Profiles in Paper: Kelly McNamara

Q & A Interview with KELLY MCNAMARA

Q: When and how did you end up working in a job related to the paper recycling industry?

A: Immediately out of university, I answered a “blind” newspaper ad for a “Marketing Rep.” It turned out to be for Domtar Recycling in Toronto. My father, who spent his career in the lumber industry, encouraged me to consider the position because Domtar was a company he respected for its reputation and history. That one decision ultimately resulted in my working more than 30 years in this industry.

Domtar was a great place to learn the paper recycling business. Initially, I established office recycling programs to procure high grades and OCC. Through my first 10 years in this business, I marketed municipal recyclables, was responsible for a processing facility, and became a mill buyer.

Twenty years ago, my career shifted to consulting, which allowed me to work on many interesting projects around the world. In my current role at Numera Analytics, I’m responsible for analyzing and reporting on the global recovered fiber market. I use my practical knowledge and strategic experience to offer clients a view of the global market.

Q: What is it about your job—and the paper recycling industry—that appeals to you? 

A: Working in this industry has introduced me to many people who are intelligent, entrepreneurial, insightful, interesting, and entertaining. I also enjoy my work because I thrive on learning and understanding things better. I appreciate being able to merge the knowledge I gained as a procurement and sales specialist with policy developments and end-use market conditions to provide a view on what it means for supply, demand, and trade.

Q: What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Personal achievements?

A: My most rewarding professional and personal achievements are the friendships I have made along the way. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to “grow up” in this business and learn with and from many people who are now my friends.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: I am passionate about the volunteer work I do for the Canadian Cancer Society. For the last five years, I have led the volunteer committee that plans, organizes, and executes the annual Run for the Cure, which has raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research and support programs during that time.

Q: Tell us something about you that would surprise people.

A: I’m a big fan of Bruce Springsteen, and I’ve seen him perform live 10 times. My most unforgettable experience was the time a friend arranged for front-row tickets and attendance at the sound check for an epic Springsteen/E Street Band concert in Detroit.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I spend most of my free time doing one of three things: gathering with friends/family, watching hockey, or volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Q: When and why did your company decide to join ISRI and the PSI Chapter?

A: PSI has consistently been a reliable forum for information sharing and peer networking, offering a collective advocacy for the sector. When I joined Numera Analytics in 2018, one of my first recommendations was for the company to become a PSI member.

Q: Have you held any volunteer leadership positions within PSI?

A: While I have not held any PSI leadership positions, I have participated on several committees and have presented to the membership about paper industry developments and forecasts.

Q: What benefits have you received from your PSI involvement?

A: The opportunities to share ideas, network, and gain industry insight have been most beneficial.

Q: What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall paper recycling industry today?

A: Restrictive quality measures and constraining trade policies will be two of the biggest challenges for the industry. Forecasting when, where, and why the next disruption will occur is challenging for our company and the industry as a whole. Who would have predicted that China’s ban on imported recovered fiber would coincide with a global pandemic? However, the recycling industry has consistently proven to be adaptable, agile, and innovative. That and the fact that there is rarely a dull moment is what keeps me engaged.