Commercial Team

Brian joined Phoenix Paper in the summer of 2020 and brings over 30 years of industry experience and knowledge to the company. He has worked for several paper mills and held various positions including Regional Sales Manager and National Accounts Manager. His focus is on growing our Paper and Pulp business by establishing new markets, building strong relationships, and implementing unique solutions for customers.

Brian received his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Illinois State University and has conducted education and industry workshops on paper and print.

He and his wife live outside of Philadelphia. They enjoy exploring state parks, and have a passion for health, fitness, and German Shepherds.    

Originally from West Virginia, Ben Wilson now lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife. They have a daughter and a son and one granddaughter. After graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Ben started his career with Westvaco in 1985 in sales for the Wickliffe, KY mill. His entire career has been dedicated to the paper industry. His grandfather worked for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as a pressman. Ben loves traveling with his wife and spending time with his family. His other hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golfing. 

Originally from Western Maryland, Jim Devens began working summers at Westvaco’s Luke Mill as a college summer hire. After graduation from University of Maryland Jim eventually returned to work at the Luke Mill in Quality Control before moving to Westvaco’s Fine Papers Sales team. Jim has been in sales in the paper industry for over 35 years having lived in New York, Atlanta, Detroit, and St. Louis, MO where he resides today. Now with Phoenix Paper over two and a half years, Jim has sold products made at the Wickliffe Mill for over 30 years. In Jim’s spare time he enjoys spending time skiing, boating, and nearly any water related activity with his family.      

Cindy lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the Phoenix team in August of 2023, covering the Mid-West States. Cindy comes to Phoenix Paper with a diverse background in both print and paper. After graduating from Cincinnati State with a degree in Graphic Arts, Cindy spent the first half of her career working for both web and sheet fed commercial printers. She has been working in the paper community for the last 14 years and has a true love of paper. In her free time, Cindy volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the Foster Care system. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, concerts and spending time with family and friends and her dogs Willie Nelson and Dixie. Cindy is delighted to be a part of the Phoenix Paper team.

Kathleen lives in Norwalk, CT and joined the Phoenix Team in May of 2024, covering the Northeast Sales area.  She has been in the paper industry for 20+ years and brings a wealth of experience from both the manufacturing and distribution side of the business.   Kathleen prides herself on being a people person, her ability to see tasks through to completion and her honest business practices.   She is the proud mother of two boys and one granddaughter.   She enjoys sports, live music, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.   Kathleen is excited to be back on the manufacturing side of the business and to be part of the Phoenix Paper Team. 

Jeff Metzger resides in Dallas, TX, and joined Phoenix Paper in February 2025 as an Inkjet Sales Representative. He brings extensive experience in implementing web-fed inkjet technologies across commercial, direct mail, and transactional environments, including addressing all the considerations associated with paper selection. Jeff worked for Canon Solutions America, Production Printing Solutions, for 35 years. He began in service, transitioned to service management, and spent the last 18 years as a Senior Account Executive. His education includes an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Business Management from LeTourneau University. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, five adult children, and six grandchildren. His hobbies include golf, live Texas country music, and fixing just about anything around the house.

Christina lives in western Kentucky and joined the Phoenix Paper team in February 2022 as a Content & Community Specialist. In June 2023, she transitioned to the role of Marketing & Customer Service Lead, followed by a promotion to Customer Service Manager in December 2023. In these roles, she worked closely with customers to ensure a high-quality service experience. In July 2025, Christina was promoted to Sales Account Manager, where she now partners with Merchants and Commercial Printers to provide tailored solutions and support their long-term success.

Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Eastern Kentucky University, which she earned after homeschooling her four children. She brings a strong foundation in communication and a passion for customer success to her role. With a proactive, solution-oriented approach to sales, Christina is committed to building trusted relationships, understanding her clients’ unique needs, and delivering value through Phoenix Paper’s premium products and responsive service.

Outside of work, Christina enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Anita Young joined the Phoenix team in 2022. Originally from Paducah, she moved to the Wickliffe area in 2009. Her background includes over twenty plus years of customer service experience. Making sure each customer has an exceptional experience with Phoenix Paper is her top priority. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, pets and relaxing in her camper at Kentucky Lake when the weather is warm.

Nyle joined Phoenix Paper in January of 2020 to jumpstart the Customer Service team. He graduated from Murray State University in 2014 with a degree in Graphic Communications Management. After spending 5 years working on the printing side of the industry in California, he moved back home to Kentucky and joined Phoenix Paper. As a Pulp Specialist Nyle now manages all aspects of our Pulp business. In his spare time Nyle loves to go out on camping trips to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature.

Sheila joined Phoenix Paper in January 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in the tissue paper industry, particularly in quality assurance. She holds a degree from Robert Morris College and the University of Phoenix and is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and ISO Internal Auditor. Residing in Metropolis, Illinois, Sheila has also lived in Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Her deep industry knowledge and passion for paper ensure that customers receive the best possible customer service. Outside of work, Sheila enjoys reading and cherishing moments with her family, especially her two grandsons.

Zachary Sanders joined Phoenix Paper in January 2024, bringing with him over a decade of customer service and leadership experience as the General Manager of multiple mattress stores in Paducah and Murray, Kentucky. With a strong background in team management and customer relations, Zac quickly became a key contributor to the Phoenix team. On June 2, 2025, he was promoted to Customer Service Manager, where he now leads the team in delivering outstanding support and service to customers across the country.

Zac attended West Kentucky Community and Technical College and Murray State University before earning a Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Vanderbilt University. His diverse skill set, and technical knowledge complement his customer-centric approach, allowing him to drive continuous improvement and innovative solutions within the customer service department.

Zac resides in Paducah, KY, with his wife, Mariah, and their pets. In his free time, he enjoys playing the drums and participating in Ultimate Frisbee.

Jolesa Travis brings a strong business background and a heartfelt commitment to service to her role in Phoenix Paper’s Customer Service Department. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business from Murray State University and is currently pursuing her MBA with an emphasis in Strategic Management, further strengthening her professional expertise.

Known for her passion for helping others, Jolesa is deeply involved in her community. She regularly donates blood, serves as an election official, and volunteers to support local youth. At White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, she plays an active role on the Financial Board, sings in the choir, and helps with the Kitchen Committee. She also serves as Booster Treasurer for her daughter’s high school cheerleading team.

Jolesa is the proud mother of her daughter, Gabby, and enjoys life at home with their beloved dog, Cali. Her dedication to service—both professionally and personally—makes her an asset to the Phoenix Paper team.

With over 20 years of experience as a General Manager and District Manager, Karla Varvel brings proven leadership, operational strength, and a strong focus on customer service. She has built a career in delivering exceptional customer experiences, developing high-performing teams, and driving business excellence. Karla earned her MBA after two successful decades in management, further enhancing her strategic insight.

Known for her service-driven approach, Karla blends efficiency with a deep commitment to client satisfaction.

Outside of work, she enjoys camping, fishing, reading, and photography. Karla lives in Kentucky with her husband, Ricky, and values time with their four children and two grandchildren.