Grand Rapids, MI – September 8, 2025 – Kamps, Inc., a national leader in innovative pallet services, is honored to announce that two of its employees, Kelly Marvel and Dr. Katie Gutierrez, have been recognized as recipients of the “Women in Supply Chain” award by Supply and Demand Chain Executive magazine. This award celebrates female professionals who have made significant contributions to the supply chain industry and their organizations. The recognition of Marvel and Gutierrez highlights Kamps’ commitment to fostering a work environment where talented women can thrive and take on leadership roles.
Kelly Marvel, Kamps’ Senior Human Resources Manager, was recognized for her strategic approach to HR, positioning it not as a barrier but as a vital partner in operational success. During a period of rapid company growth fueled by multiple acquisitions, Marvel facilitated the adoption of a new HRIS system, developing training to streamline operations and support new employee onboarding. Her work has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative company culture, ensuring Kamps’ continued growth is supported by a strong and dedicated team.
Dr. Katie Gutierrez, a trailblazer in IT and cybersecurity, was honored for her crucial role in protecting Kamps’ operations and, by extension, the supply chains of its thousands of customers nationwide. She has spearheaded the implementation of advanced security measures, including a new Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution. This solution helps continuously detect and respond to advanced threats, often missed by traditional antivirus software. By proactively mitigating cyber threats, Gutierrez ensures Kamps’ pallet services remain uninterrupted and secure for customers.
Kamps believes that the success of the company is directly tied to the growth and development of its people. The achievements of Kelly Marvel and Dr. Katie Gutierrez are a testament to the company’s investment in its employees and its commitment to building a team of dedicated and skilled professionals.
“We are incredibly proud of Kelly and Katie for this well-deserved recognition,” said Joe Laurent, Vice President of Human Resources at Kamps. “Their leadership and expertise have been instrumental in our company’s success. At Kamps, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can build a meaningful career and contribute to the future of the supply chain industry.”
The “Women in Supply Chain” award shines a light on the incredible talent and impact of female professionals in a traditionally male-dominated field. The contributions of Marvel and Gutierrez serve as an inspiration, showcasing the critical role that driven women play in propelling the industry forward.
About Kamps, Inc.
Kamps, Inc. is a full-service national pallet company delivering innovative pallet services to customers since 1973. Kamps specializes in supplying high-quality wood pallets, comprehensive pallet recycling services, and total pallet management services to diverse supply chains across the nation – and select national customers in Canada and Mexico. Due to its vast national presence and breadth of capabilities, Kamps is considered the largest manufacturer and service provider for new and recycled pallets. Kamps has over 400 locations in its national network, which includes over 50 asset-based manufacturing and recycling facilities and multiple company-owned sawmills.
Learn more at www.kampspallets.com
