The University of Maine Pulp + Paper Foundation is proud to celebrate McKenna Goulette for receiving the TAPPI Young Professionals Division Leadership and Service Award at TAPPICon 2026.
Presented annually by TAPPI, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and exceptional service to their division while creating meaningful impact for fellow members and the broader industry. The recognition highlights not only technical involvement, but also a commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and advancing the future of the pulp and paper industry.
For those who know McKenna, the honor comes as no surprise.
Throughout TAPPICon, McKenna played a major leadership role in conference programming and engagement. She represented the Young Professionals Division across multiple events, ran the Young Professionals Annual Meeting, moderated a “Leadership Pathways Breakfast” discussion on positive communication during challenging situations, and co-organized and moderated the annual “Hot Topics Tables” session — a signature TAPPICon event featuring 21 industry roundtable discussions.
In addition, she served as a panelist for the Women In Industry session, “The Power of Unity: Women Leading Industry Transformation,” helping facilitate important conversations around leadership, inclusion, and the evolving future of the industry.
McKenna also took time during the conference to connect with current University of Maine students attending and presenting at TAPPICon, including Keller Whitney, MEE ’27, and Jacob Levesque, CHE ’26. Her continued investment in supporting students and helping them build industry connections reflects the same culture of mentorship and camaraderie that defines the UMPPF experience.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because TAPPI has given me so many opportunities to grow professionally and personally,” said McKenna. “One of the best parts of being involved has been the chance to build relationships with people across the industry who genuinely want to help each other succeed. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that values collaboration, leadership, and supporting the next generation coming into the industry.”
McKenna’s recognition reflects the mission of UMPPF: preparing and supporting future leaders who will strengthen and advance the pulp and paper industry for years to come. As the industry continues to evolve through innovation, sustainability, and new technologies, leaders like McKenna represent the collaborative and forward-thinking future of pulp and paper.
Congratulations, McKenna, on this well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to have you representing UMPPF and helping lead the next generation of industry professionals.
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