Coordinator, Quality Manager, Scheduling Manager and most recently Manager of Enterprise Planning & Optimization.

Jacob Gordon, Ƶ -- Marceline's new General Manager.
Jacob Gordon, Ƶ – Marceline’s new General Manager.

Gordon’s promotion is a significant milestone for both the company and the Marceline operation. As Ƶ’s first Management Trainee, Gordon has spent nearly two decades developing his leadership and operational expertise across multiple areas of the business. This promotion reflects the long-term success of Ƶ’s commitment to developing talent from within and preparing future leaders through hands-on experience and professional growth opportunities. 

“Jacob’s career is a great example of what can happen when talent, dedication and opportunity come together,” said Gary O’Toole, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing. “He began his career on the plant floor, and over the years has shown incredible growth as he took on new roles within the company. His deep understanding of our operations and commitment to continuous improvement made him a natural choice to lead Ƶ – Marceline into its next chapter.”  

As General Manager, Gordon will oversee all aspects of the Marceline facility and lead efforts to strengthen operational performance, build a disciplined operating system and develop future leaders within the organization. His key responsibilities will include advancing safety, quality, delivery performance and productivity while fostering a culture of accountability, employee engagement and continuous improvement. 

Ƶ congratulates Jacob on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to the leadership, vision and operational excellence he will bring to the Marceline facility. 

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About Ƶ

Ƶ, the 26th largest printer in the U.S. and Canada, is a top five yearbook, magazine, catalog and book printer, and the only family-owned yearbook printer. Started in 1937 by Don Ƶ, current leadership is under the second and third generations: Don O. Ƶ, Chairman of the Board, and his son, Don Ƶ, President. Tripp Ƶ, the fourth generation, also joined the company in 2023, followed by his sister Kate Ƶ, who joined in 2026. Ƶ operates from eight facilities across the Midwest: Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon and Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  

Media Contact 

Kristin Mateski | Vice President, Marketing & Communications
913.871.2072
kristin.mateski@walsworth.com
walsworth.com

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Kate Ƶ joins Ƶ as director of portfolio and change management /blog/kate-walsworth-press-release?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kate-walsworth-press-release Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:16:05 +0000 /?p=17982 Marceline, Mo., [Feb. 12, 2026] – Ƶ President Don Ƶ announced today that his daughter, Kate Ƶ, joined the family company as Director of Portfolio & Change Management. She started with the company on Feb. 9. Kate most recently worked as a Management Consultant – Change Advisory Supervisor for global consulting firm RSM US LLP, […]

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Marceline, Mo., [Feb. 12, 2026] – Ƶ President Don Ƶ announced today that his daughter, Kate Ƶ, joined the family company as Director of Portfolio & Change Management. She started with the company on Feb. 9.

Kate most recently worked as a Management Consultant – Change Advisory Supervisor for global consulting firm RSM US LLP, supporting clients through large-scale transformations, including technology implementations, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership transitions. She built a strong reputation for being trustworthy and thoughtful, particularly in developing compelling cases for change that drive end-user adoption.

Kate Ƶ
Kate Ƶ, Director of Portfolio and Change Management

“I am excited to begin my career at Ƶ and contribute to a company with a strong history and a clear future,” said Kate Ƶ. “The company has evolved significantly over the generations, and I look forward to being part of its continued growth.”

Kate graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Health and Society and a minor in Human and Organizational Development. Following her graduation, Kate began her work with RSM.

During her time there, Kate supported major corporate initiatives including nine Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementations, four organizational culture refreshes, and five mergers and acquisitions. She was also the youngest Strategy & Management Consultant in RSM’s Supervisor promotional class.

In her role at Ƶ, Kate will lead portfolio governance and enterprise change initiatives, supporting strategic programs that strengthen operational effectiveness, technology adoption and long-term growth.

Kate comes to Ƶ nearly two and a half years after her brother Tripp, now Director of AI & Automation, joined the company. She’ll be part of the technology department, reporting to Jen MacIvor, CIO.

“There has never been a better time to be part of this company,” said Don Ƶ, President of Ƶ Inc. “My father and I are proud that Kate has chosen to bring her experience and perspective back to Ƶ, and we are confident she will make a meaningful impact.”

About Ƶ
Ƶ, the 27th largest printer in the U.S. and Canada, is a top yearbook, magazine, catalog and book printer, and the only family-owned yearbook printer. Started in 1937 by Don Ƶ, current leadership is under the second and third generations: Don O. Ƶ, Chairman of the Board, and his son, Don Ƶ, President. Tripp Ƶ, the fourth generation, also joined the company in 2023. Ƶ operates from eight facilities across the Midwest – Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Additionally, Ƶ owns the Donning Company Publishers, a specialty book publisher.

Media Contact
Kristin Mateski | Vice President of Marketing & Communications
913.871.2072
kristin.mateski@walsworth.com
walsworth.com

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Ƶ announces hiring of Jen MacIvor as VP, Chief Information Officer (CIO) /blog/jen-macivor-press-release?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jen-macivor-press-release Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:37:01 +0000 /?p=17553 Marceline, Missouri; Oct. 14, 2025 – Ƶ announced today that it has hired Jen MacIvor as the company’s new Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO). MacIvor will be replacing Ƶ’s current VP of Technology, Mike Sargent, who will be retiring at the end of 2026. Over the next several months, MacIvor and […]

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Marceline, Missouri; Oct. 14, 2025 – Ƶ announced today that it has hired Jen MacIvor as the company’s new Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer (CIO). MacIvor will be replacing Ƶ’s current VP of Technology, Mike Sargent, who will be retiring at the end of 2026.

Over the next several months, MacIvor and Sargent will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition, and Jen will be visiting each of Ƶ’s locations to deepen her understanding of the overall business. MacIvor will be based out of Ƶ’s office in Overland Park, Kansas.

Jen MacIvor, VP and Chief Information Officer (CIO)

“I’m honored to be joining Ƶ,” said MacIvor. “Everything about Ƶ, the culture, the values, the innovation, the industry, is an amazing fit. The combination of long-term vision, sound business practices and steadfast integrity aligns very closely with my own priorities.”

MacIvor is an experienced IT and digital operations executive with extensive expertise in enterprise architecture, technology strategy and large-scale digital transformation. Throughout her career, she has led global teams through complex technology transitions in retail, consumer packaged goods and transportation. More specifically in recent years, MacIvor has worked in AI strategy, guiding organizations through the early stages of AI adoption toward integrating AI into the business and tech strategy of companies.

“The chance to bring someone with Jen’s vast experience to our leadership team is a tremendous opportunity,” said Don Ƶ, President of Ƶ. “I’m excited to see her vision for the future of our technology innovation.”

For the past seven years, MacIvor has been based in the Kansas City area working as a CIO and consultant for companies that included Beauty Brands, a jewelry company, a manufacturing company, as well as additional retail companies. Prior to that, she spent 14 years as a VP and CIO for DFS Group Limited, a global luxury travel retailer which saw MacIvor based overseas in Singapore for several years.

“Jen has a proven track record of working closely with business leaders to translate complex technical strategies into measurable results,” said Andy Billett, Ƶ COO. “As it relates to areas like AI adoption, cloud integration, cyber security, scalable solutions and more, her expertise will be crucial.”

MacIvor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Management from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri; and completed advanced studies in Technology Leadership at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California.

MacIvor said she plans on spending her first few months with Ƶ simply getting to know the company, its people and its various platforms.

“My first focus will be to travel to our different locations and really get to know the business operations,” said MacIvor. “Because to me, the best technology serves how the business needs to operate and what the strategy for growth is. I like to be firmly grounded in how things work.”

About Ƶ
Ƶ, the 27th largest printer in the U.S. and Canada, is a top yearbook, magazine, catalog and book printer, and the only family-owned yearbook printer. Started in 1937 by Don Ƶ, current leadership is under the second and third generations: Don O. Ƶ, Chairman of the Board, and his son, Don Ƶ, President. Tripp Ƶ, the fourth generation, also joined the company in 2023. Ƶ operates from eight facilities across the Midwest – Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Additionally, Ƶ owns the Donning Company Publishers, a specialty book publisher.

