Our People
Just like you can’t have a paper industry without paper, you can’t have Teamwork without a team. People always come first at Case Paper, which is why we celebrate being “On the Case” or going above and beyond for customers, fellow employees, and the communities around us.
Our 2022 On the Case Winners
Donna DiGiacomo
Customer Service Representative
High Point*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Boogie Shoes” by KC and The Sunshine Band.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
A light-weight paperboard, because I am hard to break!
Tell us a joke!
Why did the employee get fired from the calendar factory?? He took a day off!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Visited a paper mill to see the whole papermaking process – from log to finished paper rolls.
Donna’s OTC submission highlight:
“Donna went above and beyond, demonstrating Teamwork, Flexibility and Owning it!! I had an issue with an order and didn’t know how to fix it. Instead of just doing it herself, Donna scheduled a meeting with me to walk me through how to do it. I unfortunately had to cancel the meeting, so instead she took it upon herself to make a video recording of the process and sent it to me for future reference. Donna could have easily completed this issue herself, but she understood the training opportunity, and went way above any expectations.”
Sophia Negron
Purchasing Specialist
Philadelphia*
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
The Bible!
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
🙂🦞🙏 (smiling face, lobster, and praying hands).
Tell us a joke!
Why did the scarecrow win a prize? He was outstanding in his field 😊.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve jumped off a bridge into a river!
Sophia’s OTC submission highlight:
“Sophia is awesome to work with, she goes above and beyond and is always pleasant, and willing to help. When her manager was out on maternity leave, she took charge. She helped clean up open orders and helped with Menasha trade converting stock. She’s a great employee. Every time I’ve gone to her for something, she’s always willing to lend a hand any way she can. She demonstrates all our core values and deserves to be recognized for what she does.”
Jerry Vidana
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
The intro song for the show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😆🙂😍 (grinning, smiling, and heart eyes which is specifically for when I see food!)
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I rappelled upside-down from the Texas Battleship!
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
To me, it means being consistent, dependable, and living our core values. Giving the extra 10% effort to reach that 110%!
Jerry’s OTC submission highlight:
“If you know Jerry, you know he is always OTC! Not only is he building our safety department, which alone takes tremendous effort, but he is speaking to our core values. He is Flexible with his time, helping to build our new division, Case by Case, which shows Teamwork, all while keeping our Reputation in mind. Jerry Owns It – he is highly devoted to our growth and shows up to work excited to make a difference each day.”
Debbie Seckinger
Credit & Collections Analyst
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
A holographic laminate, because they are crazy beautiful and enjoyed by all.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being responsible and accountable. Being the best that I can be for Case Paper.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Drove a harness horse in a real race at Garden State Park Racetrack (between 2nd and 3rd race). Went wire to wire and won.
Debbie’s OTC submission highlight:
“Debbie is, without a doubt, one of the best people to work with at Case Paper. Debbie goes above and beyond her duties. She picks up the phone to speak directly to customers instead of waiting on emails. She works with salespeople to complete jobs and gather necessary account information. Teamwork is imperative with her job, and she handles it well with humor and utmost professionalism. She would even call me late at night or early mornings before her work hours to make sure that I was updated on my accounts and that they were taken care of. She has always been a stellar person to work with. Professional, friendly, competent, loyal and treats everyone with respect.”
William Haubrich
Maintenance Mechanic
Philadelphia*
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
I put out a fire in the dumpster and was called “Fire Marshall Bill”.
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Taking Care of Business” by Bachman Turner Overdrive.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Became a parent!
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being “On The Case” to me means going above & beyond and lending a helping hand where and when it is needed.
William’s OTC submission highlight:
“From putting out fires (literally) to serving food on all 3 shifts, where would Case Paper be without Billy? During our Cinco De Mayo party, Billy came in for all 3 shifts to serve the guys hot food (and he has a baby at home!). Talk about flexiBILLity! Then later in the week, a mysterious dumpster fire started. Billy jumped in the dumpster and began tossing out the most flammable items; he really OWNED that fire!”
Phyllis Grace
Receptionist
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Won’t You be my Neighbor” from Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
28 pt. Natural Kraft (people tell me that I am stubborn and I will not bend).
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😊 😋😪 (Happy, Hungry, Sleepy).
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
To me, being “On the Case” means doing whatever it takes to help any and all of my coworkers get the job done.
Phyllis’ OTC submission highlight:
“Phyllis is always On the Case and willing to help wherever she can. Every Christmas, she helps give back to local children by wrapping and organizing gifts. She’s the first face everyone sees when they arrive and the last when they leave. She organizes the mail, helps with our samples, and handles all the calls & screens at the front door. Phyllis is such an asset to Case Paper. She’s the best!!!”
