From left: Seth Gulledge, Lance Holub, Kurt Mehlberg
Domtar congratulates three of our colleagues who were among the 2024 TAPPI award winners. These employees were honored at the recent TAPPICon in Cleveland, Ohio. The conference was hosted by the leading technical association for the pulp, paper, packaging and converting industries.
The annual event features roundtables on significant industry topics, offers networking opportunities and includes a variety of awards presentations.
This year, Domtar’s Seth Gulledge, Lance Holub and Kurt Mehlberg were among the 2024 TAPPI award winners for their work and contributions to the industry. These colleagues demonstrate outstanding performance in each of their areas, and we’re proud to share more about them and their work.
Seth Gulledge, Marlboro Mill paper machine optimization lead, is one of three recipients of the TAPPI Young Professional of the Year Award. The annual honor recognizes young professionals who have made significant contributions to the forest products industries in the areas of leadership, community service and problem-solving contributions to scientific or engineering projects.
Kingsport Mill Superintendent Lance Holub received the Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA) Brookshire Moore Superintendent of the Year award for his high personal standards and management qualities that make those around him better. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, including at International Paper’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa, mill before coming to Kingsport.
Holub’s leadership is enhanced by his experience in a variety of roles in shipping, on the winder and as a paper machine operator before becoming a production team leader.
“I have personally seen Lance work with teams to make significant improvements to production processes,” says Troy Wilson, Kingsport Mill manager. “He has a positive attitude with his crews and is a role model and mentor to the young papermakers.”
Kurt Mehlberg, Domtar quality solutions manager, was inducted into the Couch Pit University. He also received PIMA’s Division Leadership & Service Award for his outstanding leadership and exceptional services, which have resulted in significant and demonstrable benefits to members.
Mehlberg’s peers recognize his broad manufacturing and operational background and contributions to the industry. He served in a variety of roles at the Nekoosa and Rothschild mills, including as Nekoosa Mill general manager, before taking on his current role. His experience with our specialty, technical and commodity products have helped ensure Domtar consistently develops and produces the best products for our customers.
“This recognition of these three colleagues affirms what we often say at Domtar: Our people are our competitive advantage,” says Bill Edwards, senior vice president of pulp and paper operations. “We see remarkable talent in our early-career professionals and look to develop them, and we lean on our mill and industry veterans to continue a legacy of leadership, service and character across our teams. We are proud they were included among the 2024 TAPPI award winners.”
