
TAPPI, the leading association for the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and converting industry, is pleased to announce that David Schwerbel, PE, has been named winner of the distinguished Paul W. Magnabosco Outstanding Local Section Award. The award recognizes remarkable leadership and service to one or more TAPPI Local Sections. Recipients are individuals whose exceptional service has resulted in significant and measurable benefits to TAPPI Local Sections through a single activity or through longtime efforts.
“Mr. Schwerbel’s passion for helping our industry’s future leaders is unsurpassed,” said TAPPI President and CEO Larry N. Montague. “His continued service and dedication to the Lake States/North Central PIMA Local Section is truly commendable.”
Schwerbel is Principal of Telos-US, which provides consulting services related to strategic planning, business development, project management, and business affairs. He is an active member and Treasurer of the TAPPI Lake States/North Central PIMA Local Section, serving as a member of its Board and executive committee since 1998. For nearly 40 years, Schwerbel has worked as an ambassador for the local section bringing together TAPPI student chapters, the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point’s and the University of Minnesota’s foundations to support students and future leaders of the forest products industries.
He continues to mentor college students and give valuable direction to those entering the industry workforce.
Schwerbel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1973 and began his career as an environmental engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource’s Industrial Wastewater Section before transitioning to consulting for engineering firms, largely dedicated to the pulp and paper industry. In 1977, he joined Marathon Engineering as an environmental engineer.
Subsequently, he served in numerous leadership roles including co-founder and President of Vertex Consulting Engineers; Vice President, Business Development, Baisch Engineering; Director, Business Development, Jacobs; CEO of Rouman & Associates; and Director of Business Development, Larson Engineering. Schwerbel’s career expanded to providing engineering services to the biofuels and agricultural markets, although his focus remained in pulp and paper.
The award will be presented Sunday, May 4, 2025, at TAPPI’s 110 Anniversary and Awards Gala at TAPPICon, May 4-7 in Minneapolis, Minn., USA.