Meet the Renowned Instructors for TAPPI’s Paper Machine Operations Course

Print this article | Send to Colleague

With over 150 years of experience, TAPPI’s hand-picked instructors are here to build your confidence and knowledge of overall paper machine operations in this introductory course. TAPPI’s Paper Machine Operations Course will be held in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA at TAPPI Headquarters on September 23-25, 2025.

Register before August 26 to save over $200.

Meet the instructors who have been described as “excellent” in course evaluations:

Tom Rodencal

Course Chair, Tom Rodencal & Associates

A TAPPI Fellow and recipient of the 2017 TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, is a seasoned paper industry professional with decades of experience in process engineering, diagnostics, and corporate roles. A graduate of SUNY College of Forestry and Environmental Science with a BS in Paper Engineering, Tom began his career at Hammermill Paper and later worked for International Paper, Georgia Pacific, Domtar, and Nalco Chemical, where he served as a senior consultant. Since 2016, he has led Tom Rodencal & Associates, providing operator training, troubleshooting, and paper machine auditing to the paper and allied industries. Known for his expertise in high ash chemistry and his leadership within TAPPI, Tom has also been a speaker at several industry seminars and a former advisor to the Specialty Papers Conference.

Michael Kaegbein

A graduate engineer in Paper Manufacturing from Munich University of Applied Sciences, has over 20 years of industry experience. For the past decade, he has been an Application Manager Press at Albany International, assisting customers in the U.S. and Canada with press section optimization, dewatering strategies, and troubleshooting. Previously, he served as Production Manager at LEIPA mill in Schwedt, overseeing operations at one of Europe’s largest mills running on 100% recycled fibers, with responsibilities spanning project engineering, process optimization, and employee development.

Kevin Kroon

With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and Kroon has over 27 years of experience in the paper industry. He spent 11 years at Kimberly Mill in Wisconsin in roles ranging from Process Engineer to Paper Machine Superintendent, including commissioning a multi-million-dollar rebuild. For the past 16 years, he has been with Albany International, where he is currently the Director of Forming Applications for North and South America.

John Lucius

John has over 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry and is currently the Director of Dryer Fabric Applications for Albany International’s Americas Corridor, spanning from Canada to South America. Previously, he oversaw Dryer Fabric Applications for the Southern U.S. and has extensive expertise in Forming, Press, and Dryer Fabric sales and service. His career includes providing vibration and pulsation analysis support and gaining hands-on experience with diverse papermaking equipment and machine configurations.

John A. Neun

Kadant

A licensed Professional Engineer in New York with over 40 years of experience in the paper industry, is an engineering consultant specializing in vacuum systems, water systems, fabric cleaning, forming systems, and presses. A TAPPI Fellow and recipient of multiple TAPPI awards, he has surveyed and analyzed hundreds of paper machines to improve efficiency and holds six U.S. patents. John has held key roles at Albany International, Kadant, and Mechanical Technology Incorporated, contributing to advancements in vibration analysis, cleaning systems, and wet felt performance.

Alexandre Laplante

Albany International

With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and a diploma in Pulp & Paper Technology, has spent his 20-year career at Albany International. Currently the Product Manager for drying products in the Canadian and U.S. markets, he has also held roles in dryer fabric design, manufacturing, and applications globally, including three years as Application Manager in Asia. Alexandre specializes in dryer section troubleshooting, optimization, and training, contributing to numerous machine startups and audits worldwide.

Don’t miss the chance to learn from these highly experienced and astounding professionals. Register for TAPPI’s Paper Machine Operations Course today and take the steps to dive deeper into the world of paper machines.