American Photo Marketing announces Mark Hommerding as new president
Mark Hommerding, a longtime industry expert formerly with Lifetouch, has been named the president of American Photo Marketing (APM), Ypsilanti, MI. Hommerding will work closely with APM founder and business partner Skip Cerier to grow each of APM’s business units. Cerier will step away from the daily management of the operation and assume the position of CFO.
Founded in 1978 in Ypsilanti, MI, APM is the parent organization of three photography businesses: SchoolPictures.com, provides traditional school photography services to elementary, middle, and high schools, GraduationFoto.com photographs commencement ceremonies at high schools, colleges, and universities, and ThePictureMan.com provides event and on-location portrait photography solutions.
“Mark brings with him not only vast experience in school-based photography but a professionalism and management style that I am confident will lead APM prosperously into the future. I look forward to partnering with Mark for this next successful chapter of APM,” says Cerier.
Hommerding will be responsible for setting APM’s strategic direction and ensuring its execution. He will take over the management of the daily operations of APM including Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Production, Design, Photography, Manufacturing, and IT. Cerier, in his new role of CFO, will oversee Finance and Human Resources.
“I am excited to bring my expertise and industry insight to APM and help grow this established and successful event photography brand. I look forward to exploring new avenues of growth in existing markets, exploration of new verticals within the capabilities of APM and fostering an atmosphere of inclusion for both internal and external operation teams,” says Hommerding.
Hommerding began his industry career started in 1994 with Jolesch photography in Des Moines, IA, a large event and group photography service. His roles included Production Manager, Portrait and Wedding Studio Manager, and Operations Manager for Schools, commencements and sports. When Lifetouch purchased the company in 2011, Hommerding oversaw the selling, staffing and execution of a nationwide network of college and university clients that included more than 500 annual events and hundreds of photographers. Additionally, he served as an advisor and liaison for Lifetouch’s many field territories, labs, and corporate headquarters. He is a regular presenter for the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and its affiliate organizations.