Now in its eighth year, the PMMI On the Rise Awards recognize young professionals in packaging and processing who display exemplary leadership qualities at PMMI member companies. In keeping with tradition, the 10 winners were flown to PMMI’s Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., where they were unveiled during the Chairperson’s Dinner.
As you’ll read, this year’s diverse array provides a fresh, forward-thinking perspective on the industry. OEM Magazine was fortunate to speak with each one and offer a glimpse into these outstanding rising stars in the industry.
Jakob Cushman
Automation/Controls Lead Technician
Flex-Line Automation
When Jakob Cushman began studying electrical engineering at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, he imagined a career rooted in theory and design. But it didn’t take long for him to realize his true passion was hands-on problem solving. That discovery led him to Flex-Line Automation, where a part-time technician role unexpectedly became a full-time career—and ultimately, a calling.
“[Since becoming full time], I’ve held different roles: technician, controls, automation work, trade show demos, STEM outreach—and now I’m the automation/controls lead technician,” Cushman says.
As automation and controls lead technician at Flex-Line, Cushman thrives at the intersection of innovation and practicality. He enjoys furthering his career by completing advanced programming classes across multiple platforms and regularly brings this knowledge back, leading internal training sessions and becoming the “go-to” technical resource for the Flex-Line team.
“Every project is kind of R&D,” he says. “You don’t always have a template or roadmap.” Working in custom system design means navigating constant unknowns, but Cushman relishes the challenges, viewing them as growth opportunities. His adaptability and technical expertise have made him a cornerstone of the company’s ability to deliver reliable, safe, and efficient automation systems.
Cushman’s fascination with robotics and the support of his team fuel his enthusiasm every day. Whether programming a new robot or fine-tuning a complex system, he views each task as a puzzle to solve. “It feels almost like I’m playing a game to get this machine to do what I need it to accomplish,” he says.
His work with the Universal Robots line has deepened his expertise and appreciation for collaboration. “Life is easier when you have great support and team members,” he adds.
Beyond his technical achievements, Cushman’s proudest accomplishment isn’t something that can be measured on paper—it’s the journey itself. “I wasn’t quite sure where I was going to go when I got the offer to stay with Flex-Line, but it has taken me quite far,” he reflects. “The experience has truly been my proudest accomplishment to date.”
Looking ahead, Cushman is focused on the transformative role artificial intelligence will play in automation. He’s particularly interested in exploring AI’s potential in vision systems and predictive maintenance. “I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” he says. “There’s so much potential, and it’s developing fast.”
His advice to others entering the field? “Be driven by curiosity,” Cushman says. “Learn everything you can, whenever you can. This industry is always growing—it’s up to you whether you’re going to grow with it.”
With his curiosity, craftsmanship, and commitment to progress, Cushman is not only building better automation systems—he’s helping shape the next generation of industrial innovation.
Crystal Dinh
Applications Engineering Manager
Blentech Corporation
Since joining Blentech Corporation in 2017, Crystal Dinh has become a driving force behind some of the company’s most significant advancements in process innovation, automation, and customer collaboration. What began as an internship introducing her to cooking and cooling systems has grown into a leadership role through which she bridges technical excellence and strategic growth.
Early in her career, Dinh faced the challenge of proving herself as a new engineer in a highly technical, fast-paced environment. Rather than shy away from that challenge, she leaned into it—taking initiative, building mentorship relationships, and consistently delivering results that spoke for themselves.
“There is often a perception that recent graduates lack real-world experience,” she says. “I overcame this by proactively seeking opportunities to take on new responsibilities, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and consistently delivering high-quality results. Additionally, I prioritized building a strong professional network and finding mentors who could guide me and advocate for my growth.”
As a leader on Blentech’s Applications Engineering team, Dinh played a pivotal role in implementing the Propel Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, ensuring a seamless transition across departments while maintaining production schedules and training staff. She also built a configure-to-order quoting system that reduced quoting time by 50–75% and expanded access to new markets by leveraging dynamic costing data—an initiative that improved both speed and strategic responsiveness for the company.
Her technical expertise also has fueled major customer wins. Dinh led the development of system concepts for two large processors—one in Mexico and one in the United States—modernizing legacy systems through design and testing. The results were transformative: One customer achieved an 80% reduction in batch cycle times while another improved product yield by 10% and enhanced overall quality.
“I love being able to demonstrate and explain the versatility of Blentech equipment,” she says. “This flexibility not only allows us to innovate but also empowers our customers to expand their product lines and exceed consumer demands.”
Dinh’s leadership extends beyond engineering. She has standardized workflows that strengthen collaboration between departments throughout the project life cycle—from sales and design to testing and production. These processes have helped Blentech better integrate customer feedback and ensure project alignment from concept to installation.
Her academic and professional development mirror her commitment to continuous improvement. Three years into her time at Blentech, she paused her career to earn her MS in Biological Systems Engineering from UC Davis. Since her return, Dinh completed the Effective Leadership and Management program at UC Berkeley and continues to pursue ongoing training through Blentech’s professional development programs.
As she looks ahead, Dinh is focused on expanding her team’s capabilities and Blentech’s global reach. “The next step in my career,” she says, “is to broaden our presence and deliver more proof-of-concept testing and equipment worldwide.” With a growing interest in compostable materials and the integration of artificial intelligence in food production and packaging, she is helping shape the future of sustainable, intelligent manufacturing.
Conor Driscoll
Northeast Regional Sales Manager, Healthcare
Wipotec
After graduating from college, Conor Driscoll’s passion for U.S. manufacturing led him to an opportunity to help build an inside sales department from the ground up—an experience that he says sparked his long-term commitment to the packaging sector.
“That decision opened the door to a career in packaging that’s been both challenging and rewarding ever since,” Driscoll says.
That entrepreneurial foundation still guides his approach today in his role as Northeast Regional Sales Manager for Healthcare at Wipotec. Having personally mastered the Sandler Sales framework, he helped embed it across the organization, creating a standardized approach to structured selling that improved collaboration and closed-loop communication.
“Don’t be afraid to lean in and share your ideas. The biggest impact often starts with speaking up,” he says. “Your perspective might be exactly what’s needed to spark a new idea or move a project forward.”
Driscoll helped redefine how the company approaches trade show strategy, playing a key role in developing a comprehensive sales playbook for PACK EXPO International 2024. Designed to unify cross-functional efforts and improve trade show performance, the resource incorporated Sandler Sales techniques, such as up-front contracts, KARE (Key Account Relationship Evaluation), and structured qualifying questions. The playbook also introduced a lead rating system to prioritize follow-ups, set KPIs, and align teams around measurable results—ultimately generating record-breaking leads and millions in new pipeline opportunities across both the pharmaceutical and CPG markets.
Driscoll’s leadership extends far beyond his own territory. As a mentor to Regional and Inside Sales Managers across verticals, he has guided colleagues through complex RFQs, technical sales calls, and high-stakes negotiations. His temporary role as Interim Midwest Regional Sales Manager showcased his adaptability and commitment to organizational continuity—ensuring both revenue generation and team cohesion during a transitional phase.
His results speak for themselves. In 2024, Driscoll increased his territory’s order entry by 207%, and by mid-2025, he was on track for an additional 113% growth, setting a record for his region. These achievements reflect his balance of technical understanding and consultative selling—focusing not just on transactions but on long-term customer success.
The people Driscoll works with further fuel his enthusiasm for the industry. “Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to collaborate with some of the most talented, driven professionals in the industry,” he says.
When asked about his proudest professional moment, Conor recalls a time when a customer’s production qualification was delayed by a technical issue. “I went on site and resolved the problem within half a day,” he says. “They were able to complete their qualification the next morning. Seeing the immediate impact of that kind of teamwork was incredibly rewarding.”
For Driscoll, the path forward is clear: continue to lead by example, foster collaboration, and shape a smarter, more connected future for packaging.
“I’m focused on continuing to bring new ideas forward, learn from those around me, and contribute in ways that drive innovation and growth—both for our customers and for the organization.”
Matthew Ferreira
IT Manager
BellatRx Inc.
Some careers begin with a clear plan. For Matthew Ferreira, it began with a spark of curiosity in a warehouse. While still in school, Ferreira spent his breaks helping his father with year-end inventory at BellatRx, a packaging machinery manufacturer. That early exposure to the company’s technology planted the seed for a career that ultimately would shape BellatRx’s digital transformation.
After college, Ferreira joined BellatRx as a procurement coordinator—a role that opened his eyes to the power of data and systems integration. “I learned a lot about supply chain challenges and our ERP system,” he recalls. “As the company grew, I started taking on IT tasks and eventually became BellatRx’s first in-house IT resource.”
From that foundation, Ferreira built an IT department from scratch—one that now serves as the backbone of BellatRx’s efficiency, innovation, and security. Under his leadership, the company has modernized its infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and developed digital tools that streamline operations and improve collaboration across departments.
“We’ve gone from relying on outsourced support to having a strong internal team that manages infrastructure, cybersecurity, and custom tools,” he says. “Seeing the impact on efficiency, security, and collaboration has been a highlight of my career.”
Like many emerging leaders, Ferreira has faced resistance to change when introducing new tools and technologies. His strategy? Communication and empathy. “People are often comfortable with the way things are,” he explains. “So, I focus on explaining why the change matters, how it helps them, and how it benefits the business.”
Cybersecurity remains another ongoing challenge as striking the balance between strong protection and user-friendly systems is no small task.
“Protecting our data while still keeping systems easy to use is a constant balancing act,” he says. “The goal is always the same: stay secure without slowing down the people who rely on technology every day.”
What drives him most, though, is problem-solving. Ferreira thrives on transforming challenges into opportunities for improvement. “Every project is different, and I enjoy turning challenges into solutions that make people’s work easier,” he says. “I also love exploring new technologies and figuring out how they can bring real value to the business.”
Looking ahead, Ferreira is focused on growing BellatRx’s IT team and continuing to bridge the gap between technology and operations. He’s also pursuing advanced certifications to deepen his expertise and prepare for the next wave of innovation—particularly in artificial intelligence. “AI is changing the way we work,” he says. “It’s already helping us move faster on projects and double-check our plans. The real promise is freeing teams from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value work.”
Ferreira’s advice for other emerging leaders mirrors his own journey: stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning. “Don’t be afraid to question how things are done,” he says, “but bring people with you by listening and showing them the value of change.”
Alex Hinkle
Electrical Field Service Leader
BW Packaging
For more than a decade, Alex Hinkle, Electrical Field Service Leader at BW Packaging, has combined electrical engineering mastery with a passion for people.
His journey in the packaging industry began in 2013 while still attending the Ohio State University, with an Electrical Engineering Co-Op with Barry-Wehmiller Packaging. After completing graduate school, he joined the team full time in 2016, taking on programming, interface development, and commissioning responsibilities across multiple product lines—including can seamers, rotary fillers, and servo cappers serving food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets.
That initial diverse technical foundation has been key to his success, and his exposure to field commissioning equipment unleashed a passion for customer service.
“I find it incredibly fulfilling to work alongside a team, solve a complex application, and produce tangible results for a customer,” he says.
One project that stands out involved designing and installing two ‘Triblock’ rinser, filler, and capper systems that resulted in record-setting production levels for the customer—a feat that demonstrates both his engineering precision and his commitment to customer satisfaction.
“Witnessing the customer’s satisfaction as their new line produced at rates they characterized as the best they had ever seen is what makes me proud to be a part of the BW Packaging team,” Hinkle says.
In May of 2025, he transitioned into his current role leading BW Packaging’s electrical field service team, which supports new and existing equipment across North and South America. The move has allowed him to blend hands-on technical experience with leadership, mentoring engineers and technicians while ensuring customer feedback informs future equipment design.
His leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy and continuous learning.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, adapting, and empowering others to succeed,” he says. That mindset guided him through early-career challenges, like mastering the complexities of filling and capping systems, and continues to define his approach to leading others today.
Now, as a team leader, Hinkle is focused on developing others while advancing service excellence. His goals include improving new equipment checkout processes, expanding technical support capabilities, and strengthening career development pathways within his team.
He credits company culture with making it a pleasure to come to work each day. “Reporting to work feels like visiting friends and family,” he says. “We recognize individuals, celebrate successes, and inspire fellow team members. Being a part of this special culture is something that excites me every day.”
With an eye towards the future, Hinkle keeps attuned to emerging industry trends—from the growing demand for faster, more technical field service support to the rise of advanced human-machine interfaces (HMIs) like BW Packaging’s next-generation OpView™ HMI, which integrates data visualization, video tutorials, and predictive maintenance tools.
“Technology is evolving quickly, and so are customer expectations,” he notes. “At BW Packaging, we want to be lifetime partners to our customers—always ready to support their growth and success.”
