PIMA announces 2006 leadership award winners.

In a break from tradition, PIMA is announcing the winners of its prestigious leadership awards prior to the International Leadership Conference, which will be held May 21-24 at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Fla.

"We had many fine nominees for each award," said PIMA President Jeff Hamilton of SAPPI. "I'm extremely proud that these extraordinary candidates are being recognized this year." If we may have a little figurative drum roll, then, here are this year's winners, who will receive their awards at the conference:

2006 EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Steven R. Rogel, Chairman, President & CEO, Weyerhaeuser

Said one nominator, "While there is always more companies can do to create value, Weyerhaeuser has made some important first steps. They've integrated Willamette; paid down nearly $6 billion of debt since 2002; continue to generate very strong free cash flow; made the difficult decisions needed to close capacity and sell assets in businesses that do not generate adequate returns; and recently increased their dividend and announced a share buyback plan."

The award is the highest recognition PIMA bestows. It is presented to a senior-level executive in the pulp, paper or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry.

2006 BROOKSHIRE MOORE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

Mike Griffith, Paper Mill Superintendent, Georgia-Pacific

Honoring PIMA's roots as the former American Pulp and Paper Mill Superintendents Association, this award recognizes a papermaker who has shown the high personal standards and professional management qualities that contribute to the betterment of those under his or her management and in the industry.

MILL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Gaynor L. "Bud" Nash, VP and Resident Manager, Bowater Inc.

The award recognizes the mill manager who has best demonstrated outstanding leadership, management and organizational skills leading to improved results at the facility for which he or she is responsible. Nominees are judged on skill in people development; application of best management practices; effective use of external resources; and change management.

THOMAS F. SHEERIN, SR. AWARD

David Hickman, Thiele Kaolin

The award is presented to a supplier for outstanding contributions to the pulp and paper industry and/or the community.

DELANO "DEL" BOUTIN DIVISION SERVICES AWARD

Eric Wohltjen, Northeast PIMA Publicity Committee Chair and National PIMA Liaison, Honeywell

The award is presented to pulp and paper or affiliate members for devoted service to a PIMA Division. The award recognizes long-term dedication of PIMA members at the local division level.

RAY H. CROSS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Tom Bullock, Millwright/Pipefitter, G-P Cellulose

The award pays tribute to pulp and paper industry professionals who have rendered outstanding service to their communities by involvement in the activities of local business, educational, civic and philanthropic organizations.

KENNETH PHILLIPS SPECIALIST GROUP AWARD

Art Rankin, Appleton (retired)

This award is named for a founding member of PIMA's Purchasing and Affiliates Group, and honors outstanding service to a PIMA specialist group.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Christopher Young, IPST 

The award recognizes and supports outstanding students enrolled in paper science programs. Young will receive a $500 cash award at PIMA's Leadership Conference and his school's PIMA chapter will also receive $500.