Softwood Lumber Board Announces New Appointees 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of six members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. These six appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2028, unless otherwise noted.
Newly appointed members appointed are:

• U.S. South: Richard K. Stanley, Brewton, Ala.
• U.S. South Alternate (two-year term): Mark Alan Richardson, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
• U.S. West: Sonja Neiman, Hulett, Wyo.
• U.S. West Alternate: Steven Hofer, Vancouver, Canada
• U.S. Northeast and Lake States: Alden Robbins, Searsmont, Me.
• Canada West: Sean Peter McLaren, Vancouver, Canada
• Importer Alternate, (four-year term): Thomas Alexander Mende, Atlanta, Ga.
• Public Member: Troy Harris, Atlanta, Ga.
• Public Alternate: Derek Ratchford, Dothan, Ala.
• U.S. South (one-year term): Brian K. Chaney, Seattle, Wash.

The Softwood Lumber Board has 14 members, including 10 domestic manufacturers and four importers. Members can serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. After this nomination cycle, the board will have 15 members and four alternates.