Matthew Olivera
Sales Engineer
Mettler Toledo
For Matthew Olivera, a drive past a new facility changed the course of his career. While studying mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida, Olivera envisioned a future in product design, exploring opportunities across diverse industries—from defense contracting to robotics. But it wasn’t until he spotted the newly inaugurated Mettler Toledo facility in Tampa, Fla., that his curiosity found a clear direction.
“I became curious about the company behind that state-of-the-art facility,” he recalls. “After researching Mettler Toledo, I learned it aligned with my career interests: fast-paced projects, strong multifaceted business, and onsite manufacturing.” That curiosity led to an internship—and eventually a full-time position—that launched Olivera into the packaging industry, where he quickly made his mark.
As a Sales Engineer, Olivera’s approach is defined by a mix of technical expertise and a people-first mindset. “I consider every person in the process a customer,” he explains. “From colleagues to end users, I strive to do my best for each, ensuring seamless handoffs and successful outcomes at every stage.” This mindset not only fuels his daily motivation but also reinforces his belief that packaging serves everyone—connecting people to the products they use every day.
One of Olivera’s proudest professional accomplishments underscores his commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. He developed and implemented an automation solution within Mettler Toledo’s pre-sales process, leveraging Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to streamline workflows and significantly improve order conversion rates.
“What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it serves as the foundation for an end-to-end automated workflow,” he says. “It’s helping to transform the quote-to-order-to-production process.”
What makes the success even more remarkable is that Olivera had minimal coding experience before taking on the project. Through collaboration with Mettler Toledo’s internal automation group, and with strong managerial support, he learned new technologies on the fly. The result was a scalable solution that not only optimizes sales processes but also sets the stage for broader digital transformation within the organization.
Olivera attributes much of his growth to a commitment to continuous learning and the mentorship he has sought along the way. “Many of the obstacles I faced were self-imposed, stemming from my own doubts or uncertainties,” he reflects. “I overcame them by staying committed to learning and seeking the right resources and guidance to build my confidence and skills.”
He encourages other emerging leaders to take a similar approach. “Break out of your shell, learn from others, and ask questions,” he advises. “Don’t be afraid to seek clarity and guidance—it’s essential for growth. Always put your best efforts forward, demonstrating dedication and resilience.”
For Olivera, the packaging industry is more than just an engineering field—it’s an ecosystem of innovation that connects technology with real-world impact. Looking ahead, he is focused on expanding his skill set and deepening his knowledge of industry trends—especially the growing importance of software integration, data connectivity, and regulatory compliance.
“Customers increasingly seek solutions that enable seamless tracking and data management,” he says. “The market is dynamic, and staying adaptable and responsive is key.”
Joey Schmidt
Director of Sales–Eastern USA & Canada
Harpak-ULMA Packaging
Joey Schmidt’s path into the packaging industry was likely initiated in his subconscious, influenced by early exposure to his father’s work in food processing. When the opportunity to work in the industry arose, he didn’t hesitate to jump in with both feet, beginning on the customer side at a large Pennsylvania pork plant.
“[Working in the rendering department on the food manufacturing side] gave me hands-on experience with food processing and a glimpse of packaging equipment,” Schmidt recalls. That early exposure provided a unique foundation for his later work selling packaging equipment, from sealing gaskets to inline printing systems for thermoformers across the food and medical device segments. Over the past 10 years, Schmidt has progressed up the ladder at Harpak-ULMA Packaging to his current role leading sales across the Eastern U.S. and Canada.
While he credits the discipline he learned from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. shifts on the pork plant floor for shaping his work ethic, it also opened his eyes.
“That experience helped me distinguish between what I wanted—and didn’t want—to do for the rest of my life,” he says. Knowing what he wanted and manifesting it was not without its challenges. “Selling high-value capital equipment requires a consultative approach, building trust over long sales cycles,” he explains, citing his natural ability to connect with people as a significant tool in easing the transition.
With a philosophy centered on relationships, Schmidt advises emerging leaders to “care about your people—not just your team, but the customers you engage with. Clients are smart and will quickly recognize if you only care about commissions.” This customer-first approach drives his leadership style, fostering trust and long-term connections both internally and externally.
Despite being a veteran of packaging sales at a relatively young age, Schmidt still finds fascination in the cross-industry applications of packaging technology. “On any given day, we can be in a meat plant, a bakery, a medical device facility, or a CPG plant—all using the same packaging equipment,” he says. This exposure allows him to share innovative ideas across sectors and continuously expand his own knowledge.
