Dear IoPP members,
After more than 30 years of service to IoPP and the packaging profession, Jane Chase, CPPL, has announced her retirement. Jane's final day with IoPP will be July 31, 2026.
For many of us, Jane has been far more than IoPP's Executive Director. She has been a volunteer leader, educator, mentor, advocate, and champion for packaging professionals throughout her career.
Jane's connection to IoPP spans more than three decades and includes service at nearly every level of the organization. She served as president of IoPP's Minnesota Chapter, chaired the Sustainable Packaging Technical Committee, served as National President and Board Chair, helped establish the Packaging Education Scholarship Fund, contributed to the growth of the AmeriStar Awards, and spent years teaching packaging professionals through IoPP's Fundamentals of Packaging Technology program.
Since becoming Executive Director in 2017, Jane has helped guide IoPP through a period of significant change while strengthening our value to members, expanding our visibility within the industry, and reinforcing our role as a leading resource for packaging professionals.
Jane's impact extends well beyond IoPP. In 2020, she was inducted into the Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to packaging innovation, sustainability, education, and the profession as a whole.
As Board Chair, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the dedication and passion Jane brings to everything she does. Jane has been the institutional backbone of IoPP for nearly 10 years as Executive Director while also serving as a trailblazer and advocate for packaging professionals around the world. She has built a legacy that will benefit future generations, and I am deeply grateful for the leadership, vision, and commitment she has brought to our organization.
Reflecting on her career and service to IoPP, Jane shared:
"I am grateful to have been associated with IoPP and the people who have made it such a strong organization throughout my career.
From helping me build my professional network early in my career to giving me the opportunity to support the next generation of packaging professionals, IoPP has played an important role in my professional journey.
Serving this organization has been one of the greatest privileges of my career."
While this announcement is primarily about recognizing Jane's contributions, I also want to assure you that IoPP's leadership transition is well underway. Our next President will begin in July and will work alongside Jane through July 31 to ensure a smooth transition. We look forward to introducing our new leader in the coming weeks.
On behalf of IoPP's Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and members, thank you, Jane, for your decades of service, leadership, and dedication to our profession.
We will have additional opportunities to celebrate Jane's career in the months ahead, including a special retirement reception following the AmeriStar Awards presentation at PACK EXPO International on October 20.
------------------------------
Nicole Kandoth
Packaging Innovation Lead
General Mills
Wilton CT
(914) 564-2495
------------------------------