The National Paper Trade Association (NPTA) is pleased to present the 2022 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award to Jan Gottesman, president of Kelly Spicers. Jan’s 36 years in the industry are marked by a standard of expertise, creative strategy, thought leadership and passion. It’s these attributes, and countless others, that make her more than deserving of this honor.
The Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award was created to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact through innovation, hard work and effective management.
“Jan is one of these rare, outstanding individuals who embodies all these traits,” said John Milazo, vice president of sales – merchants at Domtar. “Jan’s career encapsulates the story of our industry – navigating through mergers and acquisitions, adjusting when necessary and staying a steady champion of our business.”
Jan started her career as a mill representative in Northern California. From there, she went on to adopt various leadership roles and responsibilities – eventually, landing her the position of Kelly Spicers’ President.
Kelly Spicers, formerly known as Kelly Paper & Spicers Paper, is one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging, wide format and facilities solutions products. In 2012, the company was purchased by Central National Gottesman (CNG). Thanks to Jan’s guidance, it has been leveraging technology, enhancing customer experience and growing business ever since.
“Over the past ten years with CNG, Jan has led Kelly Spicers with the highest level of integrity, professionalism and dedication. She has the admiration and respect of her colleagues and continues to lead the business to new heights. I feel very fortunate to have the pleasure of working with Jan each day,” said Andrew Wallach, president and CEO of Central National Gottesman.
Outside of Kelly Spicers, Jan has dedicated great time and effort to various industry associations, like PIASC, the Paper and Packaging Board, Domtar Merchant Advisory, Sappi Merchant Advisory and NPTA. Even in the face of challenges, like the COVID-19 pandemic, Jan proves to prevail and uphold her commitments. This relentlessness led her to become NPTA’s first female chair on the Board of Directors.
“Jan has made a significant impact as one of the few women leaders in the industry as she works to improve the diversity of perspectives, maintain the relevance of paper and develop new talent,” said Julie Schertell, CEO of Mativ. Learn more about the Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award at https://www.gonpta.com/page/StanleyOStylesAward
