Boise Promotes Lassa to COO, Warren Transitions to New Role

Boise Inc., Boise, Idaho, USA, this week announced that Judy Lassa will become EVP and COO of the company on January 1. In her new role, Lassa will provide leadership for all of the company's business units.

"Judy has an exceptional track record of leading her teams to deliver excellent safety, operational, and financial performance," CEO Alexander Toeldte noted. "She is also deeply committed to developing people. I know Judy will make strong contributions as she takes on this well-deserved, expanded role."

Lassa began her 30-yr career with Boise at the St. Helens, Ore., mill as a process engineer after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in paper science and engineering. She moved to the Vancouver, Wash., mill in 1986 and then to the Portland , Ore., office as marketing services manager. In 1991, she became pulp mill/wood yard superintendent at DeRidder, La., and in 1994 returned to the Vancouver mill as paper operations manager. After working in a variety of operational and marketing roles, Lassa moved to Boise as GM of the packaging business in 1997. She became an officer in 2000 and SVP of the paper business in 2010.

Also effective January 1, Bob Warren, EVP and COO, will transition at his request to a non-officer role within the company. Warren will continue to work as an advisor to the senior management team and as a coach to leaders throughout the company.

"Bob has made pivotal contributions to our company and its predecessors over many years," says Toeldte. "He successfully led the paper business through the startup of Boise Inc. and transformed our supply chain organization to best-in-class status. Bob leads by focusing on possibilities and getting people to make them happen. We regret and respect Bob's desire to step back but are delighted that he will continue to contribute to the company."

Boise's range of packaging products includes linerboard and corrugating medium, corrugated containers and sheets, and protective packaging products. Boise's paper products include imaging papers for the office and home, printing and converting papers, and papers used in packaging, such as label and release papers.

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