2013 TAPPI Paper Machine Operations Course
 

Jim Atkins
Course Chair, Atkins, Inc.
jatkinsinc@yahoo.com

Jim Atkins graduated from University of North Carolina in 1968 with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry. He worked for International Paper Company first in product research and then in a paper machine diagnostic group. In 1984 he joined James River as Manager of Flat Paper Manufacturing. Subsequently, he was mill manager at the James River Riegel Products Milford, NJ mill and then Manager of Engineering for the Custom Products Division. In 1989 he joined A&F Corporation, a paper machinery manufacturer, as President. In 1991 he became a consultant to the paper industry specialized in paper machine operation and training. Atkins, Inc. is a provider of TAPPI Company Classroom training in the area of the paper mill. Atkins has also written, directed, and produced several TAPPI CBT training courses including Making Pulp and Paper and Practical Papermaking. He is Chairman of the TAPPI Paper Machine Operations Course, and the TAPPI Improving Paper Machine Performance Course.

Ellen Gibbs
Albany International

Ellen Gibbs has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Masters in Education from Boston University. She has been the Technical Director for Americas Press Fabrics for about two years. Prior to that, she spent most of her career with Albany in Press Fabric Applications for Publication, Tissue, Board and Pulp Grades. He also spent time in Manufacturing, R&D and was the Manager of the Product Engineering Group in Albany.

Kevin Kroon
Albany International

Kevin Kroon has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1997. During his first 11 years in the paper industry, he held various positions at the Kimberly Mill in Kimberly, WI from Process Engineer, Shift Supervision, Coating/Calender Superintendent, and Paper Machine Superintendent. He has experience with commissioning of a multi-million dollar rebuild with a dilution headbox, shoe press, and pre-coating. Most recently, he has been with Albany International for the past 4.5 years in Applications covering all product grades primarily in Publication grades. His current position is Product Manager in Fine Paper Publication Grades.

Richard Smith
Albany International

Richard Smith holds a textile management degree from Tri-County Technical College located in Pendleton S.C. His current job responsibility is that of Product Manager-Dryer Fabrics. He has been with Albany International for 13 years of his 37 total years in the paper machine clothing industry.