WWPA has named industry veteran Jeff Keller as Association President. Keller brings in a leadership philosophy and a strong background in legislative and regulatory work within the industry. Keller succeeds Ray Barbee, who passed away in March 2025.

Keller has worked in the association field for over 20 years, representing various industries with a focus on lumber and construction. He began his career with the California Association of REALTORS®, later relocating to New York to represent independent building material dealers at the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA). While there, he earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. He then served as the Executive Director for the New York State Rural Housing Coalition, where he rebuilt its membership, reputation, and reach.

From there, Keller took on various contract positions as an Executive Director to help organizations transition, grow, and institute best practices for greater efficiency. In 2022, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest to return to his passion for the lumber industry with the Western Wood Preservers Institute.

Jeff received his B.A. from the University of Southern California and his M.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

The appointment ends a months long search conducted by a committee of Member principals, chaired by WWPA Chairman Randy Schillinger. Schillinger noted that Keller's unique expertise was a decisive factor in his appointment. "Jeff brings a good balance of respecting the legacy of WWPA with a clear vision for moving the organization forward."

SAVE THE DATE!

WWPA Annual Meeting April 12 - 14, 2026

The 2026 WWPA Annual Meeting will be held April 12 through 14 in
Vancouver Washington at the Hotel Indigo Vancouver Downtown.

The 2026 event will include the Welcome Reception and Exchange Show, Quality Standards & Technical Services Committee Meeting, Master Lumberman & Safety Awards, Speakers Session and Industry Reception and Exchange Show.

For questions about the WWPA Annual Meeting email WWPA at info@wwpa.org.

DESIGN VALUES FOR U.S. and CANADIAN SPECIES GROUP COMBINATIONS

WWPA has updated the publication DESIGN VALUES FOR U.S. and CANADIAN SPECIES GROUP COMBINATIONS to the recent revisions of design values for Hem-Fir (North). 

In April 2025, the National Lumber Grades Authority in Canada lowered the design values for Hem-Fir (North) as the result of their routine monitoring and assessment process. These values are reflected in the base values, size adjusted values and span tables shown in this updated publication.

The updated publication is available for free download at the WWPA website www.wwpa.org.