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AF&PA Elects PCA’s Mark Kowlzan as Board Chair

Welcomes 8 New Members

WASHINGTON — The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today introduced Packaging Corporation of America Chairman & CEO Mark Kowlzan as AF&PA’s incoming Board Chair. He joined other paper and wood product industry leaders at the association's Winter Board of Directors’ Meeting on January 30.  

“Mark is an exceptionally strong advocate for the paper and wood products industry,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO. “I am excited to partner with Mark, our Board of Directors and our entire membership as we advance policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness.” 

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.  These companies operate mills and converting operations in nearly every state across the country, often in rural communities.

Additional AF&PA Officers Include:  

  • Mike Doss, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, President & CEO – First Vice Chair 
  • Jean-Michel Ribiéras, Sylvamo Corporation, Chairman & CEO – Second Vice Chair 
  • Howard Coker, Sonoco Products Company, President & CEO – Immediate Past Chair 

AF&PA also welcomed 6 company members and 2 associate members to the Association’s membership, including:

  • American Kraft Paper Industries LLC
  • Crown Paper Group 
  • K.T.G. (USA) Inc.
  • Legna Software, LLC*
  • Liberty Diversified International
  • MOD-PAC Corporation*
  • Sustana
  • Suzano Packaging

*associate member

“To impact positive changes for our industry, I strongly believe that it is imperative to be present and engaged in the policymaking process,” said Kowlzan. “I look forward to working alongside AF&PA and our members in supporting the growth of our vital manufacturing sector and contributing to the strength of American economy.” 

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