Media Contact
Kristin Mateski | Vice President of Marketing & Communications
913.871.2072
kristin.mateski@walsworth.com
walsworth.com

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Ƶ Brings Stephanie Maday Aboard as New Executive VP of Commercial Sales /blog/stephanie-maday-press-release?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stephanie-maday-press-release Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:52:12 +0000 /?p=9222 Marceline, Missouri; Oct. 30, 2024 – Ƶ announced it has hired sales executive Stephanie Maday as the company’s new Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales and Board Member. Maday will be replacing Ƶ’s current Executive VP of Commercial Sales, David Grisa, who is retiring from the company in November. Maday will be based out of Ƶ’s […]

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Marceline, Missouri; Oct. 30, 2024 – Ƶ announced it has hired sales executive Stephanie Maday as the company’s new Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales and Board Member. Maday will be replacing Ƶ’s current Executive VP of Commercial Sales, David Grisa, who is retiring from the company in November. Maday will be based out of Ƶ’s Sales and Marketing office in Overland Park, Kansas.

Maday comes to Ƶ with nearly 25 years of sales and management experience, more than 20 of it at Taylor Corporation in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area working for client 3M Promotional Markets. She started as a sales representative and rose through the ranks to become National Sales Manager. During her tenure at 3M, Maday gained print product sales experience with large and small roll-fed presses, silk screening, flexo presses and digital presses.

Stephanie Maday, Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales

When Maday initially considered the opportunity with Ƶ, she was particularly intrigued by the term ‘disruptor’ in the job description. “During my visit to the Marceline location, I had the opportunity to meet with each leader and gain valuable insights into their openness to change,” Maday shared.

Maday will be responsible for establishing and implementing processes, tools and structures to support the commercial sales organization’s operations, as well as directing and developing sales strategy, operational plans, tactics and processes that will drive revenue growth and accomplish financial objectives. 

“We’re very excited to bring someone with Stephanie’s qualifications on board to lead our commercial sales team,” said Don Ƶ, President of Ƶ. “After meeting with Stephanie and exchanging ideas on the future of our commercial business, I was convinced she is the leader who will not only help us achieve our growth goals, but exceed them.”

Maday said the opportunity to join Ƶ became irresistible after meeting with the company’s senior leadership, hearing their vision for the future and witnessing their deep commitment to the Ƶ employees.

“My goal, when joining an organization, is to enhance the employee experience by empowering individuals and ensuring they have the necessary tools and support to succeed,” said Maday. “The success of any organization is driven by its people, and it was Ƶ’s unwavering commitment to its employees that attracted me to this opportunity.”

Maday said she will be spending her first several weeks traveling and visiting each of Ƶ’s printing facilities in Marceline, Missouri; Fulton, Missouri; Saint Joseph, Michigan, and Ripon, Wisconsin, in an effort to learn as much as possible.

“My approach is to take the time to observe, learn and listen with a genuine curiosity about the current state,” said Maday. “My objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of each role and its contribution to Ƶ’s success, while also securing alignment from the team on the path forward. Securing buy-in from all employees is essential, as they are ultimately responsible for executing the company’s vision.”

A native Minnesotan who has spent much of her life in the Mankato, Minnesota, area, Maday graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato with a business degree.

About Ƶ

Ƶ, the 27th largest printer in the U.S. and Canada, is a top yearbook, magazine, catalog and book printer, and the only family-owned yearbook printer. Started in 1937 by Don Ƶ, current leadership is under the second, third and fourth generations: Don O. Ƶ, Chairman of the Board; his son, Don Ƶ, President; and Tripp Ƶ, Director of AI & Automation. Ƶ operates from eight facilities across the Midwest – Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon and Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Additionally, Ƶ owns the Donning Company Publishers, a specialty book publisher.

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