Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announces Karah Morehouse as the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award, an honour celebrating emerging leaders who are making early and meaningful contributions to the forest sector. This award recognizes individuals who bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to their work. Rising Stars are helping to shape the future of forestry in Canada through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to positive change.
Morehouse consistently uses data-driven problem solving to identify inefficiencies and drive meaningful change. With a focus on innovation, she is leading trials and process changes that result in cost savings, improved product quality, and enhanced sustainability. She is a forward-thinking leader in a traditionally resource-heavy industry; her mix of technical acumen, leadership, innovation, and commitment to improvement make her a true Rising Star in the pulp and paper industry.
“We are thrilled to recognize Karah Morehouse with this year’s Rising Star Award,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC. “Her early contributions are already helping to shape the future of our sector by bringing a strong sense of purpose to the work she does. Karah is a standout example of the next generation of leaders in rural Canada who will carry our industry forward,” Nighbor added.
Karah Morehouse, AV Group
Karah is a Fiberline Process Engineer at AV Group’s dissolving pulp mill in Nackawic, New Brunswick—her hometown. After earning a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick, she joined AV Nackawic full-time, leading initiatives to improve chemical and energy efficiency, process stability, and operational visibility. A registered Engineer-in-Training, Karah is working toward her P.Eng designation and actively participates in industry forums like the PAPTAC Bleaching Committee.
“Working in the forest industry is incredibly rewarding for me because I can combine the technical problem solving that I love with a tangible connection to sustainability. Every day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity, and a new chance to learn.
“On a daily basis I am involved in optimizing processes that turn renewable forest resources into exciting products, while constantly working to reduce environmental impact, and improve energy efficiency. What makes this work truly fulfilling is the sense of purpose behind it.
“Growing up in a mill town, I saw firsthand how deeply connected the community is to the mill. I came to understand how essential it is—not just economically, but culturally and socially. We're not just making pulp—we're contributing to a larger system that values renewable resources, sustainable forest management, and long-term environmental stewardship. Being part of that mission, while applying my skills in process engineering and contributing positively to my community, makes this career incredibly meaningful.
“Winning this award is a tremendous honor. It’s incredibly rewarding to have my efforts recognized, especially in an industry that’s constantly evolving and full of talented professionals,” said Morehouse. “To receive this recognition so early in my career motivates me to keep pushing for improvement, both in the processes I work with and in the broader impact we can make as an industry. It reinforces my commitment to continuous improvement and encourages me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.” - Karah Morehouse
For more information about the FPAC Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www.fpac.ca/awards/fpac-awards-of-excellence
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers—providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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