Management Team

Deon Kopke, President & CEO

Deon Kopke graduated from Rhodes University and the University of Natal in South Africa with a BA, LLB in 1984. He practiced corporate and property law for five years and then moved into merchant and investment banking in Johannesburg, working on refinancing and restructuring companies.

In Canada, Deon managed and refinanced some cutting edge small professional businesses, especially in the legal profession, before joining Specialty Technical Publishers in the accounting, business and legal divisions. In 2004, he took over the marketing and sales departments, and in 2011 was appointed President and CEO of the company with a mandate to transform the company into an online publishing entity.

Deon has travelled extensively around the world, visiting more than one hundred countries and has a broad range of associates, colleagues, contemporaries and friends who he maintains contact with in all these countries.

Deon has a wide range of interests and activities, playing many sports including tennis, golf, cycling and skiing. He appreciates biographies, landscape artworks, fine wines and classic cars.

Steve Britten, General Manager and Director of Publishing

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 Sales

Before joining STP, Lee was the Head of Specifications Group with over 23 years of industrial chemistry experience in a multi-faceted international organization, facilitating ISO 9000 implementation across different divisions and subsequently working with technical sales for EHS consulting. In her more than 17 years of sales experience with Specialty Technical Publishers, Lee championed the move from traditional loose-leaf sales to online delivery, and leads the Sales and Marketing Groups for STP.

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

Gail Ankiewicz, Manager, Online Services

Gail qualified with a National Diploma in Food & Clothing Technology from the Natal Technikon in South Africa. She then opened her own Clothing Design and Specialty Garment Construction Company and transitioned into the banking industry in Johannesburg, where she began her long and varied sales career. Upon immigrating to Canada in 2008, she continued to build on her sales and client service experience of more than 20 years. Gail currently runs the Online Services Department for Sales, Client Service, Training and Relationship Building.

In her “spare” time she has been heavily involved in her children’s dancing, singing and many sporting activities, as well as lending a helping hand in home renovations. Gail's relaxation is in the form of reading, sewing and cooking.

Andy Giffen, IT Manager

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, STP Training Facilitator

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.

Susan Clark, Marketing Coordinator

Susan joined Specialty Technical Publishers in 2003 as a Sales Representative and quickly moved into the role of Sales Coordinator to provide support to the entire Sales team.  In her new role as Marketing Coordinator she is responsible for coordinating all marketing administration activities.  Susan brings 20 years experience in the finance industry and client services, and was previously with the Bank of Montreal and CIBC Wood Gunday.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys playing table shuffleboard, camping and reading.