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AF&PA Welcomes Howard Coker as Board Chair

WASHINGTON — The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today introduced Sonoco President and CEO Howard Coker as AF&PA’s Board Chair. He joined other paper and wood product industry leaders at the association's Winter Board of Directors’ Meeting on January 31.

“Howard brings exceptional sustainability and advocacy leadership to AF&PA,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO. “He will strengthen our advocacy results, industry voice, and work to advance our sustainability goals, Better Practices, Better Planet 2030. I am excited to partner with him and the entire AF&PA Board of Directors.”

The AF&PA Board of Directors consists of top industry leaders who represent a broad spectrum of companies in the paper and wood products manufacturing sector.

Additional AF&PA Officers Include:

  • David Sewell, WestRock Company, President and CEO – First Vice Chair
  • Mark W. Kowlzan, Packaging Corporation of America, Chairman and CEO – Second Vice Chair 
  • Brian McPheely, Pratt Industries, Inc., Global CEO – Immediate Past Chair

“I am excited to contribute to this dynamic association and be part of the leadership guiding our industry’s sustainability success forward,” said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and President and CEO of Sonoco. “Our commitments are critical to the paper and wood products industry’s long-term sustainability success. Together, our work demonstrates a commitment to building a more sustainable future.”

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper