WASHINGTON – The Paper and Paper-based Packaging Board has elected John Williams (Domtar) to be Board Chairman. Also elected to serve as officers were: Steve Voorhees (RockTenn) as Vice Chairman; and Christian Fischer (Georgia-Pacific) as Secretary/Treasurer. The Board held its first meeting Tuesday, March 25th in New York City.

“I am honored to serve as the first chairman of the Paper and Paper-based Packaging Board,” said Domtar President and CEO John Williams. “The members of this Board are eager to realize the ambitions of our industry, showcasing the benefits of paper and paper-based packaging to people across the country.”

The 12 person Board received an orientation from Kimberly Spriggs, marketing specialist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as they formulated and approved the policies and procedures under which the program would operate. The Board established committees to focus on areas of responsibilities including: finance; communications/marketing; nominations; and industry outreach.

The complete roster of Board members are: Michael P. Doss (Graphic Packaging International); Bernd Eikens (UPM Paper ENA); Christian Fischer (Georgia-Pacific); Rodger D. Fuller (Sonoco Products Company); Brian E. Janki (Glatfelter); Mark W. Kowlzan (Packaging Corporation of America); Jennifer L. Miller (Sappi Fine Paper North America); Julie Schertell (Neenah Paper Inc.); Steven Voorhees (RockTenn); Michael A. Weinhold (Verso Paper Corp.); John D. Williams (Domtar); and Ann B. Wrobleski (International Paper).

The next steps for the Board will focus on filling the position of an executive director to operate the day-to-day functions of the Paper and Paper-based Packaging program, and putting out the communications request for proposal asking firms to submit their concept plans for promoting paper and paper-based packaging through various means.

The Board is scheduled to meet again on April 23 in Washington, D.C. For more information on the latest regarding the Paper and Paper-based Packaging program, please visit papercheckoff.com.

The Paper and Paper-based Packaging Board is a group of industry executives appointed to represent the various grades and locations of the paper and paper-based packaging industry.