Packaging Corporation of America’s Kowlzan named chairman of the board 

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced the election of Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) Chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan as the new AF&PA Board chairman along with the 2016 slate of AF&PA Board officers. 

“I am honored to work with such a capable group of board members to achieve the priorities we set for 2016 and look forward to our work together,” said Kowlzan. “Our industry has an aggressive advocacy agenda this year, which we will pursue to ensure that our industry’s perspective on issues such as regulatory overreach, energy, transportation, tax and trade are heard by national and state political leaders.”

Kowlzan is a 35-year industry veteran and has been with PCA since 1996 where he has held a variety of operational, managerial and executive positions. He has served as PCA’s CEO since 2010 and assumed his role as PCA board chairman in January.

Also elected as officers are Clearwater Paper Corporation President & CEO Linda Massman (first vice chair) and Evergreen Packaging President and CEO John Rooney (second vice chair). Sappi North America President and CEO Mark Gardner will serve as the immediate past chairman.

Beginning new terms as AF&PA Board members in 2016 are Richard C. Garneau, Resolute Forest Products; Michael Grimm, American Eagle Paper Mills; William (“Bill”) E. Johnson, Jr., Johnson Timber Corporation; and Dante C. Parrini, Glatfelter. 

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) along with Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined AF&PA members during the association political action committee breakfast as well. Board members spoke about several top issues affecting the industry, including biomass carbon neutrality, clean water issues, regulatory reform and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The AF&PA Board of Directors currently consists of 21 top industry leaders representing the broad spectrum of the paper and wood products manufacturing sector.