Mark Beilman
Editor's Note: Mark Beilman was the executive director of the RSA from 2002 to 2016. Now, a decade into retirement, he's back at the helm. He took over after the previous executive director, Stephanie Shark, left the position. IRgA Managing Director Ed Avis asked Mark a few questions.
Tell us briefly about the transition. What had you been doing in retirement, and what did you think when they called you to come back to the RSA?
Ed, first of all, let me thank you for feeling this event is newsworthy and for providing me a platform to again thank the RSA shareholders for their warm welcome and continued support. They are an incredible group of prominent business owners, and it is always rewarding to be able to contribute in any small way.
Retirement had been a mix of spending more time with family and friends, consulting on a very limited basis, and finally volunteering in a way that supports what is really important in life. I was enjoying the slower pace. When the previous Executive Director stepped down and I was contacted by the RSA Board of Directors about an interim role, my first reaction was honestly surprise. But it quickly shifted to a sense of responsibility. RSA has always meant a great deal to me, and if I could help, I felt it was right to step back in.
Are you literally back in the office, or is it remote? or a combo?
It’s a combination. I am physically in the office when it’s important for collaboration, strategic discussions, or operations, but I’m also leveraging remote tools to stay flexible and accessible for member and vendor engagement. The hybrid approach works well.
Any idea how long you will be there?
My focus is on guiding the RSA through this transition, ensuring operational continuity, and supporting members, vendors, the Board, and staff. This is an interim role, designed to provide stability and serve as a bridge while the Board moves forward with its plans for long-term leadership.
Are you planning any changes while you are in charge?
The goal isn’t change for the sake of change. It’s about building on the RSA’s strong foundation, refining operational clarity, and continuing to ensure members feel supported and heard. There may be refinements in operations, communications, governance processes, or strategic priorities, but all grounded in what benefits the cooperative long term.
Does it bring back memories?
Absolutely. Walking back in brings back a lot of history. The relationships, the challenges we overcame, the growth we experienced. It’s both nostalgic and energizing. It has been really fun to reconnect with members and vendors. But the focus is forward-looking. The RSA has always been a reflection of the Shareholders and their business needs. It has amazed me how resilient the reprographics industry owners have been and continue to be. The industry has evolved and so has the RSA.
Click here to read the interview with Beilman at his retirement in 2016.