American Printer Editor Jill Roth Garners McMillan Award

Published: October 10, 2002, By PRESS RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL, USA—American Printer's special projects editor recently was honored by the industry for her contributions to the commerical printing trade journal and the printing industry. At Graph Expo 2002, the Tom McMillan Foundation presented its 4th annual Tom McMillan Award for Editorial Excellence to Jill Roth, who holds the dual title of special projects editor and director of brand development at PFFC's sister publciation.

According to the Foundation, the award is presented annually to the editor or writer who exhibits the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism; understanding of the industry, including its technologies and applications; and performs his or her duties fitting to act as a role model for other journalists. "With a quick wit and keen insight, Jill has, for many years, entertained, informed, and educated readers about topics as diverse as the industry itself. [Her] no-nonsense approach and passion for knowledge and effective communication have made listening and learning irresistible," says Tom McMillan co-founder John Hebert. "Jill is a true professional, and we're pleased she was voted to receive this year's Tom McMillan award."

Roth has been involved with the printing industry since 1979. She has an extensive background in publishing, printing, digital prepress, and digital printing. Prior to appointment as editorial director, she spent nine years as managing editor of American Printer; she also served as editor of Graphic Arts Product News and managing editor of Electronic Printing & Publishing.

Industry Involvement
In addition, Roth is very involved in industry associations and interest groups. Currently, she serves on the Digital Printing Advisory Committee and the Electronic Prepress Section of PIA (Printing Industries of America) Advisory Council. She also is on the Vuepoint Advisory Board and a member of the National Association of Printing Leadership's (NAPL) Soderstrom Society, an honorary organization whose members are dedicated to serving the printing industry. Roth received additional industry recognition last year when she garnered the Carey Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT); the award is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the development or application of digital media in graphic communications.

The Tom McMillan Foundation was formed in 1999 to support the former chief editor of Electronic Publishing in his fight against ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's disease). For more than 15 years McMillan served the graphic arts industry as a writer and magazine editor specializing in electronic publishing and computer graphics technology. McMillan was diagnosed in early 1998 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which he fought until his death the following year; he was 47. Ongoing support for the foundation comes from founding members who continue to raise awareness for this debilitating and incurable disease in addition to presenting an annual editorial excellence award (in McMillan's name) to a well-deserving industry journalist.