Among his proudest accomplishments, Schmidt highlights not only personal recognition—winning Harpak-ULMA’s Regional Sales Manager of the Year Award three consecutive times—but also seeing his team members succeed under his mentorship. “Watching someone I mentored earn that award gave me a proud ‘dad moment’—a deeper satisfaction than any personal milestone,” he says.
Looking ahead, Schmidt’s aim to continue growing within Harpak-ULMA keeps him keenly focused on industry trends, particularly automation, digital transformation, and sustainability.
“Automation isn’t just about replacing manual work anymore—it’s embedding intelligence into processes, improving throughput, traceability, and consistency,” he says. From AI-driven smart vision systems to robotics-enabled production, Schmidt sees these technologies as essential for meeting labor constraints and keeping up with market demands. Meanwhile, sustainability efforts—ranging from smaller portion packaging to compliant, eco-friendly medical device films—remain central to his and Harpak-ULMA’s mission.
Schmidt’s blend of operational expertise, relationship-driven leadership, and forward-thinking perspective position him as a rising star in the packaging industry, shaping solutions that meet today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Mia Stevens
Marketing Specialist
Morrison Container Handling Systems
As a Marketing Specialist, Mia Stevens has redefined what digital strategy looks like for Morrison Container Handling Systems, transforming how the company tells its story and connects with customers.
Since joining Morrison over three years ago, Stevens has led a series of initiatives that have elevated the company’s brand visibility and set new benchmarks for performance. Most notably, she spearheaded the complete redesign and implementation of Morrison’s website—an ambitious, ground-up project encompassing more than 500 new web pages. From layout and content strategy to SEO structure and user experience, Stevens directed every phase with precision. The result was a 48% increase in web traffic, a 4% rise in brand recognition, and a measurable boost in average user engagement.
Her data-driven approach didn’t stop there. Stevens conceptualized and executed Morrison’s most advanced marketing automation project to date—a robust account-based marketing (ABM) campaign targeting high-value prospects. Designed to nurture approximately 15% of the company’s database through tailored content and multi-touch engagement, the campaign delivered a 58% increase in new CRM contacts and contributed to 27% of all company sales over the past year. Her collaboration with the sales team has been instrumental, fostering alignment between marketing strategy and revenue goals.
Recognizing the power of visual storytelling, Stevens also led a transformation in Morrison’s brand communication strategy, elevating the company’s video marketing efforts to new heights. Her creative direction has redefined how the brand connects with customers.
“I have a background in videography and digital design, so being able to combine my creative passions with an industry that’s always advancing is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Every day feels like an opportunity to learn something new and create something meaningful.”
Under her guidance, Morrison launched a wave of story-driven videos that brought its equipment, people, and innovations to life—leading to a 20% increase in email open rates and higher engagement across digital channels.
While her career achievements are impressive, Stevens’s journey also has been one of personal growth and leadership. Early in her career, she admits she hesitated to speak up in professional settings—a challenge she’s turned into one of her defining strengths.
“I realized that everyone’s input matters,” she says. “Once I started sharing ideas confidently, new opportunities followed.”
She also credits her completion of PMMI’s Leadership Development Program for sharpening her management and communication skills.
Looking ahead, Stevens is focused on expanding her impact within Morrison. She’s currently leading a new initiative to improve the flow and growth of the company’s spare parts program, applying her strategic mindset to optimize another key area of the business.
Beyond her immediate role, Stevens keeps a close eye on the future of packaging—especially the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly innovation.
“Our industry keeps the world moving,” she says. “With that comes a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. I’m especially interested in how we can innovate to create cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable solutions for everyone.”
From optimizing SEO to reshaping brand storytelling, Stevens has proven that creativity backed by data can transform not only marketing outcomes but also company culture. Her curiosity and collaborative spirit make her a standout among the next generation of packaging industry leaders.
Bobby Tracy
South/Southeast Regional Manager
Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery
When Bobby Tracy joined Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery as a Sales Engineer, he brought with him both the curiosity of a mechanical engineer and the drive of a born problem solver. Just a few years later, those same qualities are propelling him forward as the company’s South/Southeast Regional Sales Manager, where he’s known for improving processes, deepening customer relationships, and setting a new standard for professional growth within the organization.
After earning a mechanical engineering degree from Marquette University in 2020, Tracy began his career at a nearby manufacturing company before moving on to Spee-Dee Packaging less than two years later, gaining early exposure to customer engagement and business development.
