Ameripen announces executive director’s departure

The American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (Ameripen) has announced that its Executive Director, Dan Felton, will step down from his position November 1 to lead another organization.

The Springfield, Massachusetts-based association says it is initiating a search to identify a new leader.

“It has been my honor to lead Ameripen through significant evolution and growth over the past five years,” Felton says. “During this time, we have been able to significantly expand how Ameripen helps its members and the U.S. packaging industry. No organization offers the level of support, particularly on public policy advocacy, that Ameripen provides to the entire packaging industry value chain for all packaging material types.

“Anyone following packaging policy in the U.S. knows that the past several years has brought seismic shifts to the industry in terms of new laws and regulations impacting the packaging industry,” Felton continues. “I am very grateful to have been part of an amazing team of passionate and talented members, leaders, consultants and staff shaping that public policy in the best ways possible. I am committed to helping ensure the upcoming leadership transition for Ameripen will be as seamless and successful as possible.”

The association says it is activating its succession plan to guide the process of selecting a new executive director. It has formed a committee to oversee the search process that will begin this month.

“We’re grateful to Dan for his exceptional leadership over the past five years during a time of significant policy change in the packaging space,” says Ameripen President Kelly Smith, who also serves as the vice president and head of institutional affairs U.S. for Ferrero. “His tireless advocacy on behalf of the entire packaging value chain and his pursuit of proactive policy positions has raised the profile of the organization significantly, strengthening even further its reputation as a trusted partner and subject matter expert for policymakers and industry stakeholders. He has also played a key role in expanding Ameripen’s membership, revenue, programs and research. We wish Dan every success in his next endeavor.”