The National Lumber Grades Authority (NLGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard Desjardins as President effective June 1, 2021 in anticipation of the retirement of the current President, Mr. John Neels. Mr. Desjardins will collaborate with Mr. Neels for a period of months to ensure a smooth transition of NLGA activities.

Mr. Desjardins is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in lumber products research and project coordination at FPInnovations and 5 years as a consulting Structural Engineer to the forest products industry. Mr. Desjardins was also a Senior Lecturer in Wood Science at Université Laval and currently leads several committees at the CSA Group. Mr. Stuart Sing, Chair of the NLGA Board of Directors commented, “We are very pleased to have Richard join the NLGA. His extensive experience and familiarity with NLGA will be instrumental in advancing the mandate of the organization.”

NLGA is the national organization responsible for the development, maintenance, and interpretation of grading rules and standards and the establishment and monitoring of engineering design values for lumber manufactured in Canada.

On behalf of the Board of NLGA,

“Stuart Sing”

Chair of the Board

303 – 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1T2
(604) 673-9100
www.nlga.org