“I knew I wanted to be in sales,” he says, “but I also wanted to understand how things worked. Spee-Dee offered both.”
That hands-on, systems-driven mindset led to one of Tracy’s standout accomplishments early on: eliminating a major bottleneck in the sales process. He recognized that slow turnaround times for preliminary layout drawings were delaying quotes and limiting sales agility. Taking initiative, he took over 2D layout production and went a step further—developing 3D models of Spee-Dee equipment for OEM partners. The result was faster quotes, more accurate proposals, and an improved customer experience. The initiative not only earned praise from veteran sales team members but also became a model for how technical innovation can directly support business growth.
As his career progressed, Tracy applied that same thoughtful approach to developing long-term relationships with customers and OEM partners. Now leading his region, he’s known for his professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to earn trust quickly. His efforts have contributed to consistent sales growth and stronger OEM collaborations across the South and Southeast.
“I think your impact is up to you,” Tracy says. “Never be afraid to speak up or bring new ideas forward—that’s how you create opportunities, both for yourself and for the team.”
Beyond his achievements in sales, Tracy also has contributed to Spee-Dee’s broader culture by creating a model for future sales talent development. His deliberate transition from Sales Engineer to Regional Sales Manager—taking time to master the equipment and applications before moving into a leadership role—has become a blueprint for others. To further strengthen his career foundation, Tracy completed PMMI’s “Packaging & Processing Equipment Selling in Today’s Market” program, gaining valuable insights into best practices and customer engagement in a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether it’s refining processes, strengthening partnerships, or mentoring others, Bobby thrives on collaboration. “The best part of my job,” he says, “is meeting people from all walks of life and working together to accomplish something meaningful.”
Among his proudest accomplishments, Tracy points to helping improve the efficiency and sanitary standards in packaging for spices, nutraceutical powders, and pharmaceutical gummies—a reflection of his ongoing commitment to innovation that directly benefits the food and health sectors.
Looking ahead, Tracy isn’t in a hurry to move on. “For now, I’m focused on where I am,” he says. “There’s still so much room to grow, to strengthen relationships, and to keep learning.”
Brianna Wagner
Product Line Manager
Triangle Packaging
A move back home, coupled with a chance job application during the pandemic, became the start of a purposeful career in an industry that Brianna Wagner, Product Line Manager at Triangle Packaging, now champions.
“What began as a coincidence has become a true passion,” Wagner says. “I’m now a proud advocate for the packaging industry.”
Wagner joined Triangle as a Sales Engineer, quickly earning a reputation for her exceptional organization, customer focus, and leadership. She soon began managing some of the company’s most important key accounts, building trust through clear communication and reliable results. Her ability to combine technical understanding with strong relationship management made her a go-to resource—someone both colleagues and customers could depend on.
Her leadership extends far beyond project execution, however, as Wagner has been instrumental in expanding and enriching Triangle’s company culture, spearheading initiatives that empower employees and foster collaboration. She launched and continues to manage Triangle’s internal company newsletter, providing a platform to share updates, recognize accomplishments, and celebrate successes. She also founded the company’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG)—a space dedicated to supporting professional growth, inclusion, and mentorship across the organization.
Active in the wider packaging community, Wagner leverages her involvement with PMMI’s Future Workforce Committee and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) to inspire the next generation of industry talent. “Whether it’s seeking mentorship, reading industry insights, or taking on projects that push you outside your comfort zone, there’s always something new to learn,” she says. “Curiosity and a commitment to growth will take you far as a leader.”
Recently promoted to Product Line Manager, Wagner has taken on a more strategic role, combining her passion for data and market insights with a drive to shape Triangle’s future offerings. She is currently leading the development of an internal resource database to map Triangle’s product lines and identify opportunities for growth. Her work bridges engineering, sales, and marketing—helping the company align product strategy with customer needs and market trends.
Behind her success is a deep commitment to learning and perseverance. One of her proudest achievements was earning her master’s degree while working full time on the night shift—a milestone that reflects both discipline and determination. “It taught me that no one else will make a change for you,” she reflects. “You have to be your own best advocate.”
Wagner’s curiosity and forward-thinking mindset keep her tuned into the future of packaging. She’s particularly passionate about sustainability and automation, two forces reshaping the industry. “Technologies like digital twins and smarter automation are helping reduce material waste and improve efficiency,” she says. “I’m excited to see how we can keep advancing sustainability through innovation.”
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