2024 was a celebratory year, not only for AICC, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary, but also for their distinguished Emerging Leaders program as well, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Led by a group of nominated delegates, including John McQueary, Jordan Dawson, and Evan Clary, the Emerging Leaders program continues growing and expanding its reach and value to the group members, the AICC and the corrugated industry.
Many of the corrugated industry’s top professionals credit the EL program for their successful careers that began in the Emerging Leaders program. This year, EL’s from the inaugural class including Jeff Dietz, Terri Lynn Levesque, Casey Shaw, Josh Sobel, and Sahar Mehrabzadeh celebrated the 10-year anniversary with current ELs at a festive reception in Palm Desert at the AICC Spring Meeting.
The group of ELs met up this summer in Savannah, Georgia, for their annual EL Workshop which is hosted by the Vice Chairperson each year. Gary Brewer was an incredible host for the group this year, taking the ELs on plant tours, showing them historical places in Savannah like Old Fort Jackson and to a Savannah Bananas baseball game. On top of all that, they had a training with Omar Abdullah on getting engaged and stepping outside of their comfort zones.
TAPPI SuperCorrExpo was an exciting time for the group as they connected with fellow ELs and TAPPI Young Professionals at a reception during the show. They also took part in an in-person training event, taught by Ron Sessions, where these eager young professionals learned about goal setting.
During the Changing of the Guard ceremony, AICC ushered in the new Freshman delegate, Cody Brant. In addition, several Emerging Leaders graduated and were recognized for their contributions to the EL program, including, Amanda Thorburn, Trent Halsek, Ryan Hughes, Shaban Al-Refai and Rebecca Rendon.
“Being a part of the AICC Emerging Leaders program has been an incredible experience,” said Rebecca Rendon, recent EL Graduate.
“The impact that this program has had on my career has been profound, and for that, I am so grateful to the AICC for investing in our futures. I recommend this program to anyone looking to grow their network and further their career.”
The fun is not over yet. Still this year, the delegates have planned a Q4 C-Suite webinar that is free of cost to the group members. During these quarterly, remote learning opportunities, the Emerging Leaders are connected with C-level professionals who share their industry knowledge, business advice, personal struggles and life lessons.
“The C-Suite webinars are a great way for everyone, especially those who aren’t able to attend in-person, to participate in the program and get involved,” said Jordan Dawson, EL Senior Delegate. “Come learn and engage with us!”
The EL program continues to evolve to best serve the members and the industry. As a self-led group, the Emerging Leader Committee and its delegates have grown this program to 145 of the industry’s top emerging professionals. With each year, the value to the AICC members also grows, as this program paves the way to spot and develop tenacious newcomers to the industry.
Those interested in joining or learning more about the Emerging Leaders program may contact Chelsea May ([email protected]) or any of the EL delegates.
Visit aiccbox.org/page/leader to submit an application.
