NPTA is proud to announce that Bill Garvey, President of Athens Paper, has been selected as the 2026 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award recipient.
With more than 40 years in the paper and printing industry, Bill has built a career defined by leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the success of the paper distribution channel. Over the course of his career, he has held key roles spanning sales, sales management, general management, and executive leadership, including positions with organizations such as International Paper, Southern Index, and Athens Paper Company.
Today, as President of Athens Paper, Bill continues to guide the organization through a rapidly evolving marketplace. Under his leadership, Athens has successfully navigated major industry challenges—including the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic—while transforming from a traditional paper-focused distributor into a more diversified business with expanded offerings in areas such as wide-format distribution, equipment, and packaging.
Bill’s contributions extend well beyond his own organization. A former Chair of NPTA, he has long been an active and generous supporter of industry associations and initiatives, consistently encouraging participation and leadership from others in his organization and across the industry. His commitment to strengthening the broader graphic arts and paper communities has earned him significant recognition, including the Printing Industry of the South’s “Person of the Year” award in 2024 and the Ben Franklin Award in 2018 for his support of the printing and paper industries in Georgia.
Those who have worked alongside Bill describe him as a thoughtful leader, a trusted colleague, and a professional whose integrity and perspective command deep respect throughout the industry. His leadership, character, and enduring dedication to the success of the paper trade make him a fitting recipient of one of the industry’s highest honors.
Please join us in congratulating Bill Garvey, the 2026 Stanley O. Styles Award honoree, for his outstanding contributions to the paper distribution and printing industries.
Bill will receive the award during the luncheon at Paper Meets LIVE! 2026 in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
About the Award
The Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award is NPTA’s highest honor, recognizing a leader whose career reflects innovation, dedication, and lasting impact on the printing paper industry.
Learn more about the award, and consider supporting the future of our industry by donating to the NPTA Scholarship Program.
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