PIA MidAmerica has selected Jerry Williamson as their 2015 Visionary Award Recipient. Williamson was the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Williamson Printing Corporation, Dallas TX. He will be honored at the upcoming Graphic Excellence Awards Gala on April 23, 2015 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX.
Jerry joined the family business after receiving a law degree from Southern Methodist University and serving as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Dallas. Upon joining the business in 1968 he took an active role, along with his brother Jesse, in growing the business into a national powerhouse. Prior to the company’s sale to Quad/Graphics in 2012, the company was constantly ranked as one of the largest printing companies in North Texas and was recognized nationally as a full-service commercial and specialty products printer producing short- to medium-run catalogs, case-bound books, direct mail and other promotional products.
Williamson has been extremely active in local organizations including the Dallas Bar Association, North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Salesmanship Club of Dallas, SMU Mustang Club, Baylor Foundation Board, and many, many other social and professional organizations. He has also served on various committees for the University Park United Methodist Church.
Well known for giving back to the industry, Williamson served in a variety of roles in the industry’s national associations serving as the Chairman of the Board of Printing Industries of America in 1998 (PIA), the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, 2000 – 2002 (GATF), as well as the local PIA affiliate, Printing Industries of Texas in 1987 (now PIA MidAmerica). He also served on the boards of the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), and The Print Council.
He has been recognized with numerous national awards including: the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, the Web Offset Association Harry V. Quadracci Vision Award, and the Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas Award. He is also a member of the Ben Franklin Honor Society as well as the Walter E. Soderstrom Society.
Even in retirement, Jerry is constantly engaged in various business activities and spends time with his wife Diane, their three children, Paul, Bo, and Beth and their spouses, plus his five grandchildren.
