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The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) announced today that Jane Chase, CPPL, will retire from her role as Executive Director on July 31, 2026, concluding more than three decades of service, leadership, and advocacy within IoPP and the packaging profession.
Since becoming Executive Director in 2017, Chase has helped guide IoPP through a period of significant change while strengthening the organization's value proposition, expanding its industry visibility, and reinforcing its role as a leading resource for packaging professionals.
"Jane has been the institutional backbone of IoPP for nearly 10 years as our Executive Director while also serving as a trailblazer and advocate for packaging professionals around the world," said Nicole Kandoth, Chairperson of IoPP's Board of Directors. "She has built a legacy that will benefit future generations, and I am extremely grateful for the remarkable milestones she has helped our organization achieve. We wish her all the best as she begins this well-deserved next chapter."
Chase's connection to IoPP spans more than 30 years and includes service at nearly every level of the organization. She served as president of IoPP's Minnesota Chapter, chaired the Sustainable Packaging Technical Committee, served as National President and Board Chair, and earned numerous honors, including Member of the Year, induction into the College of Fellows, the Phi Alpha Kappa Award for service, and Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional (CPPL) status.
Throughout her career, Chase has championed packaging education and professional development. She helped establish IoPP's Packaging Education Scholarship Fund, contributed to the creation of the Sustainable Packaging Technical Committee, taught in IoPP's Fundamentals of Packaging Technology program, and played a key role in developing one of the packaging profession's earliest online learning programs.
She also helped shape the AmeriStar Awards program, serving in leadership roles for many years and helping build it into one of the packaging industry's most respected package design and innovation competitions.
Reflecting on her career and service to IoPP, Chase said, "I am grateful to have been associated with IoPP and the people who have made it such a strong organization throughout my career. From helping me build my professional network early in my career to giving me the opportunity to support the next generation of packaging professionals, IoPP has played an important role in my professional journey. Serving this organization has been one of the greatest privileges of my career."
Prior to becoming Executive Director, Chase built a distinguished career in packaging leadership, innovation, and sustainability with companies including SC Johnson, General Mills, Ecolab, ConAgra Foods, Schwan's Food, and US Foodservice. She holds multiple patents and has been recognized throughout her career for her contributions to packaging innovation, sustainability, and education. In 2020, she was inducted into the PMMI Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame in recognition of her lasting impact on the packaging industry.
As part of a planned leadership transition, IoPP's next President will begin in July and work alongside Chase through July 31 to ensure a seamless transition for members, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. Additional information about the organization's next President will be shared in the coming weeks.
IoPP will recognize Chase's contributions and celebrate her career during a special retirement reception following the AmeriStar Awards presentation at PACK EXPO International on October 20, 2026. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
