Chicago — Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) appointed Kathleen Stark to its leadership team as Controller, a new position, effective February 6. Part of the company’s executive team, Stark joined Mid America Paper Recycling after a 26-year financial career as a controller, auditor, and other financial management roles with companies including McDonald’s, Tiege Hanley, and LRAP, among others. A certified public accountant, Stark will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, auditing and other strategic initiatives.

“I have a passion for accounting and finances, so I’m very excited to work with the management team at Mid America Paper Recycling in its next phase of building financial efficiencies,” Stark explained.

One of Stark’s key priorities will be to provide financial insight to the company’s leadership team as it continues to grow and add value by proactively educating, serving, and presenting a clear pathway for fiber recycling to customers across the U.S.

“Kathleen has been a great addition to the executive team,” said President Paul Pirkle. “Not only does she bring excellent knowledge to this role, but she is a great person. Although Kathleen has been here for a short time, she fit into our culture immediately, rolling up her sleeves right away to learn about our business. Her natural curiosity for the recycling business coupled with her exceptional understanding of business best practices will serve all of us well."

It was more than just finances that intrigued Stark about joining the company. “Mid America Paper Recycling has a strong foundation in business for nearly 100 years,” she said. “I appreciate the management team’s enthusiasm about making improvements and am thrilled to facilitate moving the business forward, helping it continue to grow, and finding new opportunities.”

Adds Chief Executive Office Don Gaines, “We are excited to have Kathleen join our team and look forward to all the success that I know she will help bring to Mid America Paper Recycling.”

A graduate of Indiana State University, Stark is married with two children and is active in city affairs in Western Springs, IL, where she lives. When not reviewing financial statements, she enjoys sports, spending time with family, and competing in triathlons.