Samuel Forwalt
Logistics Team Lead
Osgood*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
For anyone who actually knows me here, it would have to be “Don’t Touch My Truck” by Breland.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would have to go with laminate. Why? Well because I like to try and be the icing on the cake, everyone likes something sweet at some point. I try and put that into my work perspective, the better I work the day before, the sweeter and easier the next day is going to be.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
I would have to say money, all of my hobbies are really expensive to do without it!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Bear with me, I’ve lived under a rock most of my life…. but driving from NC to OBX and seeing the wild horses out on the islands of Corolla Beach was pretty cool to me.
Samuel’s OTC submission highlight:
“Sam doesn’t just work in logistics here in Osgood, he “owns it”! He prioritizes his work to keep machines fed and trucks flowing in and out, even on our busiest days. One Friday, Sam was off, and he heard there was a truck coming to pick up a load of rolls. Sam was On the Case, and he came in to make sure the load went out to our customer as planned!”
Mirna Carmona
Customer Service Representative
Los Angeles*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
1. “The Lazy Song” by Bruno Mars (before my morning cup of coffee). 2. “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue (after my morning cup of coffee).
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
Novalith, because it’s reliable.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😂 😝 🤦♀️ (laughing, squinting, facepalm).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Probably zip lining in Lake Tahoe!
Mirna’s OTC submission highlight:
“Mirna is the one stop shop for all things relating to customers, reps, credit, and warehousing in Cali. She is our glue. She demonstrates our core values daily: willingness to try new things by taking on and owning the growth of several house accounts; proactively updating spreads; reaching out to customers for orders; asking what she can do when there is downtime and offering help to others in our office (production and credit) when a team member is in need.”
Dani Stadnik
Sales Service Supervisor
Miami*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
Monday: “Should I stay, or should I go?” by The Clash. Tuesday: “I get Knocked Down, but I get up Again!” by Chumbawamba. Wednesday: “Rock you like a Hurricane” by The Scorpions. Thursday:” We are the Champions” by Queen. Friday: “Everybody’s Workin’ for the Weekend!” by Loverboy.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be Novalith Gloss: A reliable workhorse.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Made homemade ice cream (Ha, get it? “coolest”).
Tell us a joke!
Someone handed me a picture and said, “This is a picture of me when I was younger.” Every picture of you is a picture from when you were younger. If you gave me a picture of when you were older, I would say, ‘Holy sheet…let me see that camera!’
Dani’s OTC submission highlight:
“Dani is a truly resilient individual. Over the past quarter, Dani took on significant additional responsibilities amounting to the workload of at least two employees. While this was certainly an overwhelming challenge, Dani embraced it with a positive attitude and innovative ideas. At the same time, also faced, a death in her family. While she struggled to work through this reality, she maintained professional responsibilities and exceeded expectations. Dani is well-deserving of an OTC award!”
Edward “Fish” Tapia
Material Handler
Los Angeles*
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
I knew a driver for a few years and I’ve always talked to him in English. I recently found out he doesn’t speak English. He only knows “yes” “no” or “sir”. I asked him why he never told me he didn’t speak English, and in Spanish, he said that he didn’t know how to tell me in English!
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
🐟 🤪 🤓 (Fish, Silly Face, Nerd Face) .
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being “On the Case” to me means always being ready!
Tell us a joke!
Today I asked my phone, “SIRI, why am I still single?” and it activated the front camera….
Edward’s OTC submission highlight:
“Edward (aka Fish) “is” our core values in action. Our plant manager had some personal issues and had to miss several days throughout the quarter. He normally opens the facility up in the morning and gets everything started. Fish, whose primary job is to receive incoming paper, stepped up and opened the facility. He got everything started and put out fires as necessary to keep everything running smoothly. This is just the type of person he is. “
Lucas Zamora
Warehouseman
Chicago*
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
I accidentally banded my glove to a skid and watched it wave goodbye to me as someone pulled the skid away.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I’d be 24 pt. C2S – shiny and strong!
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😎👍😁 (smiling w/ sunglasses, thumbs up, and beaming).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve played in a band before!
Lucas’ OTC submission highlight:
“Lucas had a substantial injury many months ago, and we didn’t know if he would be able to work again. However, he made it his goal to get back to work. When he first came back to work, it was a blessing to see him moving about and banding skids. The doctors told him he wouldn’t be able to work again and today he is one of our best. I admire his courage and his no-quit attitude.”
Lisa Jackson
Lead Receiving Coordinator
Philadelphia*
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
I have really short hair and a truck driver called me “SIR”.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I’d be a laminate – I love sparkly and shiny things!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Encountered some dolphins!
Tell us a joke!
What do you call a well-balanced horse? A STABLE!
Lisa’s OTC submission highlight:
“Lisa always makes sure the job gets done!! Lisa will come in early or stay late to help complete a job (Flexible), she owns training and cares that things are done right (Own It, Reputation Matters), and Lisa reaches out to others when her work is complete to see where she can lend a helping hand (Teamwork). I’m recognizing Lisa for the hard work she puts in to make us successful! Thank you, Lisa! We appreciate you and all that you do!”
