Management Team

Deon Kopke, President & CEO (1958-2013)

We regret to announce that Deon passed away on March 10, 2013.  We wish to extend our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Read the obituary.

Steve Britten, Acting President

Steve Britten graduated with an education degree in geography and environmental studies and languages at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1973, after which he worked as a school teacher and freelance photo-journalist in England. Upon returning to South Africa, he spent 20 years working as a Parliamentary reporter and sports presenter on radio and television, and also contributed to local sporting magazines and advertising agencies as a photographer and columnist. He joined Specialty Technical Publishers in 1995 and oversaw the introduction of the company's first publications in CD-ROM, paving the way for the expansion of company offerings from loose-leaf binders into the electronic realm. His responsibilities include liaising with STP's outside authors, as well as the continual search for new areas to publish in. He also manages all matters relating to human resources in the company.

In his spare time Steve enjoys volunteering his managerial, photographic and musical interests; he travels widely; and he enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and long-distance running.

Lee Grindley-Ferris, Director of Business Development

Lee Grindley-Ferris brings extensive experience in the industrial chemistry, environmental and health and safety industries to her role as Director of Business Development.

For more than twenty years Lee worked in a multifaceted international organization facilitating regulatory, company-specific quality and ISO 9000 compliance across different divisions.  Her qualifications in analytical chemistry and statistical quality control enabled the conglomerate to successfully implement these philosophies and practices into the selection of resources and processes.  These included raw materials, intermediate and final product quality testing and documentation for the production of agricultural, plastics, explosives and chemical products.  These divisions covered diverse industries such as agriculture, medical, pulp and paper, mining, paint and others.  Lee was also tasked with research into the development of new technologies, particularly those beneficial to the agricultural sector.

Lee’s experience in these industries prompted her move into technical sales for environmental health and safety consulting, dealing with disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes in both Canada and the US.  During her seventeen years at Specialty Technical Publishers Lee has assumed a variety of roles and functions, including marketing and sales as well as leading the move from traditional loose-leaf sales to online delivery.  In her new role as Director of Business Development, Lee has been assigned responsibility for developing and forging new and innovative business relationships and partnerships for the company.

Lee enjoys travel and the great outdoors with her family, and works with cancer survivors.

Gail Ankiewicz, Director of Sales

Gail qualified with a National Diploma in Food & Clothing Technology after which she started her own Clothing Design and Specialty Garment Construction Company.  She then transitioned into the banking industry where she began her long and varied technical sales and consulting career, incorporating high level account management. Upon moving to Canada in 2003, she continued to build on her account management, relationship building, sales and client service experience of more than 20 years.

Gail began her career at STP as Manager of the Online Services Department and was then promoted to Sales Director, where she manages both the print and online departments, incorporating the many levels and forms of online delivery.  Her department liaises between global content providers, multinational organizations and software delivery system companies, ensuring quality content is delivered to the client’s choice of partner.  

In her “spare” time Gail lends a hand as the laborer in home renovations. She also enjoys travel, reading, cooking and acting as seamstress to her friends and family.

Andy Giffen, Director of IT

Andy is an accomplished IT project manager with 10 years' experience in all aspects of the project life-cycle, from design to implementation to maintenance. Andy brings his outstanding presentation, collaboration, and communication skills to STP, to assist in delivering content smoothly from sales to the customer.

When he's not working, Andy enjoys reading, cooking, and all things nerdy.

Gisela Temmel, Director of Editing

Gisela Temmel has had a 20-year career in editing and publishing, working with trade books, reference guides, technical reports and magazines for print and online delivery.  Her subject areas have included business law and accounting, local government, construction, transportation, environmental law and health and wellness.  As Director of Editing at STP, she leads a team of editors who, together with expert authors, develop original content and regularly update STP's extensive range of publications.

In her free time, she enjoys the great outdoors and social dancing.

Roxane Wagar, Training Manager, Online Services

Roxane joined the STP Team in 2010 as a Training Facilitator, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in sales, finance and client services. Having previously worked for a standards development company, Roxane recognizes the importance of understanding and applying standards properly. Combined with her interest in assisting the public, Roxane is pleased to use her experience to further client utilization and knowledge of STP guides and delivery methods.

In her spare time, Roxane enjoys various athletic activities, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

Rondi Shouse, Director of Marketing

As a former Vice President of Marketing in the computer software industry, Rondi brings over 25 years of marketing experience to STP. She spearheads STP's marketing group by providing leadership for market planning, research, media relations, and communications.

In her spare time, Rondi volunteers and supports a number of charity organizations including KidSport, North Shore Family Services, and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Julie Schweigel, Director of Operations

Julie Schweigel oversees the coordination between all departments. With over 18 years of experience at STP, she has built strong relationships with her colleagues and ensures smooth day-to-day operation of the business.

Krysten Barker, Sales Coordinator

Previously working in Specialty Technical Publishers Client Services group for two years, Krysten gained an in-depth understanding of the day-to-day operations of the company, the publications offered with STP's many reputable partners, and the many diverse industries STP publications are tailored to serve.  In her new role as Sales Coordinator, Krysten has the opportunity for daily contact with STP clients and brings with her a wealth of knowledge from her previous role.

Before coming to STP, Krysten obtained certification in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies.  She enjoys fitness classes, rollerblading, and spending time with family and friends.