Meet Some of Our Industry's Best

Right now at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, hundreds of papermaking professionals are gathering at PaperCon 2018. Designed by industry professionals, PaperCon draws CEOs, mill managers, superintendents, scientists, process engineers, and suppliers from more than 32 different countries for a comprehensive conference that includes a peer-reviewed technical program, multiple networking opportunities, special events, and exhibits.

A highlight of Monday's program was the Awards Breakfast honoring the recipients of some of TAPPI's highest honors. For Ahead of the Curve readers who can't be in Charlotte for PaperCon this year, we'd like to introduce you to some outstanding individuals who are making a difference in our industry.

For Scientific Achievement:
Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award
J. DAVID McDONALD, JDMcD CONSULTING
With a talent for bridging the gaps between industry, government, and academic research, David McDonald has devoted his career to developing technologies and relationships that secure a bright future for our industry. McDonald is president of JDMcD Consulting Inc. and an adjunct professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. He began his career in the industry with the Abitibi Paper Company in 1978. In 1984, he joined Paprican as a research scientist. During his active research career, he produced outstanding advances in the science and technology of wet pressing, web handling, winding, and several other fields. These are described in 70 peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, about a quarter of which are in TAPPI publications.

McDonald rose to the position of vice president, research and education at Paprican, responsible for the entire research and university programs of the organization with line responsibility for more than 300 people. Among his many accomplishments was his vision to create a world-class program in nanotechnology and forest biorefinery. Upon the creation of FPInnovations, he was appointed vice president of University Programs and Strategic Partnerships. In this capacity, he was the architect of eight university networks supported by industry and the Government of Canada to create "the forest industry of the future." He later served as the senior advisor to the umbrella organization of the networks, FIBRE, which was comprised of 27 universities with over 100 professors and 400 students.

McDonald has been a member of TAPPI since 1982, serving on the Water Removal and Finishing and Converting Committees, as well as the International Research Management Committee. He is a TAPPI Fellow and recipient of the TAPPI Engineering Division Technical Award and Beloit Prize. McDonald is an associate editor of J-FOR and a Senior Advisor to the Marcus Wallenberg Prize Committee in Sweden. He has received many other awards, including the John Bates Gold Medal, PAPTAC's highest technical award.

For Service Leadership:
Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award
JEFF REESE, INTERNATIONAL PAPER
It's difficult to imagine any TAPPI member who has not directly benefitted from the expertise, experience, and tireless volunteer leadership of Jeff Reese, this year's recipient. The HLJDSA recognizes an individual for voluntary leadership and support, including contributions that have significantly and demonstrably advanced the mission and vision of the Association. Reese works for International Paper at its Cincinnati Technology Center as manager–paper solutions (his work even includes a recent study at Herman Joachim's original mill in Bogalusa, LA.)

In 1985, Reese graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC State University with degrees in Pulp and Paper Technology and Chemical Engineering. His senior project was to develop TAPPI Technical Information Paper (TIP) 0404-33 "Dryer Section Performance Monitoring." He has since been task group chair for multiple revisions of eight additional TIPs and served as a task group member on 19 other TIPs. He has been active with numerous TAPPI Divisions and Committees since 1986 while working for Poyry-BEK, Valmet-Enerdry, Georgia-Pacific, and two stints with IP. He has served through the chair rotations of the Water Removal Committee, Papermakers Committee, and Engineering Division Council and currently serves as the WRC Drying Subcommittee Chair, Paper and Board Division Scholarship Chair, and Papermaking Specialists Subcommittee Chair.

Reese has served as a Track Manager at every Papermaking or PaperCon conference since 2006. At PaperCon 2015, he shared the podium with his father, Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medalist Dick Reese; and his daughter, NC State Paper Science and Engineering graduate and IP engineer Diana Reese, for "Back to the Future in Papermaking – Three Generations of Perspective."

A TAPPI Fellow since 2004, Reese received the Engineering Division Technical Award and Beloit Prize in 2007, the Paper and Board Division Technical Award and Harris O. Ware Prize in 2010, and the Paper and Board Division Leadership and Service Award in 2016.

In addition to his technical areas of expertise in paper machine optimization, energy conservation, drying, steam and condensate systems, and ventilation, Reese is passionate about recruiting and training engineers for the pulp and paper industry, working with the GP Entry-Level Engineering Program since 1996 and then the IP REACH program since 2004, leading recruiting efforts at his alma mater and helping develop and present training sessions for more than 900 entry-level engineers.

For Local Section Service:
Paul Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Member Award
CHRISTIAN J. WOLSLEGEL, MIRON CONSTRUCTION
Growing membership, funding the section's scholarship, organizing events, furthering safety programs—for TAPPI's Lake States Division, Chris Wolslegel has done all this and more, with energy and enthusiasm. Created to recognize those whose exceptional service has resulted in significant and measurable benefits to TAPPI Local Sections, the Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Member Award recognizes remarkable leadership and service to one or more TAPPI Local Sections.
Wolslegel is vice president of Industrial Business Development for Miron Construction in Neenah, WI. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Platteville and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He began his involvement in the pulp/paper and power industry as a co-op student at James River Paper in 1990; since then he has been in plant engineering, operations and maintenance management, account management for a pulp/paper specialty chemical supplier, and most recently as a construction contractor project executive.

Since 2008, Wolslegel has served on the Lake States TAPPI Board of Directors, and has chaired the Lake States annual energy meeting, golf outing, and Spring and Fall sporting clay shoots. According to one Lake States member, "Chris understands how to empower the right members to accomplish the job at hand. His leadership is an inspiration and great asset to the division."

For Contributions to the Industry:
TAPPI Fellows Class of 2018
There is no more complete "who's who" listing of TAPPI leaders than the roll of TAPPI Fellows. The TAPPI Fellows program recognizes meritorious service to the Association and the industry; new Fellows are nominated by members and selected by an Honors Committee. This year marks the group's 50th Anniversary—the first class of TAPPI Fellows was selected in 1968.

"TAPPI Fellows truly represent our best and brightest," says TAPPI President Larry Montague. "These men and women have contributed so much throughout their careers—building relationships, sharing knowledge, and providing countless volunteer hours to our Association. Their service forms the foundation of TAPPI."

Nine new Fellows will join this elite group in 2018. We welcome the 50th Anniversary Fellows Class:

Margaret Gorog - International Paper
TAPPI Member since 1990

Bruce Janda - InnovaSpec
TAPPI Member since 1980

Prakash Malla - Thiele Kaolin
TAPPI Member since 1992

Al Osgood - Sappi North America
TAPPI Member since 1984

Steve Ottone - Omya
TAPPI Member since 1985

Nancy Plowman Sandreuter - Nancy Plowman Associates
TAPPI Member since 1990

Ed Robie - Retired
TAPPI Member since 1984

From the TAPPI Board of Directors:

Anitra Collins - Graphic Packaging International
TAPPI Member since 2011

Marko Hakovirta - North Carolina State University
TAPPI Member since 2011

For many TAPPI Awards, nominations are open until August 1. Several National-level awards include generous honorariums funded by private donation. Visit www.tappi.org and choose the "Get Involved" tab for more information on TAPPI Awards & Honors.

For a modest investment of $174, receive more than US$ 1000 in benefits in return.
Visit www.tappi.org/join for more details.