OUR TEAM

Zachary Lifton

Founder & Managing Director

Zachary is an culture and heritage aficionado with a passion for education, preservation and the arts. He was the driving force behind saving Milwaukee's last standing traditional book bindery in 2018 and now works with the book arts community in Milwaukee to shape a proud, inclusive, and multifaceted future for one of Milwaukee's historic businesses.

Zach wears lots of hats 'round the shop including heading up zine production, digital printing, letterpress work, and client consultations for each new project that comes through.

Zach was formerly the inaugural manager of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia's space and programming for the creative sector. He holds an M.S. in Historic Preservation from Columbia University as well as a B.A. in Arts Management from Bennington College.

Tawn Williams

Director of Events & Programs

With over two decades in the corporate event space, Tawn has a passion for engaging and intentional planning. At the Bindery, Tawn focuses on fostering community, enhancing connectivity, and forging partnerships within our building and beyond.

As a seasoned professional with a keen eye for the unique needs of each client, Tawn infuses each event with a memorable touch of fun, proving that professional does not have to mean impersonal.

Tawn's career is rooted in a steadfast commitment to promoting workplace compassion and wellness, cornerstones of her own firm, House of Anaya. The company's progressive approach to cultivating a nurturing work atmosphere has earned recognition across various media outlets, underscoring the transformative impact of prioritizing compassion in the workplace.

Daniel Ehn

Lead Bookbinder

Daniel has an M.A. in History from SOAS, University of London and trained in bookbinding in Madison, Wisconsin under Master Bookbinder Christopher Brown. He has over a decade of binding and repair experience with a keen interest in historic styles and traditional practices.

Prior to joining the Bindery team, he was the founder of Hamlin Binding, a private binding and repair practice established in Seattle, Washington in 2015. Daniel is a long-time member of The Guild of Bookworkers.

Jeanne Salmon

Creative Director

Jeanne Salmon is an award winning graphic designer and crafty night owl with a passion for InDesign and expert eye for layout. A world traveler and lover of the outdoors, she always seem to be crafting or making something, finding inspiration wherever she goes.

Jeanne is deeply inspired by vintage and antique design, and has a growing collection of advertising ephemera, font books, and typewriters. She is a proud two-time graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College, and a Milwaukee native.

Her two older rescue dogs are her favorite studio collaborators, and she has some of her best ideas while out on walks with them beside her. Her mantra is simple: love life, travel far.

Michelle Van Patten

Assistant Bookbinder

Michelle began as an apprentice at The Bindery in summer of 2022, eventually joining the team to assist with our archival binding program and retail production.