SPOTLIGHT: Scott Pantaleo
Scott Pantaleo
Professional Member
Bonney Lake, WA
If there is one thing member Scott Pantaleo knows about the benefits of joining TAPPI, it’s the value of education and information exchange. Currently an Engineering Fellow with International Paper, Scott started his career in the industry directly out of high school working in Beloit Corporation’s Engineering Co-op Program. During this work-school experience he earned his BE from Georgia Tech, and then went on to earn his Engineering Master’s from Purdue University. After receiving his Master’s, Scott returned to Beloit as a fulltime employee.
Scott continued that combination of work and education after joining TAPPI in 1989. His interest in becoming a member was piqued by the numerous opportunities he saw for participation in conference and courses, not only as a student, but a teacher as well. His involvement also extended to Committee participation and supporting activities sponsored by the Ohio and Lake States Local Sections.
Recognized as a subject matter expert in headboxes, forming and approach flow systems, he has been published several times, including in TAPPI JOURNAL. He also presented papers on headboxes and consistency profiling for conferences including TAPPI Papermakers, TAPPI Engineering, PAPTAC, SPCI and Asian Paper. He credits getting to know industry experts and the training he received outside his core competencies, along with the valuable information obtainable through TAPPI TIPs, as key to his continuing success in the industry.
Q. Why Did You Decide To Join TAPPI?
The sheer number of courses and conferences that were offered through the year that not only addressed my specific areas of interest, but also those that crossed over into related ones. They greatly helped expand and reinforce my knowledgebase over the years.
Q. Please describe your involvement with TAPPI over the years.
For more than 15 years I have served as a course instructor for Wet End Operations covering headboxes and approach flow systems. Additionally, I am currently a member of the Papermakers Committee and am Chair of the Fluid Mechanics Committee. I have also on occasion supported the Ohio and Lake States Local Sections.
Q. How has TAPPI helped you in your career pursuits?
In many ways! Through my attendance at events both as a student and instructor I have had the great pleasure of getting to meet and know many industry experts over the years. There is also a great deal of satisfaction that I’ve gained providing instruction to industry colleagues through Wet End Operations. In terms of educational benefits, I have found TAPPI’s Standards and TIPs to be a priceless on-the-job resource, along with the training I received outside my core competencies by attending numerous courses.
Q. Tell us about some of your interests outside of TAPPI and your professional life.
I am an avid golfer with a 6 handicap, and also enjoy the art of woodworking in my spare time. While I travel quite a bit for work, I especially enjoy it when done for pleasure. Thus far I have visited Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Japan, Sweden, England, Finland, France, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Italy, Estonia, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium. Of particular outside interest are my mission-related activities which include work in New Orleans for several post-Katrina rebuilding trips through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, small town Montana outreach, local Habitat for Humanity builds, and numerous local mission activities.
Q. Can you share a unique or fun fact about yourself?
Still looking for that elusive hole-in-one!
Q. Closing sentiments?
TAPPI provides avenues for education, technical resources and collaboration. The paper industry is often referred to as fraternal, and TAPPI provides many opportunities to establish and maintain lifelong relationships in our fraternal industry.