The National Paper Trade Association (NPTA), Chicago, Ill., USA, this week announced the 2018-2019 Board of Directors. The officers and directors were voted into office during NPTA’s annual Paper Distribution Conference (PDC) in January 2018. The Board will continue to focus on NPTA’s strategic initiatives, which include:

• Partnering with the printer community to address value chain issues and opportunities between paper mills, merchants, and printers.
• Focusing on paper and print buyers to help NPTA members increase understanding of and build relationships with a younger demographic of paper and print buyers.

Bill Meany, chairman of NPTA’s Board and president of Lindenmeyr Munroe, is enthusiastic about the year ahead. "2018 already looks promising for our members and the paper community. Our plan is to work towards accomplishing new initiatives such as addressing value-chain issues, improving the educational experiences offered by the association, and helping members create lasting relationships with the younger demographic of our industry."

In addition to the chairman, NPTA’s Board officers are:

• Bill Garvey, first vice chair and president of Athens Paper Co.
• Bob Forsberg, second vice chair and vice president of sales and business development at Sappi Fine Paper
• Matthew Bruno, EVP of NPTA
• Brooke Lee, treasurer and CEO of Anchor Paper
• Tom Wernoch, immediate past chairman and director of sales at Glatfelter.

While several board members have served previously, the board unanimously appointed Matthew Bruno EVP in January 2018. Bruno will work with the board on the association’s strategic plan, PAPER Foundation, Emerging Leaders Network, and other objectives to achieve NPTA’s goal of actively supporting the success of member firms through the delivery of networking, education, advocacy, and industry trends focused on the health of the paper distribution channel.

Bruno’s background in association management is extensive, with many of his clients working in the distributing and manufacturing sector. He has 15 years of experience in the print industry, and a client list that includes the Print Services and Distributions Association, Dscoop, the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, and the Wallcoverings Association. His diverse skillset spans leadership, marketing, membership and operations, retail products and services, and strategic planning to achieve organizational goals and objectives. 

"I look forward to working with this board of accomplished men and women whose dedication to the advancement of our organization and industry will undoubtedly lead us to success," said Bruno. 

For more information, visit the NPTA web site. 

The National Paper Trade Association, founded in 1903, is the association for the $50-plus billion paper distribution industry. The mission of NPTA is to actively support the success of member firms through the delivery of networking, education, advocacy, and industry trends focused on the health of the paper distribution channel.