Our Leadership Team
Robin Schaffer
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
That’s easy. The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun.”
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
MetsaBoard. I always want to be light-weight and foldable.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
What are emojis?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Hitchhiking for 12 weeks with my wife (girlfriend at the time) through England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Holland in the summer of 1970.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being available to our customers, suppliers and employees at any time.
Keith Goldberg
VP Sales
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
Kenny Rogers “The Gambler”; know when to hold them, and know when to fold them!
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I’d be Silver Mylar; I like to shine at what I do.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😊 🤣 👍 (smiling, laughing and thumbs up).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Racecar driving at Richard Petty School in Vegas.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Always striving to be the best I can in all aspects of life – I don’t always succeed, but I try!
Jill McDonough
VP of IT Operations
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
Anything from The Rolling Stones… if I have to pick one, it would be my all-time favorite – “Sympathy for the Devil”.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😂😎🥳 (crying laughing, smiling w/ sunglasses, and partying face).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Raise my daughter Meghan. I smile every time I see and hear her success stories.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Teammates who go above and beyond their job descriptions while keeping our core values in the forefront.
Tell us a joke!
I am not really a joke teller; I like to poke fun at myself. So, with that in mind —- Why do I get so much exercise at work? I jump to conclusions, I push my luck, and I play dodgeball with deadlines!
Simon Schaffer-Goldman
President
New York HQ
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
When I first started at Case, I would go to visit customers in NYC, and one time we had to pick up a payment in Chinatown. The customer proceeded to count out over $15k in cash (using 5’s, 10’s and 20’s), wrapped it in newspaper and put it into a to-go bag. We uncomfortably walked around with it and made it back to the car. On the way home, we stopped to get the car washed and the car washers grabbed it thinking it was trash and almost threw it away!
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I was a big MacGyver fan growing up, so I’d say paperboard because of its versatility and numerous applications.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Vinyl record sleeves.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I lived and worked on a sheep farm on an island in New Zealand with dirt roads, no tv, cell reception or wifi.
Tell us a joke!
Two muffins were sitting in an oven. One turned to the other and said “Hey, it’s pretty hot in here, isn’t it?” The other turned and screamed “Ahhh a talking muffin!”
Todd Greenwood
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
Since it has always been one of my favorite shows since childhood, and most everyone would recognize it, perhaps the theme song to the Andy Griffith show.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would say paperboard because of its strong and consistent characteristics, plus the ability to be adaptable for many uses.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
I love notepads and notebooks, as I am definitely more likely to write down lists and reminders versus using my phone.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
🎣 🦌 🏌️♂️ (A fishing rod and fish, a deer, and a golfer).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
During a mill trip, we went out on a fishing boat and pulled up a cage with Alaskan King crabs. We were able to have a crab leg feast right on the boat. Nothing could be fresher, and it was an awesome experience.
Cass Lundgren
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Labels on unique cheeses for a charcuterie board!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Fly Apache Helicopters in the Army.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
“We are better than we were yesterday, not as good as we are going to be tomorrow.”
Tell us a joke!
Have you heard the rumor about butter? Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it.
Dele Abiona
VP of Human Resources
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Amazing Grace” by IL DIVO.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I’d be a laminate, because of my shiny bald head.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
✝️👪🇳🇬 (cross, family, Nigerian flag).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I participated in a national level disco dance competition!
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being a voice for voiceless.
Brian Berger
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
New York HQ
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
While I was traveling to our other Case Paper divisions, unbeknownst to me, my office was being used to store baby gifts for a colleague’s upcoming baby shower. I arrived back to my office to discover that it had been transformed into what appeared to be a daycare center, complete with highchairs, diapers, toys, etc. It cracked me up because my wife has mentioned (on rare occasions) that I behave like a toddler…so I guess if the (baby) shoe fits…
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be red, bright-colored film (to match my hair) with a professional pinstriped design and a “dull” (accountant type) finish!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Complete a triathlon…which you’ve probably heard all about, mile by mile…
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being (made) aware of Case Paper’s challenges and opportunities and maximizing/resolving them by merging the ideas, experiences and talents of team members.
Tell us a joke!
What are the similarities between a joke and a paper bag? Both can be recycled!
On the Case Awards
When we say we’re “On the Case” (OTC for short), it’s more than just an impeccable pun; it’s a company-wide initiative that encourages everyone at Case Paper to go above and beyond for customers, fellow employees, and the communities around us.
Now in its 4th year, our internal “On the Case” awards encourage employees to submit stories of exceptional performances by their coworkers. Winners are chosen and rewarded each quarter!
About Case Paper
We’ve learned and changed a lot over the last 80 years. See where we’ve come from and where we’re at today!
