Jeffrey A. Smith
Jeffrey (Jeff) A. Smith
Individual Member
Alpharetta, Georgia
An Account Manager for BTG Americas Inc., in Norcross, GA, Jeffrey A. Smith has been an active TAPPI member since 1988.
In his role as Account Manager, Jeff is responsible for customer account sales and services for BTG’s Duroblade®. He joined BTG in 1980 and worked in engineering and manufacturing until 1986 when he was named a sales representative. His areas of specialization are in pulp consistency measurement and control, as well as ceramic doctor blade technology applied to paper coating and tissue creping. He began his career as a market analyst with Nuclear Assurance Corporation. He holds a BS in Nuclear Engineering from Georgia Tech, an MBA from Georgia State and earned his Professional Engineers license in 1983.
In 2003 he was honored with the Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Member award from TAPPI.
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
A. TAPPI membership was recommended to me by company colleagues. It offered the opportunity to network within the industry, both with customers and other suppliers. Membership also offered numerous opportunities in a variety of formats to learn more about the papermaking process and the business side.
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
A. I have served on the Gulf Coast Local Section Executive Committee since 1989 and have been Membership Chair for nearly 20 years. For many years I led the Nominating Committee and served as the point of contact for section communications and activities during leadership transitions during which time we revived the Section Newsletter in the early ‘90s. In 2002, I assumed responsibility for newsletter publication. In January 1995 and again in January 2002, I served as Meeting Chair and in 1997 attended the TAPPI Leadership Conference.
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
A. Firstly, through process education about pulping and papermaking. Also, networking with suppliers and understanding facets of their products/businesses that interact with mine. I’ve also developed contacts throughout paper mills which have enhanced my business opportunities and more. Last, but certainly not least, I’ve developed lasting friendships and working relationships.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
A. I enjoy wine and food, tennis, travel and GT sports. I also participate in feeding the homeless in downtown Atlanta one Friday each month.
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
A. I was born on a US Naval base in Trinidad and started elementary school in Bermuda.
Q. Closing sentiments?
A. These economic times challenge the value of everything we do. Whenever there is a gathering of professionals, there are likely to be very timely, innovative and worthwhile benefits to those who share similar business and professional interests. We’re all smart enough to know where to draw the line to protect our company’s intellectual property; yet, there are many significant challenges we all face with common themes that can be more efficiently managed with shared thinking.