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Pulp and paper’s future leaders: Meet Shane Gray

We’re sharing the stories of our 2020 Top 10 Under 40 winners in the lead-up to the 2021 competition deadline on Apr. 9.

Whether they work in operations, maintenance, sales or technical support, these future pulp and paper leaders all share a strong work ethic, exhibit initiative and curiosity, and demonstrate a commitment to training and safety.

Today we’re highlighting Shane Gray, strategy and operations team lead for the woodlands operations at Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries in Boyle, Alta.

“Supportive” was a word that came up several times in Gray’s nomination by fellow colleague Najmus Saqib Khan.

Khan says that in Gray’s eight years at Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries (Alpac), he’s proven himself to be a caring leader and a trustworthy employee.

“Shane is very friendly, inclusive and goes above and beyond for the team whenever a situation arises.”

In his role as woodlands team lead, Gray, 29, supports a team of foresters managing Alpac’s forest management agreement (FMA) area for its pulp mill. Khan says that Gray’s coordination of the team highlights their strengths to improve overall performance.

“He ensures the team is managed with a coaching approach,” says Khan. “[Shane] is very friendly, inclusive and goes above and beyond for the team whenever a situation arises.”

Gray completed two strategic leadership courses alongside Khan, who witnessed Gray to be dependable and willing to take a stand on principles.

“He has been very much result-oriented and focused on achieving assigned targets in a most efficient and effective manner,” says Khan. “He has proven to be one of the best forestry professionals and with continued [drive] to acquire and learn more.”

Nominate a colleague in the 2021 Top 10 Under 40 competition by Apr. 9! For criteria and nomination forms, click here.