June 6, 2022
GreenBlue and its Board of Directors are excited to announce the appointment of Paul Nowak as incoming Executive Director. Nowak is joining the GreenBlue team this month and will be assuming the role from Nina Goodrich, who will be retiring at the end of June after 10 years with the organization.
Prior to joining GreenBlue, Nowak held the role of Vice President of Sustainability at Quad. He brings with him 30 years of experience in the packaging industry in a variety of roles, including General Manger of Manufacturing, Senior Director of Client Experience, and Vice President of Enterprise Solutions for Brands. Nowak’s passion for sustainability is demonstrated through his career accomplishments, including the creation of the first Quad Sustainable Packaging Public Report, the Annual Client Sustainability Symposium, and the development of the Quad Community Education Program. He has served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader, founding the first Quad Business Resource Group (BRG) for LGBTQIA+ teammates.
Nowak is a long-time friend and supporter of GreenBlue and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and was elected by members to serve on the SPC Executive Committee from 2019 to 2021. He has been involved in various GreenBlue initiatives, including SPC Forest Products, Forest in Focus, and assisting with recent food waste consumer research.
“I am so pleased with the GreenBlue Board’s choice for my successor. Paul brings unique skills and experience that will benefit both staff and our members. He has been a major contributor as a member and can bring that critical perspective to the team. He also has demonstrated leadership skills to manage GreenBlue’s continued growth as an organization.” – Nina Goodrich, former Executive Director of GreenBlue
Nowak acknowledges that transitions can be challenging, but is excited for the opportunity to build upon the work and progress of the organization. “My goal is to listen and build credibility with GreenBlue members and staff in order to expand the amazing legacy trusted into my care.”
As Executive Director, Nowak will oversee the growth and development of GreenBlue programs that have played essential roles in furthering sustainable material usage, including the SPC, the How2Recycle label program, the Recycled Material Standard (RMS), CleanGredients, and more. Nowak says his focus will be on unlocking the full potential of the GreenBlue mission by leading member collaboration and education that positively impacts action for the sustainable use of materials in society. “Sustainable packaging continues to accelerate as a principal topic in the climate crisis,” he says, “and as a trusted non-profit GreenBlue is in a unique position to create transformation on behalf of its membership.”
“It is with sincere appreciation and gratitude that I wish to thank, on behalf of all our members, our outgoing Executive Director, Nina. GreenBlue wouldn’t be what it is without her leadership, passion, and knowledge over the years. Nina has been our guiding compass, and our NGO has gone from strength to strength under her direction. We wish her all the very best as she (literally) sets sail for the next chapter in her life.
For over a decade, I’ve been in awe and somewhat captivated by Paul’s charm. Sustainability has never been a job for Paul, it’s been a passion. Seeing him in networking action at SPC Impact & Advance always meets with new levels of admiration. To welcome Paul as GreenBlue’s new Executive Director, and to have him at the helm during this impactful time in our industry, is exciting. We have no doubt his leadership will steer us towards a circular economy in new generation packaging, bio materials and carbon capture among many other things.” – Joe Kofler, GreenBlue Board Member
Not only is Nowak excited to take on this role, but he is looking forward to getting to know GreenBlue staff, members, and partners, to and strengthening existing connections. Nowak is a fan of comics and science fiction, a dog lover and rescue dad, a military spouse and recent widow to a long term husband, and a seasoned LGBTQIA+ activist. Please join us in welcoming Paul Nowak to the GreenBlue team!
