National Woods Board recommits to closing the skills gap, re-elects five founding visionaries

Published on January 20, 2026 Time: loading...

In an era where the woodworking industry is rapidly evolving through automation and digitalization, stable and visionary leadership is more critical than ever. The National Woods Board (NWB), the non-profit organization dedicated to solving the sector’s chronic skilled labor shortage, has announced a significant move to ensure that stability continues.

The NWB recently confirmed the re-election of five of its founding members to the Board of Directors. By accepting these new three-year terms, these industry veterans are doubling down on their commitment to one of the most pressing issues in modern manufacturing: the pipeline from the classroom to the shop floor.

For the woodworking community, this is welcome news. It signals that the NWB’s ambitious strategy—specifically the replication of the successful MiLL Training Center model—will continue under the guidance of the very architects who designed it.

The “Originals” Return

The re-elected board members represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, blending executive leadership, workforce strategy, and hands-on education. This mix is vital for an organization trying to bridge the gap between high school curriculums and professional manufacturing requirements.

The five founding members continuing their service are:

John LeTourneau (NWB Chair): A retired Workforce Development Consultant and Strategist at CO2 Partners based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His strategic oversight has been pivotal in the NWB’s formation.
Tim Fixmer: The CEO of CCI Media in North Liberty, Iowa, bringing a wealth of media and industry communication expertise.
Jason Howell: President and CEO of Lockdowel in Davidson, North Carolina, representing the innovative hardware and fastening side of the business.
Scott Robinson: President of Concepts in Millwork, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offering the perspective of active architectural millwork manufacturing.
Molly Turner: A Woods Manufacturing Instructor at Ignacio High School in Colorado. Turner’s presence ensures that the voice of the educator—and the student—remains central to Board decisions.

Continued Expertise: The Advisory Board

The organization also announced a structural evolution for two other seasoned leaders. Thomas Allott, Director of Talent Development at Stiles Machinery, and Brian Donahue, President of Safety Speed Manufacturing, have completed their initial board terms.

However, the NWB will not lose their valuable insight. Both Allott and Donahue will transition into roles as Advisory Board Members. This move retains their deep industry expertise and ensures they continue to provide strategic counsel, keeping the NWB connected to major machinery manufacturers and talent development trends.

The Core Mission: The MiLL Method

Why is this continuity so important right now? Because the NWB is in the midst of scaling a solution that actually works.

At the heart of the NWB’s initiative is the MiLL Method. This isn’t just another textbook; it is a four-level, project-based curriculum designed to take a student from a complete novice to a job-ready professional.

The curriculum begins with foundational safety and joinery—the “ABCs” of woodworking—and advances all the way to professional lean manufacturing concepts. Crucially, the NWB has integrated Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) credentials directly into this curriculum.

This integration is a game-changer for employers. It means that when a student graduates from an NWB-supported program, they don’t just have a diploma; they have verifiable, industry-recognized skills. They know how to operate machinery safely, they understand production flow, and they are ready to contribute on day one.

Building the National Pipeline

The National Woods Board was founded to replicate the success seen at the MiLL Training Center in Colorado Springs. By developing standardized, industry-relevant curricula for high schools and colleges, they are actively constructing a national pipeline of talent.

With the “Originals” back at the helm for another three years, the NWB is well-positioned to expand its reach, bringing advanced wood manufacturing opportunities to more students across the country and finally offering a concrete solution to the skilled labor shortage.