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National Hardwood Lumber Association appoints new executive director

The board of managers of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) announced the appointment of Dallin Brooks as the organization’s executive director.

Since June of last year, the search committee has been on a quest to find the right executive director to help NHLA reach its full potential. “With the help of the recruiting firm Vetted Solutions, we have found an individual with a great deal of energy, ability and an intense desire to be part of helping to create a vibrant industry,” said Jeff Wirkkala, president of NHLA.

For the last 10 years, Dallin has been the executive director of the Western Wood Preservers Institute (WWPI), working to promote and protect the preserved wood market for lumber, utility poles, and railway ties.

WWPI has steadily grown under his leadership and transitioned from a defensive reactionary industry to a positive offensive story, focusing on content creation and dissemination. Together with his staff, he developed smartphone apps for Treated Wood Guide, Wood Pole Guide, and Tie Grading Guide in collaboration with other industry associations. Dallin maintained the preserved lumber “Checkmark” inspection program and worked with universities to research and improve quality control metrics and standards, reducing variability, and improving treating production. He also successfully lobbied legislation for the continued use and disposal of treated wood waste in California.

Dallin graduated with a BSc in wood products processing as well as an MSc in forest and society from the University of British Columbia. He has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. Dallin has innovative experience in the hardwood industry; while working for Jartek Oy, he strived to bring thermal modification from Finland to North America for wide plank flooring, cabinets, gun stocks, and other niche hardwood markets.

Dallin grew up in the forests on his family hunting and fishing resort in B.C., Canada. Dallin has seven kids and is relocating his family to Memphis, Tenn., area. His official start date will be June 13, 2022.