Samantha Goetz The Reusable Packaging Association enters 2025 with new leadership
The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) enters 2025 with a new leadership team including its executive committee and additions to its board of directors, following the association’s annual election.
After serving a two-year term as chairman of the board, Kevin Mazula, CEO of RM2, is pleased to pass the gavel to RPA’s 2024 Vice Chairperson, Samantha Goetz, Director of Marketing Communications for ORBIS Corporation. Goetz will begin her chairperson term at the annual board of directors meeting in Washington D.C. this January.
“RPA and its members deeply appreciate Kevin Mazula’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the reusable packaging industry,” states Goetz. During Kevin’s term, we saw remarkable progress in markets and governments worldwide viewing reusable packaging systems as an essential development for supply chain resiliency and circularity. His direction was instrumental in RPA’s work to drive growth and collaboration among our members in our education and advocacy programs, ensuring reusable packaging is top-of-mind as a critical solution for driving efficiencies, eliminating solid waste, and advancing a circular economy. Thanks to Kevin’s and our Board’s leadership, RPA continues to champion reusable transport packaging systems’ economic and environmental benefits, paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
Looking forward, Chairperson Goetz is eager to continue the momentum by harnessing the knowledge and expertise of RPA staff and members to make meaningful changes in the industry and accelerate the full potential of reusable packaging solutions.
“Reusable packaging is a key driver of supply chain sustainability and optimization, and our focus is on educating and advocating for its usage. Additionally, technology and automation play a significant role in the supply chain to drive repeatable performance when moving goods. So, reusable transport packaging is a building block to achieve more resilient, data-driven, and eco-friendly supply chains,” said Goetz.
“As Chairperson, my focus will be on expanding RPA’s reach and impact, ensuring we continue to be on the leading edge in educating markets and policymakers on how today’s reusable packaging is shaping the future of technology-enabled supply chains. We are committed to helping businesses adopt these smart solutions for long-term sustainability and success.”
Other changes to the RPA executive committee include the appointment of Brandon D’Emidio, Senior Director of Global Product Development at CHEP, as Vice Chairman and Chair-Elect and Ben Waterman, Director of Business Development at Monoflo International, as Secretary-Treasurer.
The annual RPA election also resulted in four new board members and three returning directors starting a two-year term (2025-2026). Joining the RPA Board for the first time are:
- George Aultman, Vice President of Strategic Development, Vantage Plastics
- Harrison Dean, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing, iGPS Logistics
- David Horvat, Chief Executive Officer, Real Time Intelligence
- Damon Williamson, Vice President of National Sales, Kamps Pallets
Current Board members renewing their seat are:
- Amy Lathrop, President, Perfect Pallets, Inc
- William Wappler, Chief Executive Officer, Surgere, Inc.
- Karin Witton, Global Head of Sustainability, Tosca Services Ltd
Returning board members for the second of their two-year term (2024 – 2025) are:
- Jessica Bonsall, Director of ESG, 48forty Solutions
- David Perrine, Director of Sales & Partnerships, Antares Vision Group
- Jon Brooks, VP of Retail Systems, IFCO Systems
- Marty Mares, VP of Branding & Commercial, Polyfuze Graphics Corp.
- Eric Chambers, Director of Sales & Logistics, Rehrig Pacific Company
- Chris Rini, VP of Business Development, The Kennedy Group
In 2023, the Board established a new “Industry Advisor” position in the executive committee to provide unique insight and guidance on important issues facing the reusable packaging industry. Willemijn Peeters, CEO of Searious Business, was appointed to serve in this inaugural role and will continue to do so in 2025.
