RPA board chairman Bob Klimko noted: “This is an important year for membership growth for the association so we needed a strong leadership team to help us drive that growth, and deliver even more value to the membership.”
The new board has been expanded to represent the broader reusable packaging industry, adding individuals with strong business and leadership experience, he added.
The 2009 RPA Executive Committee will be led by Klimko with Jon Kalin, sales manager, Rehrig Pacific, appointed the new vice chairman (chairman-elect for 2010). David Rieser, vice-president and general manager, Georgia-Pacific RPC, will serve as secretary/treasurer. Fred Heptinstall, who will move to Immediate Past Chairman, and Jerry Welcome, the new RPA president and CEO, will also serve as ex officio members of the Executive Committee and the Board.
The RPA works to promote the adoption of reusable packaging systems for greater supply chain efficiencies, increased environmental benefits and reduced costs.