International Paper adds ‘unique and valuable’ environmental experience to its board

International Paper has elected former astronaut Dr Kathryn D. Sullivan to its board of directors, adding ‘unique and valuable’ environmental and sustainability experience.

International Paper has elected former astronaut Dr Kathryn D. Sullivan to its board of directors

Sullivan is a former mission specialist for NASA, and took part in three shuttle missions with more than 500 hours in space. She was the first American woman to walk in space. Sullivan is the Charles A. Lindbergh Fellow of Aerospace History at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. She served in several roles in the US Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Administration (NOAA) between 2011 and 2017, including Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere NOAA administrator. Prior to her appointment as administrator, Sullivan held the position of assistant secretary for environmental observation and prediction, and deputy administrator. She also performed the duties of NOAA's chief scientist. Further, Sullivan was the inaugural director of the Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State University. 

She earned a bachelor's in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a doctorate in geology from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.     

‘Kathy's extensive environmental and sustainability experience will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the International Paper board of directors,’ said Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO of International Paper.

International Paper is a global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, Asia and Russia. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company has operations in more than 24 countries.  Net sales for 2016 were 21 billion USD.