Dr. Melanie Bower has worked at ExxonMobil for 23 years. After graduating with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Florida State University, Melanie began her professional career with ExxonMobil as a chemist in Baton Rouge. Since then, she has held various technical and regulatory affairs positions across the company’s chemical business, providing her a strong foundation in the integral role that chemical products play in addressing sustainability challenges.

Melanie currently leads the team focused on addressing policy in the Americas related to the advanced recycling of plastic waste. Melanie is a vocal advocate for addressing the plastic waste challenge and she represents the company’s views at various associations including the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Plastics Industry Association, The Recycling Partnership, and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.

Prior to Amcor, Bill served as Bemis Company’s Senior Vice President and Global Chief Technology Officer from 2013-2019. He also spent five years with Dow Chemical as Vice President of Global R&D for Dow Building and Construction. Before Dow, he spent 16 years at General Electric with leadership roles in GE Plastics, GE Lighting, GE Consumer & Industrial, and GE Corporate as well as 2 years with Shell Oil Company.

Bill is currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Flexible Packaging Association Board of Directors. He has served on the Cornerstone Building Brands Board of Directors and also served as Chairman of the U.S. Industrial Advisory Board to the Department of Energy U.S./China Clean Energy Research Center.

Bill received his Bachelor of Arts from the College of Wooster (Ohio) and received his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. He currently holds five U.S. patents and has published over 40 papers in international journals.

Alison Keane is an environmental attorney with over 25 years of experience in both the private and governmental sectors. She is currently the President and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the association representing U.S. converters of film, foil, paper, and other materials into packages for food, medical device, and industrial products. Prior to joining the FPA in 2016, she was with the American Coatings Association (ACA) for 16 years and served first as Counsel and then as Vice President for Government Affairs. She was also the Executive Director, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for the ACA’s product stewardship organization – PaintCare.

Other employment experience includes the Environmental Protection Agency’s Headquarters office, the Maryland State Senate, and private practice. Alison has her BA in Biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and her JD from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. She is admitted to the practice of law in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Marquez was hired at PMMI in 2016 as a manager of business intelligence, responsible for the execution and analysis of PMMI’s internal market research projects. Due to her proven track record of success in quantitative and qualitative execution and analysis, project management, and business development skills, in March of 2021, Ms. Marquez was given a leading role in the development and building of PMMI Media Group’s Custom Research initiative, a new offering of proprietary research services for PMMI members and packaging industry professionals. In addition to her responsibilities in PMMI Business Intelligence, Ms. Marquez is responsible for the design, execution, and production of PMMI’s market research products for external clients.

Ms. Marquez graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has completed the Data Analytics Certification for the University of Georgia (2020) and the TLP 360 Degree Feedback Program for Leadership Development (2021).

Trina Matta is the Director of Policy Implementation at The Recycling Partnership. Trina lead the Partnership’s Film & Flexibles Recycling Coalition, a group of industry stakeholders working to advance film recovery in the United States, as it developed and implemented a strategy for making film curbside recyclable. She has worked in recycling and sustainability for more than a decade in roles with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), recycling consultancy RRS, and the State of North Carolina.

Jonathan Quinn is the Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Pregis, where he leads the market segmentation strategy development and execution along with all facets of flexible packaging sustainability focused on providing innovative products and services that Protect, Preserve, & Inspyre. Jonathan joined Pregis in June of 2021. Jonathan is recognized as an expert in the areas of Packaging Sustainability, consumer insight and voice of consumer associated with packaging. He has conducted extensive consumer research on the e-Commerce and consumer packaged goods sectors. Prior to joining Pregis, Jonathan most recently held Marketing leadership roles at NOVA Chemicals. Additionally, he has held sales leadership and business development roles at Illinois Tool Works Zip-Pak division, the COESIA Group, and Multisorb Technologies.

Quinn holds a Bachelor of Science in Packaging Science and Business Management from Clemson University. Currently, Jonathan is the founder and Chairman of the Emerging Leadership Council at the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), and is on the Global Board of Directors of the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). In June of 2021, Jonathan was appointed to the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Advisory Board for Diversity and Inclusion. Jonathan was designated a “Rising Star under 35” by Plastics News in 2018 and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) Young Leader of the Year in 2019. In February of 2021 Jonathan was recognized by Plastics News as a top Social Media influencer in Plastics and Packaging. He can be found on all social media channels under the handle @JQUINNPACKAGED.

Kuma Roberts is the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Arrowhead Consulting a boutique project management, leadership development, and executive coaching firm in Tulsa, OK. Kuma partners with CEOs, executives, and leadership teams to deepen their personal and professional commitments to celebrate diversity, champion equity, and cultivate inclusion. After spending nearly, a decade working with chambers of commerce, businesses both corporate and nonprofit- Kuma knows what truly drives conversations related to DEI, - and it’s not just checking the box and other performative acts of solidarity with people across differences. It’s how well you connect with the full humanity of all people as well as being intentional about shifting policies and practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Linda Roman is an Associate Director of Packaging at The Kraft Heinz Company. In her current position, Linda leads a Packaging R&D team, focused on addressing critical business strategies and ESG commitments through technology unlocks and partnerships across the entire value chain.

Linda is an R&D professional, with over 25 years of experience in the Food and Beverage industry. The majority of her career has been spent in packaging R&D, with over half in innovation and technology development. Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida.

