The Kentucky Forest Industries Association Announces New Executive Director
The Kentucky Forest Industries Association, located in Frankfort, KY, recently announced that Bob Bauer will be stepping down as the executive director and that they have named James Wright as his successor, who officially filled the position May 1.
Bauer has been in the forest products industry for 46 years. After obtaining his Forestry Degree at the University of Kentucky, he took his first job offer and went to work as a Forest Products Utilization Forester with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. He then went on to work as a service forester working with landowners providing advice on forest management activities and timber sales. He also worked at Morehead State University in Eastern Kentucky on all types of issues related to improving efficiency and expanding the forest products industry through economic development projects and expansion among existing industries.
Throughout his career in the industry Bauer has been involved with a wide range of associations including the American Forest Foundation, Society of American Foresters, National Council of Forestry Association Executives and the Southern Forestry Association.
“I have spent the last 30 years as the executive director of the Kentucky Forest Industries Association and have always maintained the goal of assisting members,” said Bauer. “My hope is that I was able to provide leadership on legislative and work issues that assisted members with successfully running their businesses and improved their lives.”
As Wright steps into his new position as executive director, he comes with 31 years of experience in the industry, which he has primarily obtained through government operations and supporting non-profit organizations.
Wright is the Forestry Partnership Coordinator for the National Association of State Foresters. He has also held several roles within the Kentucky Division of Forestry, including director, regional and chief forester supervisor for the north central region of Kentucky and forester.
Like his predecessor, Wright graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry.
In his free time, Wright enjoys traveling, golfing, hunting and fishing.
Wright has a daughter and a son, and two grandchildren.
For more information, call 502-695-3979, email James@kfia.org or visit kfia.org.
