Randy Adams, the Health and Safety manager at Kingsport Mill, has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Pulp and Paper Safety Association (PPSA). This accolade is the highest honor awarded by the PPSA, acknowledging individuals for their leadership and contributions to the association and the paper industry over their careers.
The award was presented to Adams by DeWayne Bone, the ex-officio PPSA board of directors general chairman and the senior director of health and safety for the paper and packaging business. Adams expressed his gratitude, stating: “I was surprised but honored to be recognized by the PPSA. Personally, it means that I left a legacy with my organization. Professionally, it means I got to share this with an organization that values safety just as I do”.
Adams began his career as a clerk in 1979 and swiftly moved into managerial roles across production, quality, and raw materials, as well as environmental, health, and safety sectors. In 2009, he entered the paper industry as the Environmental, Health and Safety manager for Kruger Products. After a decade, he transitioned to Graphic Packaging International’s mill in West Monroe, Louisiana, as the Health and Safety manager. Adams briefly returned to Kruger Products before assuming his current position at Kingsport Mill in April 2024.
Reflecting on his career, Adams noted: “My very diverse background has taught me many life lessons over the years, but building lasting relationships has been the steppingstone for success. Health and safety are a value, not a priority. Values do not change, but priorities do”.
At Kingsport Mill, Adams continues to foster strong relationships with his colleagues. He commented: “I see my current role as an effective way to show the employees I care about them. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. That is all part of building the relationships to partner for safety success. Listening to the employees and their safety concerns will always add value to the conversation”.
Troy Wilson, the Kingsport Mill manager, emphasized the importance of Adams’ role in ensuring employee safety: “Randy is very deserving of this award, not only for his work at our mill but for his successful career in the health and safety field. We are very happy to have him as a member of our team”.
