Leadership Award 2018

LEADERSHIP AWARD 2018

Ms. Mary-Jean Irving

Mary-Jean Irving is President and CEO of Master Packaging Inc., a state-of-the-art manufacturer of folding carton and corrugated boxes, and Indian River Farms Ltd., a diversified agricultural business.

Raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mary-Jean is the daughter of James and Jean Irving. A graduate of York University in Toronto, Mary-Jean started her first business on Prince Edward Island in agriculture. Today Indian River Farms Ltd. utilizes leading agronomic practices and technologies to produce high-quality raw potatoes.

In 1996, Mary-Jean started her second business with the construction of a corrugate sheet plant in Borden– Carlton, Prince Edward Island. In 1998, she expanded to her second facility in Dieppe, New Brunswick. Most recently, Master Packaging Inc. completed a further expansion in Dieppe. Today, Master Packaging Inc. is the only folding carton plant and the largest corrugate business in Atlantic Canada. It has also received a number of industry awards for their printing technology.

In 2007, Mary-Jean was inducted into the Prince Edward Island Business Hall of Fame and, in 2016, into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. She is also a past member of the Board of Governors for the University of Prince Edward Island.

At the core of Mary-Jean’s life purpose and pursuits lies a deep and abiding Christian faith that is central to her business. She is also an ardent supporter of numerous local, national and international charitable causes and missions.

Mary-Jean is a breast cancer survivor, and is dedicated to the prevention, detection, and eradication of the disease. Mary-Jean credits her two daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth, and granddaughter, Genevieve, as tremendous sources of pride, inspiration, and joy in her life.

Ms. Mary-Jean Irving (middle), receiving the Crandall University Leadership Award from Chancellor Don Simmonds (right), and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bruce Fawcett (left).

Ms. Mary-Jean Irving addressing the graduates at the convocation ceremony.