Jennifer joined Dow’s Packaging & Specialty Plastics Division in 2018. In her role, she collaborates with the entire value chain to end marine debris and improve plastic circularity. Her work includes serving on the board of AMERIPEN and as vice-chair of the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Sustainability Committee.

Before joining Dow, Jennifer was a Senior Research Scientist for HARC, a sustainability research hub, where she led the Environmental Science and Energy Efficiency Programs. Prior to joining HARC, she served as the Deputy Director for the Renewable Energy and International Law (REIL) Network, a DC-based international think tank for clean energy and climate change law and policy. Prior to REIL Jennifer was the Vice-President of Applied Environmental Solutions, a consulting firm focusing on addressing soil and groundwater contamination. Jennifer earned her Master of Environmental Management Degree from Yale University.

During his 24 years career, Esteban has experienced all aspects of the petrochemical value chain, through commercial and marketing assignments with Repsol Química in Spain, Tetra Pak in Panama, and New Castle Industries in Houston. That cycle of experiences, spanning chemical producers, polymer converters, and consumer product companies, was a key success factor for his transition to the chemical consulting industry, where Esteban worked under the umbrella of renowned firms like Townsend Tarnell, Nexant ChemSystems, CMAI (now part of IHS Chemical), and Wood Mackenzie, honing his price research, reporting and forecasting, market research, and analysis and feasibility studies skills.

During his tenure at CMAI, Esteban was responsible for the discovery and analysis of supply, demand, cost, and price dynamics for polyethylene and polypropylene in the Americas. He was also the lead in several proprietary studies, including feasibility studies, market analysis, and due diligence reports.

 Before founding ChemPMC, Esteban headed Wood Mackenzie’s polymer practice, designing and implementing the company’s polymer services, which features scenario-capable long-term supply and demand models, logistic demand forecasting tools, global trade grids, as well as seasonality-driven short-term supply and demand models, and in the process trained a global team of analysts located in Houston, London, and Singapore.

Esteban has been a featured speaker at North and Latin American chemical and polymer associations meetings including APLA, IPA, ANIPAC, Canadian Plastics, or CERI, as well as consulting firms and producers-led events. Esteban holds a Chemical Engineering Degree from the Instituto Químico de Sarrià in Barcelona, Spain as well as an MBA from Rice University’s Jones School of Business.

Barr's Transportation

All attendees must make their own transportation arrangements.

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Barr's Transportation is a full-service ground transportation company founded on the belief that our clients' time is their most important commodity. Whether for airport transportation, limousine service, or professional car service for any occasion, Barr's Transportation is your source for reliable car service. Let us ensure that you arrive to your destination safely and on time. Barr's Transportation is a preferred transportation partner for The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Tipper Transportation

All attendees must make their own transportation arrangements.

At the Jacksonville Black Car Service by Tipper Transportation, we strive to be the best that there is. With our many combined years of Luxury Transportation experience you will be in good hands at the right price and on time, every time.

Founded by Kendall Tipper (US Army combat veteran) we are Jacksonville natives with expert knowledge of the area. We believe in real customer service and that quality luxury passenger ground transportation is built around the finest customer service where the customer really Is always right. We understand that your time matters thus we are always on time, providing quality limousine and black car service at a fair price.

Dining

At The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, the restaurants center upon simple ingredients, transforming them through technique, seasoning and plating. Salt offers AAA Five Diamond dining showcasing its namesake spice, while Coast highlights local seafood and the Fernandina and Amelia Island experience.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Spa

At the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Amelia Island, the resort’s oceanfront setting in Florida provides both the view and the inspiration. Surrender to the rhythm of the island and the ebb and flow of the sea with signature services such as the "Heaven in a Hammock" massage, which combines touch therapy, gentle rocking, and the illusion of zero gravity to echo the movements of the tide; relax with the therapeutic Ocean Healing bath, which uses a vigorous sea salt exfoliation to stimulate circulation. Chakra balancing, reflexology, meditation, and yoga are also incorporated into the spa experience along with a healing saltwater pool.

Explore our Spa Services Menu for a variety of luxury Spa treatments, pricing, and special packages.

To reserve services please call Leisure Reservations at 904-277-1087 or reserve online.

Ritz Kids

Ritz Kids introduces young guests to the natural wonders of the island through a variety of hands-on adventures. Designed for children ages 5 through 12, the supervised program entertains kids with educational games and activities featuring different themes throughout the week. Ritz Kids programs are offered seasonally.

Recreational Activities

The pristine coastline at this north Florida hotel provides a picturesque setting for an array of activities and experiences. In and on the water, resort guests can learn to surf or stand-up paddle, explore the island by boat or kayak or relax at the oceanfront pool. The 18-hole championship golf course also takes advantage of the pristine coastline at this north Florida hotel provides a picturesque setting for an array of activities and experiences. In and on the water, resort guests can learn to surf or stand-up paddle, explore the island by boat or kayak or relax at the oceanfront pool. The 18-hole championship golf course also takes advantage of the beachfront setting to offer challenging and scenic play. Younger guests are given special attention with pirate tuck-ins, daily activities, and Our Space, a family-friendly game room.

Private Cabana Rental

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers private cabana rentals. Cabana amenities include: two complimentary signature cocktails; a fresh seasonal fruit plate; reading material; Ritz-Carlton sunscreen and aloe gel; a mini fridge stocked with non-alcoholic beverages; cable television; a personal cabana butler; an assorted snack bar; and a storage safe.