Carolynn McCourtney

EXecutive-in-residence

Carolynn McCourtney has been a guiding force in the printing industry for the 36 years she’s been with the company, rising from her first role as purchasing clerk to president and general manager. She’s grateful the company provided her unlimited opportunities for career advancement, including her current role as executive-in-residence where she coaches and guides through a pivotal transition to new leaders. 

Along her journey, she mastered technology to let systems do the work of scheduling and managing production operations from prepress to finishing. Her approach has always been surrounding herself with people with offsetting talents, attracting industry professionals who love yearbook and the company the way she does. Her leadership will bear the hallmark of the evolution of a company who wanted to get to know its customers, form enduring relationships and elevate to servant leadership. 

Carolynn lives the mantra of “everything you ever need to know you learn in yearbook.” She studied graphic arts, communication, sales and marketing and journalism because her high school yearbook adviser imparted her passion to her students. 

“She was passionate and taught us how to ask questions to get good information people wanted to read,” she said. “Both for newspaper and yearbook. Foundational things about how to write a story, putting the important facts first. She taught me to learn about people and what makes them who they are, to have respect for everyone, no matter their situations.

“I ended up somewhere I never thought I’d land,” she continued. “Back at home in yearbook. I get to be a part of this career with our advisers and staffs, and help carry out their visions. While I didn’t work for The New York Times, I had children. I learned you don’t have to be passionate about doing one thing, but you can love whatever do. I’ve loved everything I’ve done.”