Our people
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Kevin Kelly
› CEO
Kevin Kelly became chief executive officer of Emerald Packaging
in 2001, succeeding his father James P. Kelly, who helped found
the company. Kevin joined Emerald Packaging in 1996 after a career in
journalism working for BusinessWeek magazine. He has twice
served as the president of the California Film Extruders and
Converters Association and is currently on its' board, as well
as the board of the nationwide Film and Bag Association. Kevin
has a graduate degree from the London School of Economics.
Preston Neetzel
› Plant Manager
Preston Neetzel joined Emerald Packaging in 1984 as a production
member and worked his way up through the ranks to his current
position as Emerald Packaging’s plant manager overseeing all
manufacturing operations. During his tenure with the company,
Preston has held every production position in the facility.
These diverse roles have allowed him to build an extensive
expertise in printing, specialty converting and quality control
systems.
Maura Kelly Koberlein
› Vice President
Maura Kelly Koberlein joined the family business in 1987
and has since held positions within the company including
customer service representative to traffic manager.
In her current role, Maura focuses on company operations.
Maura received a B.A. in business administration
with a minor in biology from Holy Names University in 1984.
She volunteers for the Best Friends Animal Society.
Todd Somers
› Sales and Marketing Director
Todd Somers joined Emerald Packaging in 2006 to help coordinate
Emerald’s dramatic sales growth. Todd has worked in the
plastics industry since 1994, most recently with Illinois
Tool Works where he oversaw sales and marketing of value-added
products. Todd holds a B.A. in political science with a minor in
business administration from the University of Southern California.
He speaks fluent Spanish.
Pallavi Joyappa
› Process and Quality Control Manager
Pallavi Joyappa joined the company in 2005 and has since been
instrumental in the driving and execution of Emerald Packaging’s
Lean and Six Sigma initiatives. Prior to joining Emerald Packaging,
Pallavi was a process control engineer for a Minnesota-based
printing company. Pallavi received her bachelors degree in
engineering in India and holds a masters in engineering
management from the University of Wisconsin. An active
ASQ member, Pallavi is a trained Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ CSBB).
Jim Kelly
› Vice President, National Accounts
James Kelly handles sales at some of our largest customers,
specializing in packaging for bakeries, field pack vegetables,
and carrots. He joined Emerald Packaging in 1983 following
a stint with Proctor & Gamble and he helped spearhead
our company’s move into the baby carrot packaging segment,
where we are one of the nation’s largest suppliers.
Jim is a graduate of Stanford University where he earned degrees
in economics and history.
Francisco Gamez
› Technical Director
Francisco Gamez joined Emerald Packaging in 2005. He has been instrumental
in the company’s efforts to expand its film offerings and its move
into lamination. He has a broad background in product development
including materials for fresh produce, dry goods, snack foods and
other products. He has a B.S. in chemistry from California State
University, Hayward.
Jan McGrath
› Accounting Manager
Jan McGrath coordinates our financial and accounting functions,
including accounts receivables and accounts payables. She has held this
position with Emerald Packaging for over 30 years. When she isn’t
laboring over our books, Jan pursues her passion for golf.