Wednesday, December 17, 2025
In a significant leadership shift, the American Wood Council (AWC) has announced the election of Sean McLaren, President and CEO of West Fraser, as the new Chair of the Board. This appointment marks the beginning of a two-year term starting January 1, 2026. McLaren takes over the role with a clear mission to continue advocating for the U.S. wood products industry, a sector that plays a pivotal role in the American economy.
McLaren’s new role comes alongside key leadership changes, including the election of Derek Ratchford, CEO of SmartLam, as the First Vice Chair, and Ashlee Cribb, Vice President of Wood Products at PotlatchDeltic, as the Second Vice Chair. Together, they will steer the AWC’s strategic direction, tackling both the challenges and opportunities in the wood products market.
A New Leadership Team with Strong Industry Experience
In a statement, AWC President and CEO Jackson Morrill expressed his gratitude for the new leadership, emphasizing the wealth of experience each officer brings to the table. “I want to thank our officers for their dedication and leadership. They each bring significant industry experience that will help guide and support AWC’s future direction,” Morrill said. He also noted his eagerness to work with McLaren, Ratchford, and Cribb, as they strive to advocate for the wood products industry at a critical time in its evolution.
The American Wood Council is a prominent voice in the U.S. wood products industry, working to promote sustainable forestry, advocate for policies that support the industry, and ensure the continued growth of wood-based products. With McLaren’s leadership, the AWC is poised to continue its vital work in the ever-changing global market.
Strengthening the AWC Board with New Appointments
In addition to the changes in leadership, the AWC also welcomed three new board members: Will Lampe, CEO of Lampe and Malphrus Lumber; Craig Sichling, a representative from LP Building Solutions; and Charles McRae, owner of Rex Lumber. These additions bring a diverse range of perspectives to the table, further strengthening the council’s ability to address key issues within the wood products industry.
Will Lampe will represent the Lumber Segment on the board, bringing his expertise in the lumber business. Craig Sichling will serve as the representative for the Structural Panel Segment, while Charles McRae will focus on environmental issues as a member of the Environmental Committee. These new appointments further enhance the AWC’s ability to advocate for all sectors of the wood products industry, from traditional lumber to the rapidly growing mass timber sector.
A Broad and Inclusive Representation
The AWC’s Board of Directors now features a diverse and comprehensive range of members who represent various segments of the industry. From lumber production to mass timber and structural panels, the new leadership team and board members are well-positioned to tackle the issues facing the sector today.
AWC President Jackson Morrill highlighted the broad representation on the board, stating, “Our board is uniquely positioned to strategically advance our industry, as they represent a wide variety of products from lumber to mass timber to structural panels. As a group, they are ready to tackle today’s opportunities and challenges for our sector with enthusiasm and innovation.”
The full list of AWC Board members includes a mix of experienced leaders from prominent companies in the wood products industry. Key members include McLaren (West Fraser), Ratchford (SmartLam), Cribb (PotlatchDeltic), Stanley (TR Miller Mill Company), Brinkmeyer (Idaho Forest Group), Chaney (Weyerhaeuser), Emmerson (Sierra Pacific Industries), Enright (Pacific Woodtech Corporation), Gray (Roseburg Forest Products), Jeffery (Canadian Wood Council), Jorgensen (Boise Cascade), Mackie (Canfor Southern Pine), Mason (Georgia-Pacific), Miller (Stimson Lumber), Warner (Westervelt), Lampe (Lampe and Malphrus Lumber), Sichling (LP Building Solutions), and McRae (Rex Lumber).
Navigating the Future of the Wood Products Industry
Under the leadership of Sean McLaren, the AWC is well-positioned to drive the future of the U.S. wood products industry, which continues to face various challenges, including the rising demand for sustainable products, environmental concerns, and shifting market dynamics. With its expanded leadership team, the AWC is prepared to lead with innovation, advocating for policies that promote growth and sustainability across all segments of the wood products industry.
As the industry continues to evolve, the AWC’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping policies that support sustainable forestry practices, enhance the use of wood products in construction, and drive economic growth within the U.S. timber sector. The new leadership team, backed by the AWC’s extensive network of industry experts, will continue to lead the charge for a stronger, more resilient wood products sector.
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Tags: American Wood Council, AWC Board Chair, industry leadership, lumber sector, PotlatchDeltic, Sean McLaren, SmartLam, U.S. wood products, west fraser
