Board affirms operational continuity; industry veteran Andrew Manns leading as CEO
Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. and Monadnock Non-Wovens announce with great sadness the passing of its beloved Chairman and CEO, Richard G. Verney, on September 10, 2025. Verney, 79, devoted more than five decades to the company, shaping it into a leader in specialty and sustainable papermaking while remaining deeply committed to his employees, community, and the environment.
Verney began his career at Monadnock Paper Mills in 1969 as a management trainee and succeeded his father as CEO in 1978. Under his leadership, the company entered a new era of innovation, expanding into emerging markets and product lines while championing environmental responsibility, technical expertise, and long-term reinvestment. In 1998, he established Monadnock Non-Wovens in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, to meet rising demand in healthcare, filtration, and consumer sectors. Most recently, Monadnock earned a Platinum EcoVadis Rating in 2024, placing the company among the top 1% of organizations globally for environmental, social, and ethical performance.
Beyond his professional achievements, Verney generously gave his time and leadership to organizations that reflected his values. “If you are going to make your living in a small community, you owe it to give back.” — Richard G. Verney. He also served as a Trustee of the Crotched Mountain Foundation from 1974 until his passing. He was on the Executive Committee from 1974 to 1987, supporting programs for individuals with disabilities. He held leadership roles with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, St. George’s School, and Monadnock Community Hospital, among others. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to industry and community, the University of New Hampshire awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2009.
Verney believed that the company’s strength came not only from its technical excellence but also from its people and its community. His conviction that “there’s a lot to be said for doing the right thing—simply because it’s the right thing to do” will continue to guide Monadnock’s engagement in education, conservation, and local philanthropy.
Operations at Monadnock Paper Mills and Monadnock Non-Wovens will continue without interruption under the direction of the Board and CEO Andrew Manns. Manns has worked with Monadnock since 1988, first as an outside consultant and investment banker, then as CFO and Treasurer from 1995 until his retirement in 2024. He returned to lead the company as CEO at the personal request of Richard Verney.
“Our commitment to customers, employees, and partners remains steadfast,” said Andrew Manns, CEO. “We will honor Richard’s legacy by serving our customers reliably, investing in our people, and advancing the sustainable innovation that defines Monadnock.”
Verney is survived by his wife Dorothy; their four children, Virginia Lucarelli, Liz Verney, Heather Wyman, and Eric Verney; his sister Lumina Greenway; and his brother Geoffrey Verney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, St. George’s School in Newport, Rhode Island, or Monadnock Community Hospital.
The entire Monadnock family extends its deepest condolences and thoughts to the Verney family during this time of profound loss.