Board of Directors
Louis was elected vice president after serving as a director since 2018, and began his presidency as of Sept. 21, 2023. As a business owner, Louis understands the industry and uses his knowledge and expertise to guide the CTMA in the right direction. He plays a key role in decision-making and is a crucial member of the board.
Eli joined the CTMA Board of Directors in September 2017. Since then, he has become a key member and sits on on multiple committees, including the Communications Committee, Education Task Force, and the Skills Training & Education Committee.
Tania joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and brings with her a wealth of experience from her long-standing role at Rapid Gear, a family business where she has worked for 28 years and managed for the past 10 years. The connection to her family’s business runs deep, as she has been involved in various capacities for most of her life. She is also passionate about supporting initiatives that promote careers in the trades and advocates for women’s representation within these fields.
Chris joined the CTMA Board in 2015 and served as president for 4 years.
His passion for the industry, and many years of experience, has contributed to several CTMA initiatives, including the High School Awards, which recognize students working towards a career within the precision metalworking trades.
His passion for the industry, and many years of experience, has contributed to several CTMA initiatives, including the High School Awards, which recognize students working towards a career within the precision metalworking trades.
Alex has been a Board member since 2021. He is forward-thinking and has great passion for the future of the CTMA and the industry. He is always thinking ahead and has a keen eye for new benefits for the Association and its members.
As the vice president and human resources manager at Answer Precision Technologies, Michelle has more than 15 years experience in the tool & die industry. As an advocate for women in trades, and her enthusiasm to inform youth about career possibilities within the trades, she will undoubtedly play a significant role on the CTMA’s board of directors.
Larry was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2017. He brings 30+ years of industry experience in tool & die manufacturing, mould making, rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing. As a big supporter of encouraging youth to begin their careers in the trades, he is a great fit for the Apprentice Awards Committee.
Mike became a member of the Board in 2020. He enjoys contributing to CTMA initiatives and has a passion for getting young people interested in careers within the skilled trades.
Jeff has worked in the high pressure die cast tooling industry for nearly 20 years, and is a passionate advocate for retaining and growing Canada’s tool building sector. Having visited dozens of tool shops on 4 continents, Jeff has a strong sense of the competitive challenges facing Canadian tool makers and the need for smart adoption of new technology and processes. Jeff also oversees a significant 3D printing operation focused on the printing of hot work tool steel powders for use as componentry in the die casting sector.
With over 25 years experience in the manufacturing sector Steven is currently the President of the Arlen Tool Group, a position he has held for the past 12 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in manufacturing systems. Joining the Board of Directors in 2024 he brings both his experience and passion.
Rob Forstinger joined the CTMA board in 2024. He is the president of FBTinc, a fourth-generation, family-owned advanced manufacturing company based in the Niagara Peninsula. For more than 80 years, FBT has specialized in producing precision, tight-tolerance, and highly engineered machined parts that support critical assemblies in demanding applications.
Rob is passionate about fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople. He takes pride in contributing to his community and working collaboratively with others to advance the interests of the manufacturing sector through the CTMA.
Ted has served as President of Densmore Tool & Die Works Limited since 2016 and joined the CTMA Board in 2025. With a background spanning banking, sales, and business ownership, he brings a broad range of experience to his role. Ted looks forward to applying his knowledge to support the association’s goals and to advocate for the needs and interests of CTMA members.
Staff
Robert has been the CTMA’s Executive Director for more than 10 years. His 46+ years of experience as
a tool & die maker and company owner has brought tons of industry knowledge & great benefit
to the Association. Robert has managed several provincially-funded programs, including the
very successful Career-Ready with CTMA program.
a tool & die maker and company owner has brought tons of industry knowledge & great benefit
to the Association. Robert has managed several provincially-funded programs, including the
very successful Career-Ready with CTMA program.
Julie has been with the CTMA for more than 30 years. As the Association’s Operations Manager,
Julie provides administrative support and project coordination for events, programs, and
initiatives. She also manages budgeting and financial reporting, and maintains communications
with stakeholders, partners and members.
Julie provides administrative support and project coordination for events, programs, and
initiatives. She also manages budgeting and financial reporting, and maintains communications
with stakeholders, partners and members.
Sarah joined the CTMA team in 2020. Her background in journalism and public relations has brought the CTMA’s brand, initiatives, and marketing strategies to a new level. Sarah handles
the development and implementation of all marketing and communications strategies for the CTMA.
the development and implementation of all marketing and communications strategies for the CTMA.
Darlene has more than 25 years of bookkeeping experience, seven of which has been with the
CTMA. She has extensive experience with electronic cost-accounting, accounts
payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations and financial reporting.
CTMA. She has extensive experience with electronic cost-accounting, accounts
payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations and financial reporting.
With more than eight years of experience in event planning, operations, and project coordination, Teagan is well-equipped to ensure the high level of service and engaging experiences that CTMA members have come to expect.
She works closely with members to coordinate events and programs, support membership initiatives, and oversee member communications.
Richard has many years of experience in the industry, and as the previous owner of J&C Tool and Die, he has the industry knowledge and experience to help monitor participants in the CTMA’s Career-Ready program, and ensure they excel.
Robin plays a key role in the CTMA’s Career-Ready program. She has strong organizational and communication skills, and does a great job at managing several tasks involved in planning and executing the program.