TLMI is heading into 2026 with new leadership and a renewed vision for the future. Dale Coates has taken over the reins as president and CEO. Since joining the leadership team in 2020, Coates has served in various roles, including COO and vice president of member operations and engagement.

Coates takes over the position from Linnea Keen, who served in the role from 2020-2025. Keen announced her resignation at the 2025 Annual Meeting, and she supported Coates in succeeding her. The move received unanimous approval from the Board of Directors.

“I am very excited and honored to have the opportunity to carry on the great work that was begun under Linnea Keen’s leadership of TLMI,” says Coates. “Fortunately, I was beside Linnea as TLMI evolved over the last five years and have been heavily involved in the operations of the association. I came to TLMI as a former supplier member with a background in pressure sensitive adhesives and a PhD in Polymer Science. I am familiar with the materials of the print world and look forward to learning more about the print methods.

“We have a fantastic team that I have been working closely with and building over the last few years,” she continues. “We also have a wonderful Board of Directors, reflecting the best of the label industry. The first six weeks of this shift have been action packed, but I feel very supported.”

Goals and initiatives

Coates has numerous goals and initiatives planned for TLMI, both in the short and long term. In January, TLMI has partnered with Industry Insights to deliver the first ever TLMI supplier member Compensation & Benefits Study. Additionally, TLMI is increasing education offerings.

“We offer regular updates that are committee driven,” notes Coates. “This includes quarterly updates for Regulatory Issues and Workforce Updates, and every other month for Technical special topics and multiple times a year for Sustainability. We are also launching partnerships to bring other association education resources to our members at a discount through FTA and iLearning+.”

Under the TLMI Members Helping Members Initiative, the association is also providing opportunities through the Guru program and The Converter Exchange. TLMI Gurus expand beyond technical questions and include more types of experts and a more user-friendly experience. Meanwhile, The Converter Exchange serves as a new webinar series where a supplier member shares information about their product. The offering includes breakouts for peers to discuss what they heard and their company experience.

TLMI will prioritize focused networking opportunities at its meetings, whether peer to peer or seller to buyer. Plus, sustainability will factor prominently in the association’s future. New Sustainability Impact Projects are short term, high impact initiatives that allow members to put concentrated time toward a project that supports their company, TLMI, and the industry without the longer term commitment of committee involvement.

Strong presence

TLMI will be present at numerous industry events, as well. “We are excited to help Informa with the first Labelexpo Americas under the new brand, LOUPE and we will continue to attend and support other events that help grow and support the TLMI membership,” explains Coates.

“We have also developed partnerships with companies that can offer our members savings, whether on credit card processing, shipping and supplies for their facilities, or human resources and planning needs,” she adds.

Coates is excited about leading TLMI in a hands-on manner, and she is looking forward to meeting with members. “I want to connect with you,” she emphasizes. “I want to hear what TLMI is doing well and where we can offer the membership more opportunities for community, collaboration, and education. The industry faces some opportunities in 2026, and TLMI wants to help adapt and support any changes or hurdles that the label and package printing industry may need to overcome.

“TLMI will continue to represent the best in label and package printing. Look for more scholarships, more advocacy, and more educational opportunities as we continue to drive Label Leadership. My vision for TLMI is that the association continues to be a space for collaboration, where people come together and find not only support and solutions but lifelong friends, all while helping the industry advance. Labels and packaging touch all aspects of our lives, and I hope to help position TLMI to continue leadership in support of our members and the industry overall,” Coates concludes.