NAWLA’s 2024 John J. Mulrooney Award
The North American Wholesale Lumber Association has announced the recipient for this year’s John J. Mulrooney award. Mulrooney was a career lumber wholesaler who later served as NAWLA’s chief executive for nearly 20 years until his untimely death in 1979. In 1980, NAWLA established the award to commemorate his life and career and recognize leadership, integrity, and service to others.
This Year’s John J. Mulrooney Award Recipient Is Steve Killgore
With more than 45 years of professional expertise and success, Steve is by definition, “a service to the industry.” During his time in the lumber industry, he has held various senior leadership positions across sales, marketing, and company operations for numerous leading manufacturers including McKenzie Forest Products, Roseburg Forest Products, and Willamette Industries. Currently, Steve serves as Vice Chairman for Timber Products as an educator at Oregon State University and has recently joined Pacific Woodtech’s Board of Directors.
The presentation of the 2024 John J. Mulrooney Award was held at the 2024 NAWLA Leadership Summit event on March 11, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona. NAWLA was proud to welcome Steve to accept the award in recognition of his accomplishments.
https://nawla.org/About/John-J-Mulrooney-Award
NAWLA’s 2024 Leadership Summit
In mid-February, NAWLA hosted over 200 attendees in Tucson, Arizona for their 2024 Leadership Summit. The three-day program highlighted current industry trends, relevant management topics, and future economic considerations and perspectives from executives in the lumber industry and provided attendees opportunities for peer-to-peer networking. This year’s keynote speakers included key updates and presentations from those in the lumber, forest products, real estate, and performance management industries.
Day 1 Sessions
- An executive panel including Mike Hachtman, CEO of Relogistics Services; Shawn Hicks, CEO of CPS Wood Products; Brent McClendon, President & CEO of NWPCA; and Howe Wallace, President of PalletOne provided insights into the evolution of the wood packing industry, focusing specifically on the quality, customization, and sustainable practices that shape the future of the wood packing industry.
- Ian Fillinger, President and CEO of Interfor discussed navigating challenges within North American lumber supply.
- Claudia St. John, President of the Workplace Advisors highlighted best practices for preparing company culture for the workplace of the future.
Day 2 Sessions
- Ali Wolf, Chief Economist of Zonda shared the current and top trends of the current state of the housing market.
- Daniel Colson, Executive Director of the AI Policy Institute discussed navigating the recent emergence of AI tools and how to apply them in the lumber industry.
- Brian Luoma, President and CEO of the Westervelt Company explained how the role of private working forests can be used as a natural climate solution.
In addition to robust education and open discussion, NAWLA’s annual event allows attendees to forge valuable connections through networking with colleagues, peers, and top industry leaders. Be on the lookout for registration information for next year’s event by following along on NAWLA’s website.
