The Link Episode 11 with Bettylyn Krafft

Guest: Bettylyn Krafft, Executive Director, Phoenix Challenge Foundation

Talent is one of the biggest challenges—and biggest opportunities—facing the print industry today. In The Link Episode 11, we sit down with Bettylyn Krafft, a passionate advocate for student development and Executive Director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. With decades of experience in the print space, Bettylyn leads one of the most impactful nonprofit initiatives preparing students for real careers in print and packaging.

For more than 25 years, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation has been inspiring high school and college students to explore careers in printing. Through hands-on competitions, scholarships, and school partnerships, they’ve helped thousands of young people discover their potential—and launched many into full-time roles in our industry.

This episode isn’t just about education. It’s about the future of our industry. It’s about the next leader your team needs. It’s about how business owners, HR leaders, and managers can tap into a new generation that’s creative, committed, and already learning the tools of the trade.

Whether you’re running a shop that needs talent or you’re a student curious about where print can take you, this conversation will leave you inspired—and ready to take action.

Bettylyn Krafft

Executive Director, Phoenix Challenge Foundation

President, Krafft Printing Systems

Bettylyn Krafft is the Executive Director of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation and President of Krafft Printing Systems, where she brings more than three decades of experience in the flexographic printing industry. As Executive Director, she leads the Foundation’s mission to support and promote flexographic education by connecting students, educators, and industry professionals. Under her leadership, the Phoenix Challenge was formally incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2003, following its original launch in 1997.

Bettylyn began her career with the Lansing State Journal in Michigan before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina. There, she joined Harper Corporation of America, ultimately serving as Technical Services Coordinator. In 1995, she transitioned to Supratech Systems as a Technical Services Representative, continuing with the company after its acquisition by MacDermid in 1999, where she became Product Specialist for the Supratech line. In 2001, she founded Krafft Printing Systems and simultaneously devoted her time and passion to expanding the Phoenix Challenge High School Skills Competition.

Her commitment to industry education and excellence is reflected in her service and recognition. Bettylyn has served as a co-session chair at the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Forum (2000), an FTA Awards Judge (2008–2013), and a board member of the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (2011–2020), where she also participated on the Site-Visitation Team. She remains active on the FTA Scholarship Committee and has contributed to numerous initiatives including the Women in Flexo Mentorship Program, the Graphic Communications Workforce Coalition’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and the National Visual & Print Technology Week committee with PGSF. She also serves on multiple high school and collegiate advisory boards nationwide.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to flexographic education and leadership, Bettylyn received the FTA President’s Award in 2004, a Special Recognition Award from FFTA, and was inducted into the FTA Hall of Fame in 2025.

In addition to her professional commitments, Bettylyn serves as a Councilmember for the Town of Mineral Springs, North Carolina, and chairs the Mineral Springs Planning Board. She holds a B.A. in Business and Economics with a concentration in Business Management from Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia.

Bettylyn and her husband Jeff have been married for 37 years and are proud parents to their son, Jordan.

The Phoenix Challenge

About the Foundation – Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF):

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing education in flexographic printing and graphic communications. Founded in 1998, the Foundation provides high school and college students with hands-on experiences, industry exposure, and career-building opportunities through competitive events, scholarships, and school partnerships. By working closely with educators and industry partners, PCF empowers the next generation of skilled professionals and ensures a strong future for the flexographic community.

Website: https://phoenixchallenge.org