The leadership of the Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) is composed of volunteers who help develop and run the various programs that support FPA with its goals, including recruitment and retention. In March 2025, new leaders were named to run the ELC’s two newly reorganized committees:
The Education and Recruitment Committee is led by Chair Kara Stoney, key brand manager of packaging at Dow, and Vice-Chair Patrick Clark, vice president of product development and procurement at Bryce Corporation.
The Advocacy Committee is led by Chair Emily Williams, sustainability and innovation partnerships leader at TC Transcontinental Packaging, and Vice-Chair Natalie Jardell, Flint Group’s sustainability and technical manager of key accounts in packaging inks.
The committee leaders recently offered their thoughts on workforce development, one of the main themes of this issue of FlexPack VOICE®.
Alana Carr: What workforce development programs helped you in your career?
Kara Stoney: As a young professional, I had the privilege of learning from some of the best in my first role as a project engineer. The company I worked for had numerous affinity groups, and the women’s group, in particular, was incredibly supportive. I was fortunate to have many powerful women to look up to and be mentored by during my time there.
Patrick Clark: Mentorship has been one of the most impactful workforce development opportunities throughout my career. The guidance and support of mentors have been invaluable in shaping my professional growth, helping me navigate challenges, gain industry knowledge, and develop the confidence to take on new responsibilities. Additionally, the Next Level Leadership experience, developed by the Edmundson Berry Group, has been instrumental in refining my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of my leadership style.
Emily Williams: I’m a relationships person. I’ve grown the most by forging relationships that include mentorship with various people. This could be my own leadership, other companies’ leaders, or the various trade organizations we participate in. I am currently participating in a mentorship program within TC. This is new for me this year, but we have had the program for a couple of years. I have done leadership training through a previous job in partnership with Xavier University, which was also well done.
Natalie Jardell: Early in my career as a product development chemist, I was offered the opportunity to branch out into the industry through trade shows and conferences. Extending my chemistry knowledge beyond the lab and immersing myself in the industry through various external channels ignited my passion for sustainability and sustainable packaging. Through these opportunities, I’ve been fortunate to forge a career path that aligns with my core beliefs.
Carr: Does your company contribute to workforce development within the company, and how?
Williams: TC will assist in paying for higher-level degrees and certifications as appropriate to a person’s role and development. We also have an internal mentorship program. We focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and DEI in leadership roles, as well as specific metrics to meet. Our commercial team has a leader development program in which the participants rotate through different functions for a couple of years before settling into one.
Jardell: Flint Group recently launched a Global Women’s Network to promote gender diversity, equality, and empowerment within our workforce. Additionally, Flint Group will assist employees in pursuing higher-level education and certifications that will benefit their development within the company. I utilized Flint Group’s assistance to earn my Certificate in Sustainable Business.
Clark: Bryce has a structured performance management and professional development process that includes quarterly check-ins with leadership and an annual review to help employees set and achieve their development goals. Additionally, we’ve established partnerships with organizations such as the Leadership Development Network, the New Memphis Institute, the Next Level Leadership Program, and the Dale Carnegie training to provide employees with leadership training and professional growth opportunities. We also offer a tuition reimbursement program for employees pursuing degrees relevant to our industry.
Editor’s note: A fuller version of this discussion can be found at flexpackvoice.com.
Alana Carr is co-chair of the ELC and is inside sales and marketing manager at Hosokawa Alpine American, Inc.