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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 public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry’s decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030