Derek Nighbor

Late last year, Wanda Thompson, FPAC’s long-time Vice President, Finance and Administration, signalled to me her interest in retiring. 

True to form and spirit, in making this decision, Wanda wanted to ensure she had enough time to finish a few projects, see us through year end, and support us in the search for her successor and to secure a seamless transition. 

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Wanda will be retiring from FPAC on August 12, 2022. 

Over the past 33 years, beginning with her initial position at the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), Wanda has played an integral and unique role at both FPAC and CWC, in service to our industry. 

In 2001, a decision was made to drive value and efficiency in the association space for Canada’s forest sector by moving to a shared model for the delivery of finance and administration. So, for the past 21 years, Wanda has served in a dual capacity of leading all things finance, audit, cyber/IT, and administration for both FPAC and CWC. 

She has done an incredible job – and she’s done it in a way that has garnered the highest respect and admiration of her colleagues, past and present, and from members who have had the privilege of working with her. 

Wanda has been a big part of our success at FPAC and we are going to miss her tremendously. That said, we couldn’t be happier for her as she and her family prepare for this next exciting stage of their lives. 

On behalf of our FPAC team and members, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to Wanda for all that she’s done to make our organization and its people better – and wish her the very best in what’s next.