My 40 years in Forestry and the Paper Industries

A story by Donna Cassese from 1970s-2017

Donna Cassese describes her profession, from working as a Forester to being in charge of a paper mill. She focuses on the Research and Development being done in 2017 to expand the uses of wood, including making medical supplies, molds for purses, and soccer balls.

Donna Cassese is the Managing Director of Wood Resource Strategy for Sappi. She graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a degree in Forestry, and was the first female forester hired by Scott Paper in 1977. Donna has worked for the company (now Sappi) for 40 years in diverse roles including forestry, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and human resources.

Example of release paper made at Sappi's Westbrook Mill, 2017

Inspecting a logging operation in Flagstaff Lake, 1980

Handbag utilizing Sappi's Westbrook Mill release paper to cast the vinyl fabric, 2017

Donna Cassese is the Managing Director for Wood Resource Strategy at Sappi North America, 2017

Donna Cassese holding a soccer ball made from release paper from Sappi's Westbrook Mill, 2016