Brooke Paige Holcomb’s industry recognition highlights growing role of women in pulp and paper sector leadership

Brooke Paige Holcomb, senior director at American Kraft Paper Industries, has been recognised by Marquis Who’s Who for her pioneering leadership and advocacy in the traditionally male-dominated pulp and paper sector.

Brooke Paige Holcomb has been named to Marquis Who’s Who, a recognition that the publisher says is reserved for people whose careers hold ongoing reference value because of their positions, accomplishments and visibility. According to the press release ...

announcing the selection, Holcomb currently serves as senior director of supply chain and capital expenses at American Kraft Paper Industries in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a role she took on in 2024 and in which she is said to oversee procurement, raw‑materials sourcing, contract negotiations and supply‑chain operations for the mill.

Her trajectory through the pulp and paper sector, as summarised in the announcement, includes earlier procurement leadership roles at Twin Rivers Paper Company and progressive procurement positions beginning in 2021. Prior to entering paper manufacturing, Holcomb worked in commercial and procurement roles at Central Moloney Inc. and held administrative and human resources posts with Kohler Company, Southeast Arkansas College and Cumulus Media Inc. The release also notes academic credentials, a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s in public administration from Arkansas State University, and professional certifications from the American Purchasing Society.

The company Holcomb represents describes itself as a producer of unbleached sack kraft paper committed to safety, quality and environmental stewardship. American Kraft Paper Industries’ published materials stress priorities such as workplace safety, community engagement and sustainable use of resources, and advertise career pathways and benefits designed to attract and retain a diverse workforce. The firm also offers practical customer services, including a business credit application process, underscoring its commercial focus.

Beyond corporate responsibilities, Holcomb is portrayed in the announcement as active in industry and civic organisations, including the Jefferson County Manufacturing Council, Women in Manufacturing and the Arkansas Forestry Association. She is the founder and director of The Myles & Mattisyn Foundation, a nonprofit created in 2021 that supplies memory boxes to families affected by pregnancy or infant loss, partners with local groups to assist with funeral expenses and organises disaster relief efforts.

The Marquis Who’s Who statement highlights Holcomb’s advocacy on workplace conditions for women while in a prior procurement leadership role, saying she worked with an international supplier to address deficiencies in facilities and services, pushing for improvements such as designated restrooms, childcare provision and enhanced safety measures. The announcement also records community recognition, including the Mrs. Arkansas International title in 2020, and says she intends to continue pursuing leadership roles that allow team development and wider civic contribution.

Industry context underscores the role senior procurement executives now play across the forest products sector. Trade and industry groups, and corporate sustainability statements, increasingly emphasise supply‑chain resilience, environmental compliance and workforce safety, areas reflected in both Holcomb’s stated responsibilities and American Kraft Paper Industries’ public positions. According to industry reporting, associations such as the American Forest & Paper Association continue to reshuffle leadership and membership among major producers, signalling ongoing strategic emphasis on collaboration and sector governance.

The Marquis Who’s Who inclusion places Holcomb among a roster of professionals the publisher compiles to document notable individuals across business and public life. According to the organisation, its biographical compilations have been produced since the late 19th century and are used by researchers, journalists and executive search firms.

Source: Noah Wire Services