About the NJPEC

Founded in 1962, the NJPEC is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization of packaging professionals from all disciplines in the industry.  We share information, hands-on business experience and support educating students in the industry through numerous scholarship programs and mentoring opportunities.

The culture of NJPEC is collaborative and professional, creating a comfortable community for learning and making valuable business connections with packaging buyers and suppliers.  NJPEC keeps its members informed of hot topics, industry innovations and provides professional development tools to contribute to overall company and personal success.

Scholarships for students in packaging and design are the key focus of our fundraising.  Since our inception, we have awarded well over $875,000 in scholarships to deserving college students all over the country.

The Internal Revenue Service has determined that NJPEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  All donations and membership fees are fully tax-deductible, less the amount of any goods or services received by the donor.

NJPEC members receive special benefits and incentives to attend and participate in all its activities.  Please see our membership page for more information.

The future of packaging is being shaped by the members of NJPEC. Please join us!

Key NJPEC events that bring members and non-members together for informative and enjoyable evenings include the following:

  • NJPEC Hall of Fame Dinner: Since 2003, we recognize the achievements of our peers in the packaging industry who have made a significant contribution to the field of packaging.
  • Package of the Year Awards: Celebrating and honoring packaging excellence from the previous year. The Package of the Year Awards Gala held the first Thursday in December is always a sold-out event.
  • Scholarships Opportunities : Each year we award students studying packaging scholarships. In 2025, we awarded $75,000 in scholarships.
  • NJPEC also hosts educational and social activities throughout the year including networking events, golf outings, mentoring matching, etc...
  • Student Connectivity: NJPEC gives members the opportunity to connect with the future of packaging at events throughout the year.

NJPEC is active on social media. 

Members and nonmembers can post on our NJPEC LinkedIn Page and you can follow our NJPEC 'Company' Page for updates.

On our 'Members Only' page we offer posting opportunities for those seeking employment and those looking to hire professionals in our industry.  Please contact execboard@njpec.com for any submissions

Officers

Woman in floral blouse, smiling indoors.

President
Jael Garcia
Ulta Beauty

 

Smiling man with a beard and jacket.

Vice President
Evan Fischbein

Just Packaging Inc.

Secretary

Laura Carey

RISSMAN

execboard@njpec.com

Treasurer 

Nathalie Zaldana

Just Packaging Inc.

 

Trustees

Christin Cupo Shore Packaging Consultants.
Kristyn Shaner Wexler Packaging Products, Inc.
Jesse Fischbein Just Packaging Inc.
Gene Kistler Just Packaging Inc.
Steve Fischbein Just Packaging Inc.

Committee Chairs

Membership ChairTara UtainWexler Packaging Products, Inc.tara@wexlerpackaging.com
Publication and Partner CommunicaitonsLaura CareyRISSMANNlaurahcarey@gmail.com
Corporate Sponsorship ChairMaria LacharUnimac Packagingmlachar@unimacpackaging.com
Communications Chair
Megan Dimler
Wexler Packaging Products, Inc
mdimler@wexlerpackaging.com
Dinner Chair
Dinner Committee
Annie Scully
Chris Uhl
David Allen
Praxis Marketing
Jerhel Plastics
Church & Dwight
azscully@gmail.com
chris.uhl@jerhel.net
davidjallen002@outlook.com

HistorianMatt MulveyPrecision Engineering Solutionsmmulvey@precisionengsolutions.com
Scholarship Chair / University RelationsSteve ChapmanPraxis Packagingmlachar@unimacpackaging.com
Scholarship CommitteeJeff Burke
Greg Olahh
Matt Mulvey
Primex Plastics
Unifoil
Precision Engineering Solutions
jburke@primexplastics.com
golah@casepaper.com
mmulvey@precisionengsolutions.com
Website / Social MediaKristyn ShanerWexler Packaging Products, Inc.

Event Chairs

Hall of FameBoris Schaefer
Matt Cassano
TNT Global Manufacturing, Inc.
Persson
bschaefer@tntgminc.com
matthew.cassano@perssoninnovation.com
Package of the YearChristin CupoShore Consultantsccupo@shorepkgconsultants.com
Tricky Tray / Swag Bag
Golf Outing & LuncheonJen Brady
Mark Kenah
Brad-Pak Enterprises, Inc.
Albert Paper Company
jen@brad-pak.com
mkenah@albertpaperproducts.com
Rutgers Round TableMatt MulveyPrecision Engineering Soltuions mmulvey@precisionengsolutions.com
Top Golf Networking EventJoey George
Kristyn Shaner
Texen
Wexler Packaging Products, Inc.
JGeorge@texen.com
kshaner@wexlerpackaging.com

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