GREENVILLE, S.C – The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment) is pleased to announce Fritz Mason, Paul Hossain, and Anna Torma were elected as new directors at the organization’s fall board meeting.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fritz, Paul, and Anna to the Endowment family. Drawing upon diverse backgrounds, they each bring a distinctive perspective and unique vision. We look forward to collaborating with them to further the mission of the Endowment,” said Pete Madden, President and CEO of the Endowment.
Mason is president of lumber for Georgia-Pacific, where he manages the lumber manufacturing portfolio, including twelve sawmills across the United States. Mason brings more than 35 years of experience in various roles across the industry, including leading the lumber team at Georgia-Pacific for the last 16 years. Timber Processing Magazine named Mason “Person of the Year” in 2020, and he holds an MBA from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Humboldt State University.
“Georgia-Pacific has a rich legacy in responsible forestry practices, serving as a dedicated steward of wood resources. I am honored and enthusiastic to contribute to advancing sustainable initiatives and working alongside the remarkable team at the Endowment,” said Mason.
Hossain is vice president of natural resources and climate solutions for Weyerhaeuser, where he has worked for nearly eight years. He is responsible for Weyerhaeuser’s conventional energy, minerals, renewables, and climate solutions business. Prior to its merger with Weyerhaeuser, he was vice president of renewable energy and supply chain at Plum Creek Timber Company. He is a board-certified environmental engineer, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University.
“I look forward to contributing to the Endowment and supporting its mission to advance systemic, transformative and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests,” said Hossain.
Torma is vice president of public affairs and chief ESG officer for PotlatchDeltic, where she leads ESG, government relations, communications, and community relations. In this capacity, she leads ESG reporting and strategy and participates in international, national, and state industry associations and coalitions to address policies impacting the forestry industry. Prior to PotlatchDeltic, Torma was SVP of Corporate Affairs for Forestar and a paper and forest products equity research analyst for Torma Research and for Merrill Lynch. She has a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Lakehead University in Ontario, an MBA in finance from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Western University.
“I am excited to be part of an organization dedicated to the responsible management of timberlands and the well-being of the communities they impact. Together, we can make a lasting difference,” said Torma.
Board and staff recognized the achievements of outgoing board members Mark Emmerson, Kevin Schuyler, and Caroline Dauzat. Emmerson was chairman of the Endowment board in 2022 and is chairman, chief financial officer, and a member of the board of directors of Sierra Pacific Industries. Schuyler is senior managing director of CornerStone Partners and served as the Endowment’s treasurer. Dauzat is a fourth-generation owner at Rex Lumber and has been a member of the Endowment’s board since 2020.
“Mark, Kevin, and Caroline have played pivotal roles in steering our organization toward success. Their dedication and service have left an indelible mark, and we are sincerely grateful for their invaluable contributions,” added Madden.
About the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities:The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities is a not-for-profit public charity collaborating with partners in the public and private sectors to advance systemic, transformative, and sustainable change for the health and vitality of the nation’s working forests and forest-reliant communities. To learn more about the Endowment, please visit our website at www.usendowment.org.
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For more information contact:
Wendy McCarthy
(864) 248-4290