Meet our colleague – Pam Versailles

Pam is the Health & Safety Director for our North American facilities and has been working here for over 23 years. She works closely with the American Leadership Team and mill safety teams to improve health and safety for Billerud.

"My passion is engaging employees to prevent injuries", says Pam.

She is also responsible for Public Relations and Communications for the Escanaba Mill.
"In this role, I work closely with community leaders to ensure the mill/company has a positive impact on the community."

Would you like to share your development journey at Billerud?

"My journey at Billerud began in an entry-level role within the Environmental Department at the Escanaba Mill. From there, I gradually transitioned into different roles, each providing valuable learning experiences. Moving into the Safety Department as a Safety Specialist allowed me to expand my skills further. Later on, I had the privilege of serving as the Communications and Public Relations Manager for the Escanaba Mill for about five years. Following that, I took on the role of Safety and Security Manager, where I continued to grow professionally. A couple of years ago, I was promoted to my current position, which has been a rewarding culmination of my development journey."

Are you active in any other initiatives at the company?

"Throughout my time at the Escanaba facility, I've also been actively involved in the Emergency Response Team, serving as a firefighter and hazardous response technician, as well as a Medical First Responder."

What would you say that you have learned from your time at Billerud?

"What has gotten us here, won’t get us to zero. When I started at the Escanaba Mill, there was nearly 700 injuries that year, at that facility. We worked on many things over the past couple decades and finished 2022 with only 21 injuries. The goal will always be for none of our team members to suffer an injury while at work."

How did you decide to embark on your development journey specifically at Billerud?

"At the time, Mead Paper was the largest employer in the area and it was truly a dream come true to be able to work at the mill. I have a tremendous amount of pride in this company and the community."

What advice would you give to individuals who are at the beginning of their careers at Billerud?

"Celebrate the little things. It is the little things, the small changes you make here and there that drive the big changes. Celebrating those small wins feels good and it’s great for the team. When you put things into perspective, we all have a lot to feel good about."

Is there anything you would like to highlight that we haven’t asked about?

"I am also a member of the Women In Business Taskforce for Billerud North America – started earlier this year. Our mission statement is “Women in Business Taskforce is aimed at advancing women while also improving Billerud as a workplace for all team members.” One of our current objectives is establishing a Women’s Network for North America."