Canadian Association of Moldmakers Appoints New Leadership to Strengthen Industry Advocacy!
By Ashutosh Arora
The Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM), headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, has announced significant changes to its leadership team with the appointment of a new board chair, vice-chair, and additional board members. These changes reflect the association’s ongoing mission to strengthen advocacy, drive innovation, and support growth within Canada’s moldmaking sector.
At the forefront of this leadership shift is Natalia Stephen, founder and president of Compound Metal Coatings in Mississauga, Ontario. Stephen, a long-time supporter of the moldmaking industry, has been elected as CAMM’s new chair. Her track record includes serving as chair of CAMM’s Toronto chapter, where she played a key role in engaging members, expanding networking opportunities, and promoting the value of Canadian moldmaking expertise. With years of entrepreneurial experience and a focus on advanced coating technologies, Stephen brings both vision and hands-on knowledge to the role, positioning her to guide CAMM through the next phase of its growth.
Joining her in leadership is Darryl Grattix, production manager at Molded Precision Components in Shanty Bay, Ontario, who has been elected as CAMM’s new vice-chair. With a background in overseeing precision-driven operations, Grattix is well-versed in the technical and operational challenges moldmakers face. His experience will complement Stephen’s leadership, ensuring that CAMM’s advocacy and programming address both strategic and operational priorities for members across Canada.
“We are excited to welcome Natalia and Darryl into these leadership roles,” said Nicole Vlanich, executive director of CAMM. “Their dedication, spirit, industry knowledge, and passion for innovation make them ideal candidates as we continue to grow and advocate for the moldmaking sector across Canada.” Vlanich emphasized that their appointments come at a time when the industry is rapidly evolving, with global competition, automation, and advanced manufacturing driving new demands on moldmakers.
Alongside the new chair and vice-chair, CAMM has also filled out its board of directors with a mix of new and returning members. Lisa Donnelly, commercial account executive at Ives Insurance, joins the board, bringing expertise in risk management and commercial support for manufacturers. Cyrus Jebely, president of Cap-Thin Molds, adds leadership experience and deep sector knowledge, while Diane Carr, CPA and finance professional at Cap-Thin Molds, steps in as CAMM’s new treasurer. Their combined expertise strengthens the board’s ability to guide CAMM on financial stewardship, strategic partnerships, and member services.
Rounding out the leadership team is Jonathon Azzopardi, president of Laval, who returns to the board as past chair. Azzopardi’s continued involvement ensures continuity and provides valuable insight from his years of steering CAMM through previous challenges and growth phases.
“We are fortunate to have such a passionate and skilled group of individuals leading the strategic direction of our organization,” added Vlanich. “Their diverse perspectives and commitment to the industry are what drive CAMM’s success.”
The appointment of this new leadership team marks a pivotal moment for CAMM as it continues to advocate for moldmakers in Canada. With strong representation from across the industry, the association is poised to tackle challenges such as global competitiveness, workforce development, and technological innovation, while ensuring that Canadian moldmakers remain leaders in quality, precision, and innovation on the world stage.
