Professional Role and Responsibilities
September Blain is a senior-level executive at International Paper, based in Memphis, Tennessee, with key leadership roles tied to the company’s strategic and operational oversight. While specific details about her direct responsibilities at the Baltimore Recycling Facility are not explicitly documented, her broader executive portfolio within International Paper provides significant insights relevant to her profile:
- Vice President – Industrial Packaging Group Strategy & Finance (per external profiles): This role suggests high-level responsibility for financial planning, strategy formulation, and possibly overseeing packaging and recycling operations, which likely encompass the Baltimore Recycling Facility given her association with International Paper’s recycling operations.
- Director roles within International Paper and affiliated entities, including governance and oversight duties concerning:
- Employee political action funds and contributions.
- The International Paper Co 401k Board, focusing on employee retirement investments.
- Vice President and President of subsidiary and affiliated entities managing timber properties (SP Forests L.L.C.) and former joint ventures (IP-35 Inc).
- Vice President at IP International Holdings Inc, overseeing significant non-U.S. business operations.
These leadership positions reflect Blain’s expansive influence spanning strategy, finance, governance, and operational oversight across several facets of International Paper’s business.
Industry and Sector Engagement
September Blain demonstrates active professional engagement in transformative industry trends and technologies relevant to International Paper’s strategic vision, notably:
- Participation in high-profile conferences and forums such as:
- 2024 MIT Digital Technology and Strategy Conference, focusing on generative AI and digital transformation.
- MLC Rethink Advancing Transformation in Manufacturing Conference (June 2024), centered on Manufacturing 4.0 and smart factory innovations.
- PwC Emerging Tech Exchange (March 2024), exploring human-machine integration and emerging technologies.
- Microsoft Envision NYC event (September 2023), highlighting digital innovation and envisioning future tech applications.
Her involvement in these events underscores her focus on disruptive technologies, digital transformation, and applying innovative solutions within manufacturing and packaging industries.
Organizational & Community Leadership
Blain holds multiple directorships and board memberships that link her to broader business, cultural, and philanthropic activities:
- Germantown Performing Arts Center Board of Directors (Director since 2019): A 501(c)(3) organization supporting arts in Germantown, Tennessee.
- The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business Board of Visitors (Board Director since 2019): Engages business leaders with academic administration and student initiatives.
- The University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy Professional Accounting Board (Board Director since 2019): Facilitates connections between professional accounting leaders and academia.
- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (Director since 2016): The largest and oldest art museum in Tennessee.
- Past directorship at WKNO Public TV & Radio (2005–2014), a community-owned nonprofit broadcasting entity.
- Leadership roles related to International Paper Foundation and International Paper Political Action Committee (PAC), focusing on philanthropy and governance.
These roles indicate a well-rounded executive profile with influence extending beyond corporate operations into community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
Company and Operational Context
International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging and recycling services, operating a network that includes:
- 18 recycling facilities in North America, part of the company’s integrated recycling solutions.
- National accounts and brokerage teams dedicated to commercial recycling services.
- Recent strategic announcements in 2024 and 2025 indicate ongoing transformation initiatives, including:
- Facility closures in various U.S. locations to optimize operational efficiency.
- Investments such as a $250 million upgrade to the Riverdale mill to enhance containerboard production.
- Exiting certain market segments like molded fiber and divesting particular packaging and timber assets, demonstrating a shift toward a more focused packaging and recycling business model.
The company’s sustainability mission centers around a circular economy approach, promoting closed-loop recycling and environmentally responsible packaging. These corporate priorities align with Blain’s noted focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and strategic growth.
Professional Network & Influence
- Blain maintains a substantial network on LinkedIn exceeding 1,900 followers and over 500 connections.
- Her LinkedIn activity consistently emphasizes engagement with digital innovation and industry transformation.
- She is recognized for thought leadership surrounding generative AI, manufacturing transformation, and emerging technologies in packaging and recycling.
Education and Background
- Educational background includes affiliation with The University of Texas at Dallas.
- Although specific degrees or academic credentials are not detailed, board positions with The University of Alabama’s business and accountancy schools indicate a strong professional foundation in business strategy and finance.
In summary, September Blain serves as a high-impact executive at International Paper with strategic oversight in packaging, recycling, and finance. Her leadership encompasses governance of political and retirement fund activities, executive management of key subsidiaries, and active engagement with emerging technologies that drive transformation in manufacturing and sustainability. Her professional activities and board memberships reinforce her influence both operationally within International Paper and more broadly in business thought leadership and community initiatives.
