International Wood Products Association names McClendon new Executive Vice President

Furniture World Magazine

The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) Board of Directors recently appointed Brent McClendon to the position of Executive Vice President. He replaces Wendy Baer who resigned after 26 years. “We are excited that Brent is joining the IWPA team and look forward to benefiting from both his industry and association management expertise,” stated Jim Ballin, current IWPA Chairman. “At a time when all associations face great opportunities, we are confident that Brent’s proven for-profit and not-for-profit management and leadership skills will continue to expand our membership and enhance IWPA’s government affairs efforts,” added Jim. “I’m honored and excited by the decision of the Board,” commented Brent. “This industry is a fascinating one with a tremendous future. IWPA and our staff are well respected worldwide for our legislative and regulatory accomplishments. In addition, coming from a member company, I’ve always been impressed with the value our company received from the convention, website, and publications. This is an exciting time for IWPA and I look forward to playing a role in this industry’s future,” stated Brent. Brent has more than 13 years senior management experience in the wood products industry. For the last 3 years, he worked for The Dean Company, a U.S.-based hardwood veneer manufacturer and importer, most recently as General Sales Manager with overall responsibility for domestic and export sales. From 1993 to 2000, he served as Director, Environmental Policy and Veneer Member Services for the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association, managing their government affairs and membership programs. Prior to this, Brent had experience working as a government affairs manager for a lumber association and also gained on-the-ground forest management experience as regional forester for a state agency. Brent has an MBA from George Mason University, is a Certified Association Executive through the American Society of Association Executives, and holds two Bachelor degrees in Forestry and Agriculture Business Management from NC State University. The International Wood Products Association, established in 1956, is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 180 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: Offshore manufacturers, U.S. importers and the service providers that facilitate trade.