The People of GP Cellulose: Katie Davis – Quality Manager, Leaf River Mill
Katie Davis is a driving force behind GP Cellulose’s commitment to quality excellence at the Leaf River Mill. She is known for her innate ability to foster collaboration across teams, particularly between quality and operations. Katie began her career at the Leaf River Mill as a process engineer, where she honed her skills in optimizing production processes and solving complex challenges. In 2024, she transitioned into the role of Quality Manager, a move that highlighted her deep commitment to continuous growth and development. Her background in operations provides her with a unique perspective, enabling her to bridge the gap between teams seamlessly. By fostering open communication, Katie helps her team understand the value of quality measures and creates meaningful alignment across the mill.
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
Katie’s approach to quality is defined by her passion for learning and her focus on continual improvement. She proactively identifies gaps, conducts root-cause analyses, and implements actionable solutions that directly enhance customer satisfaction. From overseeing weekly claim reviews to preparing for customer audits, Katie ensures every detail is handled with precision and care.
“My favorite part of this role is being able to connect the mill, especially our operations groups, to our final product and our customers. I love bringing together different people from both inside and outside of the mill to work as one team to identify problems and come up with solutions that help us do the right thing every time,” Katie says. Her efforts have cultivated a shared sense of purpose among employees, connecting their roles to GP Cellulose’s broader mission of delivering reliable, high-quality products.
Problem-Solving in Action
A natural problem-solver, Katie has contributed significantly to the mill’s efforts to address an important issue for our customers. Upon stepping into her role, she worked closely with her team and dryer operations to dig deeper into data, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement targeted solutions. This collaborative effort, which included enhanced training and the introduction of innovative tools, has helped the mill better support our customers’ needs.
Beyond the Mill
Outside of work, Katie’s dedication and energetic approach extend to her personal life. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three young daughters in the great outdoors, engaging in activities like hunting, riding buggies, and spending time by the nearby creek. This balance of work and family reflects the care and resourcefulness she brings to all aspects of her life.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Katie Davis exemplifies the qualities that make GP Cellulose a trusted partner. Through her collaborative leadership, inventive problem-solving, and commitment to fostering a culture of quality, she has helped elevate performance at the Leaf River Mill. Katie’s work stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication, ensuring that GP Cellulose continues to deliver the reliability and excellence its customers depend on.