Softwood Lumber Board Updates Board Members

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has reappointed George Emmerson, J.D. Hankins II, Brian Luoma and Brad Thorlakson to serve second terms on the Softwood Lumber Board (SLB) Board of Directors. He has also appointed past Director Marc Brinkmeyer to the Board, and Jerome Pelletier to serve his first term. Directors will serve a three-year term of office beginning immediately to December 31, 2024.

Emmerson is Chair of Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI). SPI is a third-generation, family-owned forest products company based in Anderson, Calif. SPI owns and manages more than 2.3 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon, and Washington and is one of the largest U.S. lumber manufacturers. Emmerson served as SLB’s Chair from 2019 to 2020.

Hankins is the co-owner and Vice President of Hankins Inc. in Ripley, Miss. He is a third-generation sawmiller. Hankins represents the U.S. South region and is a member of SLB’s Finance Committee.

Luoma is President and CEO of The Westervelt Co. Prior to joining Westervelt in 2017, he worked with Louisiana Pacific for 29 years in various positions. He is SLB’s Second Vice Chair. He is also a member of the SLB’s Executive Committee and Chair of the SLB’s Programs Committee.

Thorlakson is President and CEO of Tolko Industries Ltd. He is the third generation of Thorlaksons to lead Tolko. He represents the Canada West region, is a member of the SLB’s Executive Committee, and is Chair of the SLB’s Industry Relations & Governance Committee.

Brinkmeyer owns Idaho Forest Group (IFG) and previously served on the inaugural Softwood Lumber Board and as Chair from 2014 to 2018.

Pelletier is Vice President of the Sawmill Div. at J.D. Irving, Ltd. He is the Chair of the Board of the Canadian Wood Council.

The 2022 Board will have 14 members, including 10 domestic manufacturers and four importers.