AICC Elects New Slate of Officers at SuperCorrExpo

Gary Brewer of Package Crafters Elected as Chairman

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is proud to announce the election of its new slate of officers, which took place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, during SuperCorrExpo, the industry's premier event. The newly elected leadership team will guide AICC through the upcoming year, continuing to uphold the Association's commitment to education, advocacy, and innovation within the independent packaging sector.

Gary Brewer, President of Package Crafters in High Point, North Carolina, and Creative Packaging in Savannah, Georgia, has taken on the role of AICC Chairman for the 2024/2025 term. Brewer brings over two decades of experience in the corrugated industry and has been a strong advocate for the value of AICC membership throughout his career. His leadership will be guided by his Chairman's theme, "Fly the Plane," a powerful metaphor drawn from his background as a licensed pilot.

Brewer reflected on the similarities between piloting and running a business in his inaugural address. He emphasized the importance of focusing on core responsibilities amid the distractions and challenges business leaders face. He explained that entrepreneurs and business leaders, like pilots, face many distractions and diversions daily. The priorities—safety, customers, team members, sales, and family—are always there, but so are many other circumstances, influences, demands, and interruptions. Yet, through all of those distractions, leaders can never forget to fly the plane or to run the business.

Brewer also highlighted AICC's significant role in supporting its members with resources, peer networks, and educational opportunities. He underscored the value of honing skills and embracing new ideas and technologies, much like a pilot logs hours to become more proficient. Under his leadership, AICC will continue to provide the tools and resources necessary for independent packaging companies to navigate their business journeys successfully.

As Chairman, Brewer is excited to engage with AICC members, promoting dialogue and collaboration to foster growth and innovation within the independent packaging sector.

AICC's Officers and Directors for 2024-2025 are: 

OFFICERS
Chairman
Gary Brewer, Package Crafters

First Vice Chair
Terri-Lynn Levesque, Royal Containers, Ltd.

Vice Chair
Joe Morelli, Huston Patterson & Lewisburg Printing Co.
Mike Schaefer, Tavens Packaging & Display Solutions
Eric Elgin, Oklahoma Interpack

Immediate Past Chair
Matt Davis, Packaging Express

Chairman, Past Chairmen's Council
Jana Harris, Harris Packaging & American Carton Co.

President
Michael M. D'Angelo, AICC, The Independent Packaging Association

Secretary/General Counsel
David Goch, Webster, Chamberlain, & Bean

DIRECTORS
West: Sahar Mehrabzadeh-Garcia, Bay Cities
Southwest: Jenise Cox, Harris Packaging & American Carton
Southeast: Chad Wagner, Peachtree Packaging & Display

Midwest: Cassi Malone, Corrugated Supplies Co.
Northeast: Larry Grossbard, President Container
AICC Mexico: Sergio Menchaca, EKO Empaques De Carton S.A. De C.V.

OVERSEAS DIRECTOR
Kim Nelson, Royal Containers, Ltd.

DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Finn MacDonald, Independent II/ Hood Container
Kevin Ausburn, SMC Packaging Group/Green Bay Packaging
Casey Shaw, Batavia Container
Stuart Fenkel, McLean Packaging
Josh Sobel, Jamestown Container Cos.
Jack Fiterman, Liberty Diversified Industries

ADVISORS TO THE CHAIRMAN
Matt Davis, Packaging Express
Joe Palmeri, Jamestown Container Cos.
John Burgess, Pamarco/ Absolute

EMERGING LEADER DELEGATES
Jordan Dawson, Harris Packaging
Evan Clary, National Corrugated Machinery
Cody Brant, AG Stacker

ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORS
Chairman
John Burgess, Pamarco/ Absolute

Vice Chairman
Jeff Dietz, Kolbus America

Secretary
Mike Butler, Domtar Packaging

Director
Brian Foley, Bobst

Immediate Past Chairman, Associate Members
Tim Connell, A.G. Stacker