The Graphic Communications Scholarship Foundation (GCSF) is pleased to announce that the recipient of its 2026 Champion of Education Award is Charlie Whitaker, CEO of Taylor Corporation. He will accept the honor at GCSF’s annual scholarship awards ceremony in New York City on June 22, 2026.
The GCSF Champion of Education Award honors exceptional individuals in the graphic communications and media field who have contributed their time, resources, and talents to the greater good of the printing industry and the next generation of its workforce.
As CEO of Taylor, Whitaker leads the fifth-largest business on the 2025 Printing Impressions 300 list of North America’s largest printing companies. He joined Taylor in 2012 as Executive Vice President, bringing 30 years of experience in the paper and printing industry. Prior to Taylor he served as President of Los Angeles based Spicers Paper, a paper and packaging distribution company serving printers and end users across the western half of the United States.
During his years with Taylor, Whitaker has played a key role in leading several Taylor companies during some of the organization’s major acquisitions. In 2020, he took over as CEO and is committed to guiding the company into the future and working together as one team across its family of businesses to achieve success and growth.
Whitaker received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He then went on to receive his MBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also was an advisor to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees on the future of the U of W.
Active in the community, Whitaker currently serves as Chairperson for the Greater Mankato Growth Board of Directors. GMG operates as the region’s Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development engine.
Whitaker will accept the Champion of Education Award during GCSF’s 2026 Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel on June 22. The event also will feature the presentations of scholarships and grants to students of graphic communications and institutions that promote career development within the discipline.
The Graphic Communications Scholarship Foundation (GCSF) is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that supports study and career development in the graphic communications media industry. Donations may be made here.
