Potts to Receive TAPPI's Herman L. Joachim Award

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Willis J. Potts Jr. will receive the 2010 TAPPI Herman L. Joachim Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an individual for voluntary leadership and service that has significantly and demonstrably contributed to the advancement of TAPPI. It carries a cash prize valued at more than $50,000.

"Willis' long career as a manager and administrator sets him apart from many other leaders in the forest products industry," said Larry N. Montague, president of TAPPI. "In addition to his contributions in the field, he saw TAPPI through its recent reorganization and restructuring, bringing additional value to our membership and strength to the association."

Retired from Temple Inland, Rome, Ga., USA, Potts is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree with highest honors. He also completed the University of Virginia's Executive Program. Potts served Union Camp for more than 30 years, beginning his career as an engineer in Savannah. He held both operational and management positions including resident manager of Union Camp's mill in Prattville, Ala., before becoming GM and senior VP of the company in 1992. He joined Temple Inland in 1999, retiring in 2004 as VP and GM of the Rome operations.

A former board member and chairman of TAPPI, Potts actively has supported TAPPI on all levels, from student activities and regional chapters to numerous conferences and exhibits. He has served in nearly every capacity of TAPPI's divisional structure. Additionally, he served as president of PIMA in 1995 and was chairman of TAPPI when the organization joined forces with PIMA, building a strong management program for the two associations.

A TAPPI Fellow, Potts also has served as chair of the Finance Committee of the TAPPI Board. He has been a member of the TAPPI Foundation Board of Directors as well. He also received the Glen T. Renegar Award for outstanding service and contribution to the growth and betterment of the field of paper industry management from PIMA and the Management Excellence Award from CPBIS/PIMA.

Potts was nominated for the Joachim Award by Harry T. Cullinan, PhD. Cullinan is director of the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering, and professor, ChE Department, Auburn University. "Willis' constellation of contributions have quite simply preserved and enhanced the value of TAPPI for the benefit of its members," Cullinan said. "I can think of no one more deserving of this honor than Willis Potts."

Potts will be honored at the Tuesday evening, May 4, awards dinner during the 2010 PaperCon Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, Ga., in conjunction with the 2010 PaperCon meeting.