IPST recognized a distinguished alumnus, Dr. G. Ronald Brown, at the spring executive conference dinner March 13. Dr Brown earned his PhD at the Institute in 1975. Dr. Brown has spent his career in research and development on behalf of the pulp and paper industry, most recently as president of the industry’s Agenda 2020 Technology Alliance in Washington, DC. The alliance identifies technology needs of the forest products industry and facilitates collaborative R&D programs to address those needs.

In accepting the recognition and accompanying plaque, Dr Brown celebrated the many technology successes of the industry in the last thirty years, and challenged the industry to continue to press forward. “Achieve more sustainable manufacturing,” he urged. “Develop 50% greater efficiency in water and energy use—half as much consumption per ton—and generate 20% more revenue from bioproducts.”

Prior to joining Agenda 2020, Dr. Brown held leadership positions in research, engineering, and manufacturing with Mead Westvaco Corporation and its predecessors. He has served as a member of the TAPPI Board of Directors and as President of the Miami University Paper Science and Engineering Foundation. Currently, he serves on the Secretary of griculture’s USDA Forestry Research Advisory Council.