SPRINGFIELD, MA—Globally renowned non-profit United Way has recently appointed Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) president and owner of The Markens Group, Inc., Ben Markens, as Vice Chair of United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Board of Directors.

Markens is managing principal at The Markens Group, Inc. (TMG), a consulting and professional association management firm that helps companies define and accomplish their goals by focusing on strategic management, operational implementation, profit planning, and job costing.

Among other associations, TMG manages the Paperboard Packaging Council, the leading non-profit trade association supporting suppliers and converters of paperboard packaging. As president, Markens oversees operations and develops and implements plans to promote and protect the industry.

Markens has also served on numerous Boards in the past and currently sits on Boards for the Ashokan Foundation and the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

The United Way of America is a national coalition of volunteers, sponsors, and local charities that partner with schools, businesses, organized labor, government agencies, financial institutions, community development corporations, and other voluntary associations, to address their most pressing needs in areas such as education, income, and health.

“I am excited to work with the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s staff and the greater community,” said Markens. “I am impressed with their value proposition. We listen to the community to identify the biggest problems, like staying in school and reducing teenage pregnancy. We find local partners that design specific programs to close the gaps, fund specific programs, and then hold the partner accountable so that they quickly reach positive outcomes.”