In her 16 years with film packaging firm Charter Next Generation Inc. in Milton, Wis., Erin Propson has had the opportunity to challenge herself in various roles, from business manager to most recently director of sales operations.
"By taking on positions of increasing responsibility, I've gained the skills and experience necessary to lead the pricing group and make strategic decisions that are beneficial to CNG," she said. Propson's team manages pricing for new and existing products, provides sales support, drafts pricing agreements, tracks index changes and much more.
"At one point in my career, CNG was considering the sale of one of its smaller business units. I created a business plan, developed a website, hired a professional consultant and reported my findings and final recommendations to the board," she said. "In the end, the company decided not to sell, but this experience opened my eyes to the industry and challenged me to navigate unfamiliar territory. It was an exciting time; no two days were ever the same."
Propson graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh with a bachelor's degree in finance and human resource management and minor in economics. She started as a pricing analyst with Appleton Performance Packaging Films, now CNG, part of Appleton Papers Inc.
"I had a diverse financial background, and the idea of working for a packaging materials company absolutely fascinated me," she said. "After all, packaging is a big part of everyday life."
When Propson was growing up, her father worked in the manufacturing industry, and every time she would visit his workplace, she would see an office full of men.
"As a woman in manufacturing today, I represent change," she said. "I want to continue to be an example of and voice for change while making a positive impact at CNG."
Outside of work, Propson has been an elected member of Hilbert (Wisconsin) School District's Board of Education for more than 12 years and has been involved in "two successful building referendums aimed at expanding learning outlets and opportunities for students."
"I would like to grow my team and help nurture future leaders," Propson said about her future plans. "Being a fearless leader for CNG is at the top of my list."
